Mt. Fuji 5th Station hike: Ochudo Trail private tour

The Ochudo Trail was once reserved for pilgrims who had summited Mt. Fuji three times.

A private guided hike on the historic Ochudo Trail at Mt. Fuji's 5th Station (2,305m), with certified English-speaking guide, private transport from Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida, free rental gear, and lunch at a local mountain hut. The 2.5 km mostly flat walk suits all fitness levels and runs May through December. Minimum two people per booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Lake Kawaguchipass by
2. Mount Fuji1h 30m · entry included
3. Mt. Fuji 5th Station30m

Hike Mt. Fuji Ochudo Trail and Lunch

• Travel to Mt. Fuji 5th Station
• Pray at Komitake Shrine
• Hike 2.5 km Ochudo Trail
• Enjoy views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji
• Have lunch at local mountain hut
• Return to city

The Experience

If you're staying in the Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida area and have a free afternoon, this tour picks you up and drives you straight to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station: the most developed of the four stations and home to Komitake shrine, an ancient shrine built over 1,000 years ago. You'll start after a brief prayer at the shrine, then walk the Ochudo Trail, a 2.5 km section of the path pilgrims once traveled on spiritual journeys. The route is mostly flat with gentle slopes, so the pace stays relaxed and the views stay constant: you're walking at altitude with the mountain dropping away below you.

A certified local guide who speaks English walks with you the whole way, sharing stories about Mt. Fuji's nature and the spiritual history of the trail. The hike takes around two to three hours depending on how slowly you want to move. Afterward, you'll eat lunch at a local mountain hut on the 5th Station: authentic Japanese food, the kind the guides and climbers eat. The whole experience, from pickup to drop-off, runs five to six hours.

You don't need to own hiking gear. The tour includes free rental of hiking shoes, rain wear and trekking sticks, so even if you've never hiked before, you can show up in regular clothes and be ready to go. The tour runs May through December, when the weather and trail conditions are stable. Bring water and a camera. The views across Lake Kawaguchi on clear days are the reason people come back.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station and back.
• certified English-speaking local guide for the full hike.
• free rental of hiking shoes, rain wear and trekking sticks.
• lunch at a mountain hut on the 5th Station.

Days and timesDaily · 09:00 · season until 7 Dec

Ages19 to 65 years · Seniors (66+) · 12 to 18 years · 7 to 11 years · Under 7 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by FUJI OUTDOOR BASE

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida and want to experience Mt. Fuji without the commitment of a full summit climb. The private format and included transport mean you walk at your own pace with just your guide, and the mostly flat terrain lets you focus on the history and views rather than endurance.

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Top questions

Can children come?

12 to 18 years; 7 to 11 years. Under 7: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I do this hike if I've never hiked before?

Yes. The Ochudo Trail is mostly flat with gentle slopes, suitable for all fitness levels. Free rental gear (hiking shoes, rain wear and trekking sticks) means you don't need to own or know how to use any equipment. A certified guide walks with you the whole way.

What is the Ochudo Trail and why is it special?

The Ochudo Trail is a historic pilgrimage path on Mt. Fuji. Historically, only people who had summited Mt. Fuji three or more times were allowed to walk it as part of a spiritual journey. Today, 2.5 km of the trail is open to visitors. You walk at 2,305m altitude with views of the mountain dropping away below you.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour includes rain wear in the free rental gear. Mt. Fuji's 5th Station can have sudden weather changes, so the gear is essential. If conditions become unsafe, the guide will adjust the route or timing. Contact the operator about rescheduling options if severe weather closes the trail.

Is lunch included, and what will I eat?

Yes, lunch is included at Okuniwaso, a mountain hut on the 5th Station. The menu is authentic Japanese food: the same meals served to climbers and mountain workers. Vegetarian or dietary restrictions should be noted when you book.

How do I get to the starting point if I'm not staying in Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida?

Pickup is included only for guests already staying in the Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida area. If you're staying elsewhere, you can arrange your own transport to one of those towns and meet the guide there, or contact the operator about other options.