In our series on the history and background of Mount Fuji’s climbing trails, we now turn to the Gotemba Route.
So far, we have covered the Fujinomiya, Yoshida, and Subashiri routes. The Gotemba Route is the newest of the four main trails leading to Mount Fuji’s summit, and its starting point-Gotemba New 5th Station-has the lowest elevation at 1,440 meters, making for the longest ascent among all routes
Gotemba Route: Gotemba and Suyama Pilgrimage Trails
The Gotemba Route, also called the Gotemba-guchi Tohaido, was established in 1883 (Meiji 16), making it the most recent of the main climbing paths. Sometimes it’s referred to as the “East Front Entrance” of Mount Fuji. The trail merges with the historic Suyama Pilgrimage Route at the 2.8th station (the current Gotemba New 5th Station corresponds to the old 2nd station). Because the approach from Gotemba town to the 3rd station is relatively gentle, the number of climbers increased rapidly after its opening.
A major turning point came in 1889, when the Tokaido Railway opened and Gotemba Station was established. This made access to Mount Fuji much easier, and many women and foreign climbers began to use the Gotemba Route. At the time, transportation networks were still developing, so the railway’s arrival made climbing from Gotemba the most convenient option. The novelty of the new trail also attracted many climbers.
After 1932, when the Mount Fuji Weather Station was built, the Gotemba Route was used to transport supplies up to the station
Suyama Pilgrimage Route: A Historic Path
The Suyama Pilgrimage Route, which merges with the Gotemba Route, begins at Suyama Sengen Shrine (in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture) and leads to Asama-ga-take (now Komagatake). It is one of the oldest trails to the summit, dating back to at least the Kamakura period. Pilgrims coming from the Tokaido Road would typically visit Mishima Taisha Shrine, pass along the base of Mount Ashitaka, and enter Suyama before beginning their ascent.
The Hoei eruption of 1707 caused devastating damage to this trail, destroying shrines and mountain huts along the way. It took until 1780 for the trail to be fully restored. Later, in 1912, the eastern foothills of Mount Fuji became a military training ground, leading to the decline of the Suyama Route. In recent years, thanks to local volunteers, the trail has been revived and is now open to climbers once again.
Today, the section of the Gotemba Route above 2,050 meters (2.8th station) and the area around Suyama Otainai (the old 1st station and Suyama Otainai Shrine) are recognized as part of Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage cultural assets.
Features and Challenges of the Gotemba Route
The Gotemba Route stands out from the other three main trails in several ways:
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Lowest Starting Point: At 1,440 meters, Gotemba New 5th Station is the lowest of all starting points, resulting in a climb with a 2,300-meter elevation gain to the summit-the greatest of any route138.
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No Vehicle Restrictions: Unlike the other three trails, there are no vehicle restrictions during the climbing season, so you can drive directly to the trailhead.
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Few Mountain Huts: There are very few huts along the trail, and there is little shade from forests. The trail is mostly covered in volcanic scoria and gravel, making it especially tough in the summer heat.
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Not for Beginners: Due to the long distance, lack of facilities, and exposure to the elements, the Gotemba Route is considered the most challenging of the four and is not recommended for novice climbers
Descent and the Famous “Osunabashiri”
The descent from the summit follows the same path as the ascent down to the 7th station, after which the trail splits. From here, you can experience the famous “Osunabashiri”-a long, sandy slope where you can descend rapidly through volcanic ash all the way back to Gotemba New 5th Station. This unique feature is also well-known from the Mount Fuji Ekiden (relay race).
There is also an alternative route: partway down the Osunabashiri, you can head toward Hoei-zan (Mount Hoei) and descend through the Hoei Crater to reach the Fujinomiya Trail. This path is called the “Prince Route,” named after Emperor Naruhito (the current Emperor of Japan), who as Crown Prince in 2008 hiked from the Fujinomiya Trail, through the Hoei Crater, and joined the Gotemba Route to reach the summit.
Summary
The Gotemba Route is Mount Fuji’s most demanding trail, offering a long, open climb with few facilities and little shelter from the sun. Its history is intertwined with both the modern Gotemba and ancient Suyama pilgrimage routes. While it is not suitable for beginners, it provides a unique and rewarding challenge for experienced climbers seeking a less crowded and more adventurous ascent of Japan’s highest peak.
Next time, we’ll continue exploring the history and features of Mount Fuji’s other climbing routes!
