Prince Route Complete Guide
Prince Route
Complete Guide
A spectacular route passing through the Hoei Crater. Yamatrip's original safe design, starting and ending at the Fujinomiya 5th Station.
What is the Prince Route?
The Prince Route starts at the Fujinomiya 5th Station, passes through the Hoei Crater, and joins the Gotemba Route. It is named after the current Emperor of Japan, who walked this route when he was Crown Prince, and has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Its greatest appeal is that it is the only one of Mt. Fuji's four routes that passes through the Hoei Crater. The massive crater, roughly 1km in diameter and created by an eruption about 300 years ago, offers a rugged, almost extraterrestrial landscape. This is a spectacular view you simply cannot experience on the Yoshida or Fujinomiya routes.
Additionally, the Gotemba Route has the fewest climbers on Mt. Fuji, allowing for a quiet climb away from the crowds. With our Haneda Airport 9:45 AM departure plan, you can join on the same day from 27 airports nationwide without needing a hotel the night before.
- Want to enjoy the spectacular Hoei Crater and unique Mt. Fuji landscapes.
- Want to avoid the crowds and climb in a quiet environment.
- Live outside Tokyo and want to join via Haneda Airport without a pre-night stay.
- Have already climbed the Yoshida Route and want a different experience for the second climb.
Prince Route Map
Source: Mt. Fuji Official Climbing Site (fujisan-climb.jp)
Ascent & Descent Times
The following are standard estimated walking times. They may vary depending on fitness levels, weather, and trail congestion. During the tour, please always follow the pace set by your guide.
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Fujinomiya 5th StationElevation 2,400m | 🚻 Free
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35 min6th Station (Fujinomiya Route)Elevation 2,490m | 🚻 Paid
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15 minHoei First CraterElevation Approx. 2,600m
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45 minHoeisan UmanoseElevation Approx. 2,930m
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15 minDescending 6th Station (Gotemba Route)Elevation Approx. 2,980m
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15 min6th Station (Gotemba Route)Elevation Approx. 3,010m
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40 min7th StationElevation Approx. 3,230m (Hinodekan Site)
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20 min7.5th StationSunabashirikan 3,090m (Warajikan right below) | 🚻 Paid
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45 min7.9th StationAkaiwa Hachigo-kan 3,300m | 🚻 Paid
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110 minGotemba Route SummitElevation 3,710m
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5 minFujinomiya Route SummitChojo Fujikan 3,740m | 🚻 Paid
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15 minKengamineHighest Point in Japan 3,776m
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KengamineHighest Point in Japan 3,776m
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10 minFujinomiya Route SummitChojo Fujikan 3,740m | 🚻 Paid
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5 minGotemba Route SummitElevation 3,710m
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60 min7.9th StationAkaiwa Hachigo-kan 3,300m | 🚻 Paid
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30 min7.5th StationSunabashirikan 3,090m (Warajikan right below) | 🚻 Paid
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10 min7th StationElevation Approx. 3,230m (Hinodekan Site)
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30 minDescending 6th Station (Gotemba Route)Elevation Approx. 2,980m
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15 minHoeisan UmanoseElevation Approx. 2,930m
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30 minHoei First CraterElevation Approx. 2,600m
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20 min6th Station (Fujinomiya Route)Elevation 2,490m | 🚻 Paid
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25 minFujinomiya 5th StationElevation 2,400m | 🚻 Free
* The walking times listed in the hut comparison and tour itinerary include time allocated for breaks, so they may differ from the times above.
* Toilets are located at points marked with 🚻. Only the Fujinomiya 5th Station toilet is free; all others are paid. There are no toilets in the Hoei Crater area (Hoei First Crater, Hoeisan Umanose, Descending 6th, Gotemba 6th).
Mountain Huts on the Prince Route
There are two mountain huts used for overnight stays on Yamatrip's Prince Route tours. Sunabashirikan and Akaiwa Hachigo-kan are sister huts and provide identical services.
A mountain hut located at the 7.5th Station of the Gotemba Route. It is the sister hut of Akaiwa Hachigo-kan, and the services are identical. You can leave unnecessary luggage here during your summit attack, allowing you to climb with a lighter load. Dinner features all-you-can-eat curry. A warm breakfast (rice, ham & eggs, miso soup) is also served after you return from the summit.
A sister hut located at the 7.9th Station (3,300m), about a 45-minute climb from Sunabashirikan. This is a historic hut where the current Emperor of Japan once stayed. It is famous for the "Kage-Fuji" (Shadow Fuji) cast onto the clouds or ground by the setting sun. Services are identical to Sunabashirikan (luggage storage, all-you-can-eat curry, warm breakfast).
Course Comparison by Accommodation
View All Tour Plans, Prices, and Features
You can compare prices, mountain huts, and departure times for all 4 plans, including the Prince Route.
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