Elevation Profile
Route Map
About This Route
The Subashiri Trail begins at the Subashiri 5th Station on the eastern side of Mount Fuji, at an elevation of 2,000 meters — 300 meters lower than Yoshida's starting point. This lower start means a longer, more gradual climb through beautiful forest before reaching the alpine zone.
The trail's defining feature is the red volcanic scree (oxidized iron) that covers the lower slopes — a striking landscape unlike anything on the other routes. Above the 8th station, the Subashiri Trail merges with the Yoshida Trail, so the final push to the summit is shared with the crowds.
The Descent
The descent follows the Gotemba Trail's famous "sand run" (Ohachi-meguri) — a long, straight path down volcanic scree that you can literally run or slide down. It's exhilarating but rough on the knees and shoes.
Station Breakdown
5th Station
2,000 m
Subashiri 5th Station. Parking, small shop, and restrooms. Less developed than Yoshida's 5th Station — come prepared.
6th Station
2,250 m
First mountain hut. Forest transitions to scrub. Trail steepens with switchbacks.
7th Station
2,700 m
Red scree zone begins. Two huts here. Above treeline with expansive views east toward the Pacific Ocean.
8th Station
3,100 m
Trail merges with Yoshida route. Two huts. Congestion increases significantly from this point.
9th Station
3,460 m
Shared with Yoshida climbers. Last rest stop before the summit push.
Summit
3,776 m
Same summit experience as Yoshida. Walk the Ohachi crater rim for panoramic views.
Mountain Huts
5 huts along the Subashiri Trail.
| Hut Name | Station | Elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subashiri 6th Station Hut | 6th | 2,250m | First hut, basic facilities |
| Edoya | 7th | 2,700m | Meals and rest available |
| Oimatsu-kan | 7th | 2,850m | Dinner service |
| Taishikan | 8th | 3,050m | Larger hut, merges with Yoshida |
| Muroyama | 9th | 3,460m | Shared with Yoshida route |
Pros
- Less crowded than Yoshida (until the merge point)
- Unique red volcanic scree landscape
- More forest shade on the lower section
- Fun sand-run descent via Gotemba route
- Eastern approach — views toward the Pacific Ocean
Cons
- Merges with Yoshida above 8th station (crowds)
- Lower start = longer overall climb
- Fewer mountain huts (only 5)
- Red scree is slippery on descent
- Less frequent bus service to trailhead