Do we have to book mountain huts in advance or can we simply turn up?

by Nina
(U.K.)

Dear Gary,

I am planning to climb with my husband Mt. Fuji this summer and walk the 5-day traverse from Kita-dake to Hijiri-dake. I have two questions: Do we have to book mountain huts in advance or can we simply turn up? If we have to book it in advance, do you know how we can do this? (we are UK-residents and don't speak any Japanese).

The second question is: the night before starting the 5-day walk, we want to stay at Hirogawara-sanso which is referred to in our Lonely Planet guide. Again, we cannot work out whether we need to book this in advance. You started a walk there and I therefore wonder whether you know anything about this lodge.

Many, many thanks in advance for your advice.

Best regards,
Nina