Mt. Fuji Climbing Trail Food Guide

For those participating in our Mt. Fuji climbing tour with a one-night hut stay on the Fujinomiya or Prince Route, we have summarized how to choose, when to eat, and important points regarding "trail food" to bring during the climb.

Climbing Mt. Fuji is a long-duration aerobic exercise combining both ascent and descent. Although the calories burned per climb vary depending on body weight and the itinerary, it is said that even a typical climb consumes energy equivalent to running a full marathon. Since meals provided at mountain huts are often not enough to cover the gaps, please be sure to bring "trail food" that you can eat frequently while walking or during breaks.

Why Do You Need Trail Food?

While you can order warm snacks like curry, ramen, or udon at mountain huts, these are strictly meals for rest stops. Separate from that, frequent energy replenishment is essential while you are on the move.

Additionally, the basic rule of mountaineering is to carry your own food. Do not rely solely on the assumption of eating at mountain huts; be sure to carry trail food to prepare for situations where you cannot use the huts due to bad weather or significant itinerary delays.

Guidelines for Intake Amount and Timing

• Take a quick bite of something that provides energy before you start moving
• Replenish little by little, aiming for about 100–200 kcal every 1 to 1.5 hours
• It is too late once you feel hungry, so be mindful to "eat before you get hungry"
• In addition to breaks and meals at mountain huts, replenish energy while walking

Eating a large amount at once uses up physical energy for digestion, so the basic rule is to eat small amounts frequently.

Points to Note for the Fujinomiya and Prince Routes

Both the Fujinomiya Route and the Prince Route are relatively compact routes, with the Fujinomiya 5th Station serving as both the trailhead and the descent point. Nevertheless, you need to ensure you have enough trail food for the active hours from departing the 5th Station to arriving at the mountain hut, and from leaving the hut to reaching the summit and descending.

• Shops may not be open during the night or early morning. If you depart in the middle of the night to see the sunrise, prepare enough trail food the day before.
• Shops at mountain huts also have limited hours and stock. Do not rely too heavily on the idea of "buying at the hut if I run out"; please prepare the necessary amount in advance.
• As the altitude rises, atmospheric pressure drops, and some people may lose their appetite. It is safe to bring 1 or 2 items that are easy to consume even when you don't feel well, such as sour things or hydrating jelly drinks.
• Developing a habit of eating small amounts during the break timings set by the guide will make the itinerary smoother. Although the guide provides announcements in Japanese, anyone is free to eat trail food during breaks.

Recommended Trail Food Categories

Having a variety of flavors and textures allows you to keep eating without getting tired of them during long hours of activity. It is recommended to combine several items from the categories below.

Drink Hydrating Beverages Frequently Along with Trail Food

Taking trail food along with water makes digestion and absorption smoother, and also helps prevent dehydration. Especially when eating dry foods like nuts or yokan, or even jelly drinks, be mindful to take fluids frequently at the same time.

As a guideline, the amount of fluid to bring at the start is two 500mL bottles (one water, one sports drink). Any shortage can be purchased at the mountain huts at each station (prices increase as the altitude rises, but it is around 500 yen). Carrying a large amount of water like 2L from the beginning will actually exhaust your physical strength due to the weight. Consider it as "buying lightness with money" and make good use of on-site replenishment.

Purchases at mountain huts are cash only. Preparing plenty of coins (100-yen coins) will make payments smoother. For a detailed preparation list of all belongings, please also check the Complete Mt. Fuji Packing Guide.

Tips for Carrying Trail Food

• Do not pack it deep inside your backpack; keep it in an easily accessible place like a sacoche or a waist pocket.
• Choosing individually wrapped items or dividing them into single portions is hygienic and easy to eat.
• Put fragile snacks into rigid containers like plastic food containers.
• As the altitude rises, bags may expand due to the drop in atmospheric pressure, so transfer juicy or liquid items into airtight containers.

Please Be Sure to Take Your Trash Home

There are no trash cans on Mt. Fuji. All trash generated, including trail food wrappers and fruit peels, must be carried back by yourself until you descend. Preparing an extra zippered bag and packing empty wrappers tightly each time will keep the inside of your backpack comfortable.

Where Should I Prepare It?

If you are using the bus departing from Shinjuku, you can purchase items at convenience stores around Shinjuku before departure. Although there is a shop at the Fujinomiya 5th Station, its operating hours and selection are limited, so we recommend arriving with your trail food prepared in advance.

Summary

• Trail food is meant for frequent replenishment while walking, separate from hut meals.
• Eat small amounts every 1 to 1.5 hours before you get hungry.
• Have a variety of flavors and textures, such as sweet, salty, and sour.
• Prepare thoroughly in advance, anticipating night departures and times of low appetite.
• The basic rule is to take all trash home.

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