• Q: What do I receive once my booking is confirmed?
• A: You will receive a confirmation email. Vouchers for your mountain hut, return bus and the onsen will be distributed upon arriving at the meeting point or on the bus.

• Q: What happens if it rains?
• A: The tour is on rain or shine. However, if heavy rain or typhoon is forecasted, cancellation will be made by 8pm the night before the departure. It will be notified by email or phone call so please provide active phone number or contact information available in Japan. Although it’s rare, there is a possibility that the tour gets canceled after 8pm the night before due to sudden change in the weather.

• Q: I want to change the name of the participant(s).
• A: You can do so for free of charge 7 days before the departure day, after that is possible for a fee.

• Q: Can I not take the bus on the way and meet the group at the Yoshida trail 5th station?
• A: No you cannot. Anyone joins this tour will take the bus to the Yoshida trail 5th station. You can choose not to take the return bus from the Yoshida trail 5th station or the onsen.

• Q: I choose to get off the bus at Shinjuku but I want to change to Tokyo.
• A: You can change your pick-up/drop-off place 3 days before the departure.

• Q: Does the bus have toilet?
• A: No toilet on the bus.

• Q: Are the seats assigned?
• A: Yes.

• Q: Will the bus stop for a break before we arrive the 5th station?
• A: Yes. Normally there is one stop at a relatively big service station. However, depending on the traffic there could be extra stops as the bus requires a stop every 2~3hours.

• Q: Can I leave my luggage on the bus while I hike?
• A: No. Please use the locker at the 5th station.

• Q: What’s in the 5th station?
• A: At the Yoshida trail 5th station, there are 4 rest houses where you can eat, rest, shop, and leave your luggage at the coin lockers. If the coin lockers are full or too small, you can ask the information desk to store your luggage.

• Q: Where shall I go among the 4 rest houses?
• A: Our group is prioritized at Miharashi rest house where you can purchase the hiking sticks for discounted price. Just show the tour badge to receive the discount!

• Q: What time is the sunrise?
• A: 4:20-4:40am in July, 4:40-5am in August.

• Q: Are there bathrooms along the trail?
• A: Yes, you will use the huts’ bathrooms for a fee (200yen) each time. The guide has scheduled breaks during the hike. Please let the guide know if you want to use the bathroom outside of those breaks.
• Q: How cold is it?
• A: At the 5th station is about 15~20 Celsius (60~68 Fahrenheit) and the top is 4C (40F).

• Q: Can I join alone?
• A: Of course! If it’s your first time and you are not a regular hiker, guided tour is recommended.

• Q: I’m joining the tour with my friends. How can we be on the same bus and hut?
• A: Upon booking please let us know of your friend’s name or group leader’s name to make sure you will be on the same bus and hut. Arrangement cannot be made on the day.

• Q: What’s the crater walk like?
• A: It is a 2.5km walk around the crater with some ups and downs. This is the only way to reach the true highest point of Japan and the post office. If you are joining guided tour, you can join a guided crater walk for extra 500yen. If you are hiking on your own, please decide carefully if you are capable of completing the crater hike in addition to 4h descend. Don’t do it if 1.you are already feeling tired, 2.the wind is too strong, 3.the sun hasn’t risen, and 4.still snowy and slippery.

• Q: I’ve heard of a post office at the top.
• A: The post office is only accessible if you do the crater walk, and it is open between the 3rd week of July till the 3rd week of August. Please prepare postcard in advance.

• Q: How long is the hike?
• A: About 4~5 hours from the 5th to 8th station, and 2~4 hours from the 8th station to the top. Descend is about 4~5 hours.

• Q: Will I get lost during the hike?
• A: Our guided hikes will make sure that you are attended all the time throughout the hike. If you are on your own, make sure to have the map on the descend as there is one fork road where a lot of people take the wrong way.

• Q: What are the huts like?
• A: The huts are very basic accommodation with a small shop, toilet, a eating space and a sleeping space. During busy season, you may sleep very close to another person.

• Q: What if I cannot continue the hike and give up before reaching the reserved hut?
• A: You will have to arrange any accommodation or transportation needed for you to safely join back to the tour. It is recommended that you stay at one of the lower huts for the night, and make it down to the 5th station on your own the next day. You are responsible for all the costs and there’s no refund for the service you didn’t receive as a result.

• Q: What’s the food at the huts like?
• A: They normally serve curry and rice or beef and rice bowl for dinner and a bento box for breakfast. Vegetarian option is available upon request.

• Q: What is the sleeping situation?
• A: Each person will receive a sleeping bag or a blanket and a pillow on a bunkbed.

• Q: Can I take a shower, or at least wash my face? How about brushing teeth?
• A: Unfortunately no shower is available. Washing the faces and brushing the teeth is not allowed in the bathroom. Please buy bottled water and do these things outside if needed.

• Q: Can I get a private room?
• A: No, there’s no private room.

SOME MORE NOTES FOR YOUR COMFORTABLE STAY

• Please be quiet!
• Please don’t shine your flash light to another person, especially in the sleeping area.
• On a rainy day, dry yourself before getting inside the hut.
• Drinking is ok but moderate the amount.
• There is no trash bin in the hut. Whatever you brought, please take back with you.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE HUT

• Once you check-in at the hut, put your luggage by the assigned area for your sleep and get changed if needed. Take out what you need from the bag now, so that you won’t make much noise later when everyone else is asleep. After you enjoy hot meal and socialize with the people, it’s time to get some rest before the early morning hike! The guide will decide departure time according to the congestion and the weather, normally between 1-2am. The hut will wake you up around the same time if you’re on your own. You can either eat the bento box breakfast now or bring it to the top. Items like towel, ear plugs, and eye mask is highly recommended.

• Q: What’s at the summit?
• A: There are some huts and a shrine. Otherwise there is a area where you can sit down and wait for the sunrise but nothing to block the wind. Depending how fast you hike, but normally you will wait for the sunrise for 30min~1.5hours. Prepare to be exposed in cold and strong wind by bring extra layers. You can use the huts to rest but only for 30-45 minutes maximum and one order of drink or food is required per person.

• Q: Are there bathrooms on the descend?
• A: There are two bathrooms but no huts with shops so buy what you need before descending.

• Q: Can I choose not to take the return bus? Or, what is I miss it?
• A: If for whatever reasons you ended up not taking the bus, you will take the public transportation. If you choose not to take the return bus, please notify Miharashi rest house staff about it. You are responsible for the associated costs and there’s no refund on the service you don’t receive.

• Q: Can I take the same route as ascend?
• A: No. Descending uses a different way that is safer and easier. If you are on your own, please have the map handy so not to take the wrong way at one fork road.

• Q: What should I bring?
• A: Soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels are provided so nothing to bring special really.

• • Q: I have a tattoo. Can I still use the facility?
  • A1: No, if you have a large tattoo. Sorry 🙁
  • A2: Yes, if you have a small tatoo that can be covered by tape (Bring your own tape).