Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (富士スバルライン五合目, Fuji Subaru Line Gogōme, also known as Yoshidaguchi 5th Station or Kawaguchiko 5th Station) lies at approximately the halfway point of the Yoshida Trail, which leads from Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine at the mountain's base to the summit of Mount Fuji.

It is the most popular of the four 5th stations on Mount Fuji and the best developed and easiest to access by public transportation from Tokyo. The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is accessible almost year round, snow conditions permitting, and is a popular sightseeing spot even outside of the climbing season.

The station is reached by the Fuji Subaru Line, a scenic toll road up Mount Fuji's lower northern slopes, that begins in Fujikawaguchiko Town. The toll road costs 2100 yen and may temporarily get partially closed in winter in times of heavy snow. Furthermore, the road is closed to private vehicles during most of the climbing season (July 5 to September 10, 2024), during which shuttle buses operate between designated parking lots at the base of the mountain and the 5th station.

The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station provides parking lots, coin lockers and a few restaurants and shops, as it is the last chance for departing climbers to stock up on supplies at reasonable prices before they head out. Items such as hiking sticks, snacks, bottles of water and oxygen may be purchased here, although they are also available along the trail, albeit at prices that increase as you climb higher.

At 2300 meters above sea level, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes area below, making it a popular spot even for those who are not intent on climbing the mountain. An observation point with unobstructed views of Fujiyoshida City and Lake Yamanaka can be found at Komitake Shrine behind the shops.

The Yoshida Trail is the most popular trail to the summit, and some sections can get very congested during the climbing season, especially above the 8th station. On the positive side, there are a lot of mountain huts along the trail and separate uphill and downhill tracks. The trail also has good views of the sunrise for those who do not make it to the summit in time. The ascent via the Yoshida Trail takes roughly 5-7 hours, and the return journey about 3-5 hours.

Note that from 2024, the trailhead of the Yoshida Trail will be closed to hikers without hut reservations between 4pm and 3am to prevent overnight climbing. Furthermore, a mandatory admission fee of 2000 yen will be introduced, and there will be a daily limit of 4000 hikers. Online reservations for hiking slots can be made in advance. Read more.

Besides the trail to the summit, there is the Ochudo Trail, which might be of interest to day-trip and off-season visitors who cannot hike to the summit but still wish to do some walking around the mountain. Rather than up the mountain, the Ochudo Trail leads around the mountain at about the same elevation. A five kilometer section of the trail can be walked from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station westwards. It also provides a connection to some of the more remote parking lots.