Mt. Fuji Hoei Crater — Power Spot of the Massive Eruption Scar

Opening wide on the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji on the Shizuoka side, the Hoei Crater is the largest side crater of Mt. Fuji, formed by the great Hoei eruption of 1707. Its crater walls are colored by bare volcanic rock, making it an overwhelming power spot where you can directly feel the power of the earth. By following the footpath from the Fujinomiya 5th Station, you can experience the energy of the land up close without making a full summit climb.

The Great Hoei Eruption

The great Hoei eruption began in December 1707, about 49 days after the Hoei earthquake, and continued for roughly two weeks. It threw up huge amounts of volcanic ash, which fell as far away as Edo, now Tokyo. It is known as a historic eruption that caused major damage to crops and had a great impact on the surrounding region. This eruption created the Hoei Crater, enormous in both diameter and depth.

Highlights

• The Hoei Crater: a vast crater gaping on the southeastern slope. The strata of its walls are an earth science textbook recording the history of Mt. Fuji eruptions.
• Mt. Hoei (2,693m): a cinder cone rising to the southeast of the crater. A majestic view of the Fuji summit spreads across the crater.
• The power of volcanic terrain: you can observe traces of a living volcano up close, such as lava flow remains and volcanic gravel.
• Views of Suruga Bay: from the crater rim you may see down over Suruga Bay and even the Izu Peninsula.

Enjoying the Seasons

Summer (July to early September) overlaps with the official climbing season of Mt. Fuji, and many hikers visit the Hoei Crater. During this period the trail is maintained and relatively easy to walk. Autumn (September to October) is popular for mountain photography, with a beautiful contrast between the coloring vegetation below and the volcanic terrain. From winter to spring (around November to April) it is dangerous for general hikers due to snow and ice, and the road to the 5th Station is closed in winter.

Practical Travel Notes

• The Hoei Crater lies on the mid slopes of Mt. Fuji, and the high elevation means temperatures far lower than on flat ground. Windproof and warm clothing is essential even in summer. The weather changes quickly, so bring rain gear too.
• The paths around the crater are slippery with volcanic gravel. Wear trekking shoes and watch your footing. Gaiters against the gravel add comfort.
• Parts of the crater rim are sheer. To prevent falls, never get too close to the edge.
• Climbing shuttle buses to the Fujinomiya 5th Station and private car restrictions change by season and year. Confirm operation and restriction details on the official website.
• To avoid altitude sickness, spend some time acclimatizing at the 5th Station before setting off. Prepare plenty of drinks and snacks.

Access and Basic Information

• Starting point: Fujinomiya 5th Station (about 2,400m elevation, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
• Train and bus: Take a bus bound for the Fujinomiya 5th Station from JR Fujinomiya Station (summer operation, about 70 minutes). Confirm the operating period and timetable.
• By car: Reach the Fujinomiya 5th Station via the Fuji Skyline from interchanges such as Shin Fuji on the Shin Tomei Expressway. During the climbing season private car restrictions apply and you transfer to a shuttle bus.
• Time required: roughly 2 to 4 hours round trip from the 5th Station to the Hoei Crater, varying by fitness and route.
• On the Shizuoka side the former Mt. Fuji conservation contribution was consolidated into a climbing fee in fiscal 2025. The Hoei crater course from the Fujinomiya trailhead falls under the climbing restrictions during the official season, so a fee of 4,000 yen per person per ascent and completion of the advance e-learning are required. Check the official website for the current arrangements.

A Quick Tip

For a trek to the Hoei Crater, a sensible plan and proper gear come first. Bring windproof and warm clothing, rain gear, drinks, and snacks, and have the courage to turn back when the weather looks like turning. The bare crater walls and the majestic scenery of Mt. Hoei offer a rare chance to feel the living face of Mt. Fuji.

📚 Sources

This article is based on materials published by the national government, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujinomiya City, and others regarding Mount Fuji and the Hoei crater, along with guidance on the Mount Fuji climbing fee, the climbing restrictions and the trails. The history of the Hoei eruption follows widely known records. The operating periods of the shuttle bus to the fifth station, private car restrictions, and how the cooperation fee is collected may vary by year, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Roughly 2 to 4 hours round trip from the Fujinomiya fifth station to the Hoei crater
• What to bring: Windproof and warm clothing, rain gear, trekking shoes, plenty of water and snacks
• How to proceed: Acclimatize at the fifth station before setting off and watch for altitude sickness
• Safety notes: Do not get too close to the crater rim; watch for slippery volcanic gravel
• Seasonal notes: Winter to spring is dangerous due to snow and ice, and the road to the fifth station closes in winter
• Good to check: The status of the climbing shuttle bus and private car restrictions

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Climbing season (2026, Shizuoka side): The Fujinomiya and Gotemba routes are open from 9:00 a.m. on July 10 to 5:00 p.m. on September 10, and the Subashiri route from 9:00 a.m. on July 1 to 5:00 p.m. on September 10
• What the climbing rules cover: The Hoei Crater course on the Fujinomiya route is subject to the climbing restrictions (the Futagoyama course on the Gotemba route, the Kofuji course on the Subashiri route and visits to Komitake Shrine are not)
• Climbing fee: 4,000 yen per person per climb. You must also complete the e-learning course on conserving Mt. Fuji and climbing safely
• Time restrictions: To start climbing between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. the following morning, you must have a mountain hut booking
• Pre-registration: Register and pay in advance via the official Shizuoka Prefecture app Shizuoka FUJI NAVI to obtain your entry permit (QR code). Cancellations up to the day of your climb are refunded in full (no handling fee)
• On-site procedures: If you do not have a smartphone, all procedures can be completed at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, but allow about 30 minutes
• Mt. Fuji conservation donation: From fiscal 2025 this has been consolidated into the climbing fee. A separate Mt. Fuji Donation is also accepted (from 1,000 yen per unit)
• Cap on climber numbers: No daily cap is set on the Shizuoka side
• Parking: There is a car park at Fujinomiya 5th Station open to general vehicles, but private-car restrictions apply during certain periods. While they are in force, park at the car parks at the foot or mid-slope of the mountain and transfer to a shuttle bus
• Trailhead elevation: Fujinomiya 5th Station, 2,400 m (4.3 km and about 5 hours up to the summit; 4.3 km and about 3 hours down)

Note: The climbing season, the restrictions and how the climbing fee is applied change from year to year. Shuttle buses and climbing buses do not operate at night.

(Sources: Official Web Site for Mt. Fuji Climbing / Mt. Fuji World Heritage Division, Department of Sports, Culture and Tourism, Shizuoka Prefecture)