Japan Adventure Week 1: Mount Fuji +++ Join Waitlist for Approval

JAPAN ADVENTURE WEEK: TOKYO HIGHLIGHTS & MOUNT FUJI SUNRISE CLIMB Meetup Event Times

Final dates to be announced in November 2026.

(NZ Time)

NOTE: I will update the description once the final dates are confirmed (probably in October 2026).

Starts: Friday 31 July2026 – 8:00 pm NZT (Friday 21 Aug – 5:00 pm Japan time)
Ends: Saturday 8 August 2026 – 11:00 am NZT (Saturday 29 Aug – 8:00 am Japan time)
(All itinerary details below are in Japan Standard Time – JST.)

Overview
This one-week Japan adventure blends two unforgettable worlds — the electric energy of Tokyo and the spiritual calm of Mount Fuji.

We’ll spend two full days exploring Tokyo’s cultural, historic, and modern icons before heading to the Fuji Five Lakes region for a safe, well-timed ascent to Japan’s highest point at sunrise.

After our climb, we’ll relax in lakeside onsens, visit shrines, and enjoy Japan’s famous hospitality.

Optional 2-day Kyoto extension available at the end.

Why the Yoshida Route?
Mount Fuji’s four main routes all reach the summit, but Yoshida offers:
• the best hut network and facilities
• a separate up/down trail (safer flow)
• easy access from Tokyo
• Japan’s most photographed sunrise above the clouds
It’s steep and demanding but non-technical — perfect for strong hikers who prefer scenery and safety over risk.

Detailed Itinerary (Japan Time)
Day 1 – Friday 31 Jul – Arrivals in Tokyo
Arrive by evening. Check-in and group welcome dinner in lively Shinjuku.
Overnight Tokyo.

Day 2 – Saturday 1 Aug – Tokyo Essentials & Culture
Morning: Explore Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple.
Afternoon: Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum or Meiji Shrine & Harajuku.
Evening: Local izakaya dinner.
Overnight Tokyo.

Day 3 – Sunday 2 Aug – Modern Tokyo & Skyline Views
Morning: Shibuya Crossing & Hachikō, Omotesandō, or team ramen crawl.
Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree or Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens.
Evening: Group dinner; gear prep for Fuji.
Overnight Tokyo.

Day 4 – Monday 3 Aug – Tokyo → Fuji Five Lakes
Morning: Train or bus to Kawaguchiko (~2½ h).
Afternoon: Orientation walk by Lake Kawaguchi & gear check.
Evening: Early night. Overnight Kawaguchiko.

Day 5 – Tuesday 4 Aug – Climb Day 1
Bus to Yoshida 5th Station (~2,300 m).
Begin ascent to Taishikan Hut (~3,100 m). Dinner & overnight at hut.

Day 6 – Wednesday 5 Aug – Climb Day 2 / Sunrise Summit
1:30 am start; summit (3,776 m) around 4:45 am for sunrise.
Descend to 5th Station (7–8 h total). Return to Kawaguchiko for onsen and celebration dinner.

Overnight Kawaguchiko.

Day 7 – Thursday 6 Aug – Recovery & Fuji Culture
Morning: Visit Chureito Pagoda & Arakura Sengen Shrine.
Afternoon: Lake Kawaguchi boat ride or craft markets.

Overnight Kawaguchiko.

Day 8 – Friday 7 Aug – Return to Tokyo
Morning transfer to Tokyo. Afternoon free for shopping or museums.
Farewell dinner in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Overnight Tokyo.

Day 9 – Saturday 8 Aug (8:00 am end)
Event concludes 8:00 am JST. Departures.

Optional Extension: Kyoto (29-32 Aug 2026)
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2½ h).
Return flight from Osaka or Kyoto.

Itinerary will be published by end of October 2025.

Accomodation $ Estimated Costs (per perdon, NZD)

Budget Tier
Tokyo (4 nights) $100 × 4 = $400
Kawaguchiko (3 nights) $120 × 3 = $360
Mountain Hut (1 night) ≈ $120
Total ≈ $880

Mid-Range Tier
Tokyo (4 nights) $180 × 4 = $720
Kawaguchiko (3 nights) $180 × 3 = $540
Mountain Hut $120
Total ≈ $1,380

Other Costs
Flights Auckland ↔ Tokyo $1,800–2,300
Local transport (Tokyo ⇄ Fuji) $120–150
Meals $40–60 per day
Fuji climbing fee $40

Typical total (excl. personal spending): Budget $2,600–3,200 / Mid-range $3,200–4,000

COSTS WILL BE UPDATED IN JANUARY 2026

Difficulty and Preparation
High-altitude hike to 3,776 m (1,500 m gain from 5th Station).
6–7 h up / 7–8 h down. Cold at summit (–2 to +5 °C). Fitness and proper gear essential.

Gear List
Hiking boots • Trekking poles • Headlamp + spares • Warm layers • Waterproof jacket & pants • Hat & gloves • Quick-dry clothes • 2.5 L water • Snacks • Cash for hut/toilets • Rubbish bag.

Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
Comprehensive insurance covering trekking in Japan to 3,800 m mandatory. Proof required before departure.

Safety and Participant Policy
All sign-ups initially wait-listed; approval after fitness and gear confirmed.
NZ-based participants only (for pre-trip meeting and training).
Your safety is your responsibility. Weather can force itinerary changes. No littering. Group pace is controlled – we climb together.

Contribution
Regulars NZ $150
Non-regulars NZ $200
First-timers and International participants NZ $250