Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station sits at 2,305 meters on Mount Fuji's northern slope, about 25 kilometers south of Kawaguchiko Station and reached by a seasonal Fujikyu shuttle bus that takes 50 to 55 minutes (¥2,000/$12.60 one-way, ¥3,400/$21.40 round-trip), since the toll road itself is closed to private vehicles for most of the climbing season, roughly early July to mid-September in 2026, when the shuttle bus becomes the only access. The station serves as the starting point of the Yoshida Trail, the most-used of Mount Fuji's four official climbing routes, but the vast majority of visitors come not to summit but simply to reach the station itself for the panoramic view over the Fuji Five Lakes and the Kofu Basin, well above the cloud line on clear days. A cluster of rest houses at the station sells Mount Fuji-themed souvenirs, hot food, and the region's amazake and hoto noodle sets, and a short, easy walking trail loops through the subalpine forest just below the station for visitors not attempting any part of the climbing trail itself. Those wanting a taste of the trail without committing to the full ascent can walk the first 30 to 60 minutes toward the Sixth Station and back, gaining a sense of the volcanic scree terrain without the multi-hour commitment of going further. Because the station sits well above the summer heat of the Kofu Basin, temperatures are noticeably cooler and windier than at lake level even in August, so a warm layer is worth packing regardless of season. The shuttle bus and most station facilities operate only from late May to early September; outside this window the road and station are largely inaccessible or closed, so travelers should confirm current operating dates before planning a visit.