Do you know if the downhill trail of the main Kawaguchiko route on Mount Fuji is still closed?

by Steven
(United States)

Hi Gary, do you know if the downhill trail of the main Kawaguchiko route on Mount Fuji is still closed? If so, do you think it's wise to try a different route, even if I'm climbing on a Monday? Thank you so much for your help, your site is great!

Best,
Steven


********************

Thx, Steven.

Perhaps you've already seen it, but this was posted to my Fuji page 2 weeks ago:

"Aug. 2, 2012 update: The Kawaguchiko tourist info center informed me this afternoon that the downhill trail for the main Kawaguchiko Yoshida route is still closed and climbers descending from Mt. Fuji's peak must continue to share the uphill trail section with those going up. They also said this situation will likely remain unchanged for the remainder of the climbing season. This should make for some pretty massive traffic jams during the weekends on Mt. Fuji's main climbing route."

I'm not aware of any updates since then.

I'd encourage you to consider the Fujinomiya trail. Of Fuji's 4 trails, its starting elevation is the highest and the distance to the summit is shortest. :-)

https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#31

Happy hiking !!

Gary


*****************

Thank you for replying Gary! I will definitely consider it. One question though, will this still let me buy the walking stick that is brand-able, or is that only available at the Kawaguchiko 5th station? Again, thanks for the advice.

Steven


***************

Steven, that's a tough question I'm unsure of, but these 2 pages reference walking sticks at the Fujinomiya 5th Station: http://mmm-fruit.com/2011/03/preparing-for-mount-fuji/

http://smitterstoger.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/japan-fuji-tokyo-trip-august-2010-day-2-part-a-fujinomiya-5th-station-and-the-start-of-the-upwards-battle/

Have a great trip...

Gary

p.s. I just learned that Fujinomiya is the only trail that doesn't have a down trail, but I don't think you'll have to worry about too much congestion on a Monday...


******************

Thank you, Gary! I look forward to my trip.

Steven