Kagoshima - Hiroshima - Kyoto/Nara/Osaka - Fuji - Tokyo

Hi James,

I think your idea will work out well and certainly and will make for a fine trip.
The journey time from Kagoshima to Kyoto is just under 5 hours (289 Minutes) and Hiroshima is directly on the route. This means that you could certainly spend several hours to half a day there before traveling on to Kyoto, it is also a nice break from all the travel.

Both Osaka and Nara can be reached from Kyoto within an hour. The travel time from Kyoto to Osaka station is only 29 minutes with the Shinkaisoku train and can be used with the JR Pass.

About climbing mount Fuji: Most people actually start one day than spend the night in one of the huts among the mountain train to see the sunrise in then morning after reaching the peak. This is by far the best experience you can have whilst climbing. Otherwise I would stay the night close by and start climbing early.

I hope this helps!
-Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your help and advice.

I've been looking up the Mt Fuji situation and what you said seems like a great idea! I was just wondering however, what's the best way to book one of the mountain huts? I've only been able to find phone numbers online but I don't know which trails those huts are on...(we would like to go up the more popular Yoshida trail in case we get caught behind the human traffic and don't make it to the summit in time for the sunrise!).

Thanks,

James.

Hi James,

I know that some people who go up to Fuji just pick a hut when they feel they had enough of a walk for the night.

You could also ask the one of the tourist information around Tokyo or Fuji to make a call in advance for you to make a reservation.

I hope it all works out! You can also contact the guy running the above blog via iadfuji@fujiyoshida.lg.jp, he seems to be very knowledgeable about Fuji.

I hope this helps!
Daniel