In this continuation of our series on the history of climbing Mount Fuji, we turn our focus to the climbing trails that have guided pilgrims and climbers for centuries.
Historically, these trails were known as tohai-do (pilgrimage routes), reflecting their religious significance. In the past, there were numerous routes leading to Mount Fuji’s summit, including:
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In Suruga Province (modern-day Shizuoka Prefecture): Ōmiya Trail, Murayama Trail, Subashiri Trail, Suyama Trail, and Kamiide Trail.
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In Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture): Yoshida Trail, Shōji Trail, Funatsu Trail, and Asumi Trail.
Today, however, modern infrastructure has transformed Mount Fuji climbing into a more accessible activity. With roads now reaching the 5th Station, four main trails are used by most climbers:
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Yoshida Route: Starting from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (2,305m).
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Fujinomiya Route: Starting from Fujinomiya 5th Station (2,400m).
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Subashiri Route: Starting from Subashiri 5th Station (2,000m).
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Gotemba Route: Starting from Gotemba New 5th Station (1,440m).
All four trails are part of the cultural heritage of Mount Fuji and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage designation as key components of its historical significance.
The Four Main Trails and Their Historical Roots
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Fujinomiya Route (Ōmiya-Murayama Pilgrimage Route)
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Location: Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
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UNESCO Component: From the 6th Station upward on the current Fujinomiya Route.
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Yoshida Route (North Entrance Yoshida Pilgrimage Route)
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Location: Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
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UNESCO Component: From Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine to the Yoshida 5th Station (not to be confused with the modern Subaru Line 5th Station) and onward to the summit.
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Gotemba Route (South Entrance Suyama Pilgrimage Route)
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Location: Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
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UNESCO Component: From an elevation of 2,050m upward on the Gotemba Route and around the Suyama Tainai area (1,435m–1,690m).
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Subashiri Route (East Entrance Subashiri Pilgrimage Route)
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Location: Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.
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UNESCO Component: From Subashiri 5th Station upward.
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The Transformation of Mount Fuji Climbing
The construction of roads to Mount Fuji’s 5th Stations marked a turning point in its climbing history:
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In 1964, the Fuji Subaru Line opened on the Yamanashi side.
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In 1970, the Fuji Skyline opened on the Shizuoka side.
These roads made Mount Fuji accessible to a wider audience but also led to the decline of many historical pilgrimage sites and trails below the 5th Stations.
Preserved Historical Trails
While most historical pilgrimage routes have fallen into disuse, some remain partially intact today:
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Shōji Trail: Connects areas around Lake Shōji to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
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Suyama Trail: Starts at Suyama Sengen Shrine and leads through Gotenba Garden to join either the Fujinomiya 6th Station or Gotemba Route at Jirōbō (Old Second Station).
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Murayama Trail: Begins at Murayama Sengen Shrine and follows Murayama Ancient Path to join Fujinomiya’s 6th Station.
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Funatsu Trail: Connects areas around Kawaguchi Lake and Funatsu Tainai Cave to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Edo Period Climbing Boom
The Edo period saw a major surge in Mount Fuji climbing due to the rise of Fuji-ko—devotional groups dedicated to worshipping Mount Fuji. By the mid-Edo period, Fuji-ko had gained immense popularity among commoners who climbed in large groups led by guides (sendatsu).
As Fuji-ko flourished in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), a unique pilgrimage practice known as “Three Mountain Worship” (San-zan Mōde) emerged toward the end of the Edo period:
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Starting in Edo, pilgrims traveled via Kōshū Road through Hachiōji to climb Mount Takao (Takao-san).
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They crossed Kobutsu Pass back onto Kōshū Road before heading southward from Ōtsuki toward Mount Fuji via Yoshida Town (Fujiyoshida). There they stayed at an oshi lodging before climbing via Yoshida Trail to reach Mount Fuji’s summit.
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After descending via Subashiri Trail, pilgrims continued westward along Ashigara Road toward Matsuda for a visit to Mount Ōyama (Ōyama-san). They then returned to Edo via Tōkaidō Road.
While pilgrims maintained strict spiritual discipline during their climbs, their return journeys often included celebratory stops at lively post towns along Tōkaidō Road—a practice known as shōjin-otoshi (“breaking abstinence”).
Conclusion
The transition from sacred pilgrimage routes (tohai-do) to modern climbing trails reflects both cultural shifts and advancements in accessibility over centuries. While today’s climbers may focus more on recreation than devotion, every step taken on Mount Fuji’s trails is steeped in history and tradition.
In our next post, we’ll explore the unique histories behind each pilgrimage route that shaped Mount Fuji’s cultural legacy!
