Elevation Profile
Route Map
About This Route
The Gotemba Trail is Mount Fuji's longest and most demanding route, starting from the lowest 5th Station at just 1,440 meters. This means the biggest elevation gain of any trail — a punishing 1,950 meters of ascent over 18 kilometers.
But the effort comes with rewards: solitude, a true wilderness experience, and the most fun descent of any Fuji route. The Gotemba descent follows the Ohachi-meguri, a wide path of fine volcanic scree that you can run or slide down like a natural luge. It's the kind of experience that makes the brutal ascent worthwhile.
Self-Sufficiency Required
With only 4 mountain huts along the entire route, Gotemba demands self-sufficiency. Carry more water and food than you would on Yoshida. The huts are spaced further apart, and there's nowhere to bail out once you're above the 7th station.
Station Breakdown
5th Station (New)
1,440 m
Gotemba 5th Station. Basic parking and restrooms. Last facilities for a long stretch. Fill all water bottles here.
6th Station
1,900 m
First hut (Waraji-kan). Long, gradual climb through forest. Trail is less defined than Yoshida — pay attention to markers.
7th Station
2,400 m
Two huts here. Forest gives way to scrub. The real climbing begins — switchbacks get steeper.
8th Station
3,000 m
One hut. Above treeline and fully exposed. Weather can change rapidly. Pace yourself — still a long way to the top.
9th Station
3,400 m
No hut — last push to the summit. The trail joins the crater rim approach. Wind exposure is maximum here.
Summit
3,776 m
Longest summit approach of any route. The extra effort makes the view that much sweeter.
Mountain Huts
Only 4 huts — self-sufficiency is essential.
| Hut Name | Station | Elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waraji-kan | 6th | 1,900m | First hut, basic |
| Komatsuya | 7th | 2,400m | Meals available |
| Ohachi-kan | 7th | 2,700m | Last reliable stop |
| Sunabashiri 8th Sta. | 8th | 3,000m | Basic shelter only |
Pros
- Least crowded of all four routes
- Longest summit experience — true sense of achievement
- Famous volcanic sand descent (Ohachi-meguri)
- Genuine wilderness feel
- No merging with other routes until near summit
- Fun descent you can actually run down
Cons
- Most physically demanding route
- Fewest facilities (only 4 huts)
- Lowest start = biggest elevation gain
- Less frequent transport to trailhead
- Trail less well-marked than Yoshida
- Longest time to summit