Start
Gotemba 5th (new) station, 1440 m
Climbing
Gotemba Trail.
The longest, quietest and lowest starting of the four Mount Fuji routes. Best for experienced hikers who want solitude and the famous Sunabashiri sand run descent.
At a glance
Trail stats
Ascent
About 2330 m
One way distance
Around 11 km up
Time
7 to 10 hours up, 3 to 4 hours down
Mountain huts
Few, only 4 on the upper trail
Best feature
Sunabashiri sand run on descent
What's it like
The Sunabashiri
The descent drops through deep volcanic ash you can practically run down in long bounding strides. A skilled hiker can cover the upper third of the mountain in under an hour. Gaiters are essential or your boots fill with sand within minutes.
Plan