Throwing this up on the off chance someone will be in Japan in early July and is interested in summiting this iconic peak:

The Gotemba Trail is the longest Mt. Fuji climbing route, and is also the steepest. It is the least used and has the fewest huts/stations, so no crowds and fewer amenities.

It starts at the lowest elevation of the four routes up, 1,440m, resulting in an elevation gain of 2,336 over 7.8 kms (30% grade). Estimated ascent time is 7:30, while the descent should be sub-3 hrs.

The descent will be fun: the Osunabashiri (sand slope) which many climbers run down, descends 1110m from the 3030-m 7th Station to the 1920-m New 5.5th Station, sometimes in only 70 minutes!

Agenda:

• Arrive at Gotemba 5th station around noon, July 6th. Can coordinate details in the days prior
• Ascend the slopes and arrive at the Waraji-kan (Straw Sandal) Hut by 5-6 pm. Dinner is typically beef curry and rice, however other options are available. Bring Yen – no credit/debit.
• Sleep by 8 pm and get up around midnight
• Eat breakfast : its included in the approx. $80 room & board fee
• Trudge up the final 600 m and attain the summit in time for sunrise.
• Circumnavigate the crater, topping out at 3,776 m, before beginning the descent down the sandy ‘descent route’.