Went to check out the subashiri trail on Mt. Fuji yesterday with a group of 4 guys. It was in the 20's (°C) in Tokyo, but near the summit of Fuji it had snowed the night before our climb. We got to the trail head (Subashiri 5th station) around 11 and geared up for our hike up. The weather was cloudy for the most part, but would clear from time to time giving us a nice view of Lake Yamanakako. After about 1 hour 1/2 we reached the 6th station and took a short lunch break. The weather was a bit nippy and the clouds were beginning to threaten rain, so we got ready to hike again pretty quick. After about another 30 minutes of hiking, the trail began to show signs of snow. At about 2500 meters, the trail is covered in snow, and without the proper gear cannot be passed. We didn't plan on going all the way to the summit, so after a short climb we made our way back down the mountain.
With the heavy snowfalls of this winter, it looks like the subashiri trail won't open in time for the official start of the climbing season on July 1st. I talked with one of the local's there who said the season probably wouldn't start until the 2nd week of July.
After our brief hike, the 4 of us went to a local onsen (hot springs) a little ways down the mountain. The onsen Ten Kei (translated as Heaven's Grace) had an assortment of baths inside and outside, as well as a couple different kinds of sauna's. The view of Mt Fuji from Ten Kei is breathtaking, with it standing up right before your eyes. There is nothing like sitting in a hot bath, starting right up at Mt. Fuji.
Luke Cummings
Head Guide FMG
P.S. If you are looking to climb Fuji in the near future, you will still need crampons and an ice axe to get to the summit!
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