Is it possible to climb Mt. Fuji in April on my own?

by Ricardo
(Canada)

Congratulations on your website, by far the most comprehensive resource I've found so far on Mt Fuji facts and information, specially in English. Thank you so much for the time and effort you've clearly invested on your site.

I have a question for you: I will be traveling to Japan on late April, and I wonder if it's possible to climb Mt Fuji on my own. I know the official climbing season starts on July and huts will be closed, but since April isn't winter anymore, I wonder if my chances are better. I have some experience and all the technical gear, but would prefer to simply follow the trail (in fact, I think you're not even allowed to detour from it).

Thank you in advance, I'm sure you get many questions of this sort.

Best wishes,

Ricardo