July is a magical time to visit Japan. It marks the official opening of the climbing season on Japan’s sacred peak. Consequently, thousands of travelers head to the mountain. However, did you know that some people actually run all the way to the top? Let us look into a legendary event happening on Mt. Fuji in July.
This incredible event is called the “Mt. Fuji Mountain Race” (Fuji Tozan Kyoso). It started in 1948 to help rebuild the local community after World War II. Therefore, it has over 70 years of rich history. To honor the mountain, the organizers limit the number of participants to exactly 3,776 runners.
The race begins at Fujiyoshida City Hall, which stands at an altitude of 770 meters. From there, runners sprint up the traditional Yoshida Trail toward Kusushi Shrine at the very peak. The total distance is only 21 kilometers. However, the finish line sits at nearly 3,700 meters. This means runners face a brutal altitude gain of about 3,000 meters!
The thin air and steep slopes make this race incredibly dangerous. Consequently, only experienced runners with proven speed can join the full summit race. At high altitudes, the oxygen level drops significantly. Therefore, participants must prepare intensely for the physical strain.
Regular hikers usually take around 10 hours of hard walking to finish this trail. Remarkably, the fastest elite athletes complete the entire mountain race in less than 3 hours! They run almost non-stop through the steep rocky paths and thin air. Fortunately, the event also offers a shorter race that ends at the 5th Station. This course has a 98% completion rate, allowing beginner runners to enjoy the challenge safely.
Want to experience the legendary mountain comfortably?
The athletes running up the slopes in July are truly inspiring. However, you do not need to push your body to the absolute limit to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s most sacred icon. You can experience the magical atmosphere of Mt. Fuji in complete comfort.
Our JGL bus tours take you straight from central Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station. This is the exact location where the runners celebrate their mid-way milestone! You can relax in our air-conditioned bus, breathe the crisp mountain air, and take stunning photos without the painful 10-hour hike.
July is a peak season for traveling. Therefore, our seats fill up very quickly. Click the button below to secure your comfortable seat on our next adventure to Mt. Fuji and Hakone!
Visit our official tour page to reserve your exciting day trip from Tokyo.
