Mt. Fuji Trail Run — From Base to Summit in a Single Day

A full-day endurance challenge up Mt. Fuji from the first torii gate in Yoshida Town. Tough climbs, changing terrain, and the reward of standing at the top of Japan — all in one epic run.

For endurance athletes and mountain runners, there’s one challenge that sits above them all: running Mt. Fuji from the first torii gate in Yoshida Town to the summit and back — in a single day.

It’s a test of endurance, altitude, and mental grit. The trail begins gently through forests and shrines, then steepens past the 5th Station, where the volcanic terrain begins. From there, it’s loose rock, switchbacks, and thin air — but the higher you climb, the clearer the sky, and the stronger the pull toward the top.

Most runners begin before sunrise, aiming to reach the summit by late morning and descend before afternoon clouds roll in. It’s not just a run — it’s a spiritual journey on legs, tracing the same path pilgrims once walked, now done in one relentless push.

At the finish line, back under the torii in Yoshida, you’re exhausted, filthy, and grinning. There’s something powerful about earning Mt. Fuji the hard way — every step, every breath, from start to finish.

Getting there: Take a train or bus from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida Station. Start early (3–4 AM) from the first torii.

Recommended time: 8–12 hours round trip.

Difficulty: Very hard — 20+ km with 3,000+ meters of elevation gain.

Best for: Experienced trail runners with strong mountain fitness.