About Fuji Paths

Our Story

I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2015 — 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. After that, I started looking for mountains abroad. Japan wasn't on my radar until a friend mentioned you could climb Mount Fuji overnight and watch sunrise from the summit.

I climbed Yoshida in 2017. Then Subashiri. Then Gotemba. Then Fujinomiya. I climbed Fuji in winter (with a guide, legally) and in the rain and in perfect August weather. Each time I learned something new about the mountain.

In 2019 I moved to Yamanashi and started guiding part-time. I got my wilderness first responder cert. I joined the local mountain rescue volunteer group. I started mapping trails with GPS and sharing the data online.

Fuji Paths is what I wish I had before my first climb — honest info about which route suits which climber, what gear you actually need, what the weather really does at 3,700 meters, and when to turn around. No fluff. No sponsorships. Just what works on the mountain.

No Sponsored Content

Our gear recommendations come from real field testing, not brand partnerships. If we recommend something, it's because it worked for us on the mountain — not because we were paid to say so.

Safety First

Every route guide includes honest difficulty assessments, safety warnings, and "when to turn back" advice. We want you to come back and climb again, not push beyond your limits for a summit photo.

Respect the Mountain

We practice Leave No Trace principles and encourage all climbers to do the same. The mountain belongs to everyone — keep it clean, respect local customs, and be considerate of other climbers.

Accurate Data

All elevation profiles, distances, and timings are based on GPS data and first-hand experience. We update our guides seasonally to reflect current trail conditions and hut availability.