July marks the official opening of the climbing season on Mt. Fuji. During this exciting summer period, thousands of travelers visit the famous Mt Fuji 5th Station. However, have you ever wondered why the mountain is divided into “stations” instead of meters or feet? The story behind this traditional system is both surprising and deeply historical.
In Japan, the counting unit for these mountain levels is “Gome” (such as Gogo-me for the 5th station). There are several theories about its origin, but the most fascinating one connects directly to rice. In the past, a “Gou” was a traditional Japanese unit used to measure a single serving of rice, sake, or oil.
According to ancient tales, early climbers carried heavy bags of rice or oil to offer to the mountain gods. As the climb became harder, they consumed or laid down one “Gou” of supplies at each section. By the time they reached the summit, only the final portion remained. Because the physical effort increases near the top, the distance between stations feels shorter. Therefore, these stations do not measure physical distance. Instead, they measure the physical effort and progress of the climber.
Because these stations represent progress rather than exact altitude, it creates a unique phenomenon. Mt. Fuji has multiple climbing routes. Consequently, the elevation of the “5th station” changes significantly depending on the trail you choose.
For example, the popular Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station sits at about 2,305 meters above sea level. However, the Fujinomiya 5th Station on a different side of the mountain is located much higher, at 2,400 meters. When you visit the Mt Fuji 5th Station, you are not just standing at a specific height. You are experiencing a traditional landmark that marks the halfway point of an ancient, sacred journey.
Want to stand on the legendary 5th Station yourself?
Visiting the mountain during the lively summer season is an incredible experience. However, public transportation can become extremely crowded, and private car restrictions are active on the mountain roads during the climbing season.
Fortunately, our JGL premium bus tours provide a completely stress-free journey. We take you straight from central Tokyo up to the historic Mt Fuji 5th Station smoothly. You can enjoy the stunning high-altitude views and shop for unique mountain souvenirs without worrying about complicated bus transfers. Click below to check our schedule and book your perfect summer adventure today!
Visit our official tour page to reserve your day trip from Tokyo.
