Mt. Fuji Ancient Trail
Overview
This activity is more than just a walk—it's a prologue to the true Mt. Fuji pilgrimage.
While most climbers today start from the 5th Station, we begin our journey from the base of the mountain, just as pilgrims once did.
During Japan’s Edo period, belief in Mt. Fuji as a sacred mountain spread widely among common people. Religious groups called Fuji-kō formed all over the country, and members would travel together on foot to reach the mountain.
At a time when travel was heavily restricted, pilgrimages like Ise-mairi (visits to Ise Shrine) and Fuji-mōde (visits to Mt. Fuji) were special journeys allowed in the name of faith.
These trips offered not only spiritual meaning but also a rare chance to step away from daily life and connect with something greater.
In Japan, the word kankō (観光), meaning “sightseeing,” originally meant more than just travel—it meant “to observe the light.”
It referred to a journey where one sees the outside world in a way that changes the inner self.
Perhaps, in your own way, your trip to Japan is just such a journey—a moment to pause, reflect, and find a new perspective.
Same-day booking
3 hours
Pickup included
Accompanied Activity
English
Can't see Mt. Fuji today? No problem.
This easy trekking tour at the foot of Mt. Fuji lets you enjoy nature even when the mountain is hidden.
The trail is gentle and beginner-friendly—no experience needed.
Just wear comfortable sneakers.
Optional forest downhill biking is available for those who want a bit more fun.
Feel the spirit of Mt. Fuji, even without the view.
Itinerary
9:30 AM
2:00 PM
Pick up
10:00 PM
2:30 PM
The largest shrine on the north side of Mt. Fuji
10:30 AM
3:00 PM
The womb of Mt. Fuji
beneath the shrine
(15-Min Cave Exploration)
11:30 AM
4:00 PM
The First Station of
The ancient Trail
(A Gentle 20-Min Trek)
0:30 PM
5:00 PM
Drop off
Hightlights
“The largest shrine on the north side of Mt. Fuji”
At the foot of Mt. Fuji stands a shrine marking the start of the historic Yoshida Trail.
“Walk to the ancient first station”
At 1,450 meters stands Umagaeshi, meaning “horse return.”
In the past, travelers left their horses here to begin the climb on foot.
It marked the sacred boundary between the human world and the divine.
In the Edo period, Fuji-kō pilgrims began their sacred journey here, seeking purification.The climb was seen not just as physical, but as a spiritual ascent toward enlightenment.
“Rebirth from the womb of Mt. Fuji”
In the Fuji-kō faith, a lava cave was seen as Mt. Fuji’s sacred “womb.”
Pilgrims crawled through it in a ritual called Tainai Meguri, symbolizing rebirth.
Emerging from the cave, they felt spiritually purified and ready to climb the mountain.
Details
Price
Adult (19-99) ¥ 20,000
Child (0-18) ¥ 12,000
Number of Participants
Up to 8 people
What's Included
✓Concierge for retreat
✓Photography service
✓Cold-weather gear
✓Rain gear (boots, raincoats, etc.)
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Your Hotel
n* Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.
End point
To the place you want to go.
For those who choose the optional rental bike experience, the tour ends at the Umagaeshi bike station, where you’ll begin your downhill ride.
Bikes should be returned to Kikutani-bo Temple, the designated return point.
Time
9:30 PM - 0:30 PM
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
* One hour before the start time. Contact us for availability.
Cancellation Policy
・Cancellations made by 7:00 PM the day before: No charge
・Cancellations after 7:00 PM: 100% cancellation fee
・No changes will be accepted after 7:00 PM on the day before your booking.
・If you’re running late, please contact us in advance. If we don’t hear from you by 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, your booking may be treated as a cancellation. Arrivals 15 minutes or more after the starting time will be considered a no-show, and no refund will be issued.
Note: In case of inclement weather, the tour may be canceled. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
Important Infomation
What to bring
・Comfortable shoes and wear
・Drinking water, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed.
Know before you go
・Cave Exploration: The tour includes cave exploration activities, during which your clothing may become soiled. Please participate in attire that can get dirty. Additionally, you may need to crouch to pass through narrow sections.
・Trekking: This tour involves light trekking. You may walk on unpaved paths and uneven terrain, so we recommend wearing slip-resistant trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Is your hotel an OSHI HOTEL?
If you're planning to visit Mt. Fuji, staying at an OSHI Hotel unlocks exclusive travel perks.
・Already booked a hotel?
Check if it’s an OSHI partner and enjoy activity discounts and convenient hotel pick-up.
・Still choosing where to stay?
Select an OSHI Hotel and make your Mt. Fuji trip smoother, easier, and more memorable.
Mf. Fuji Times