Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji is a 168km ultra marathon in Kawaguchiko, Japan. Distance: 168km. Elevation: 8,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 61/100). DNF rate: 35%. Time limit: 46h. Surface: trail. Established 2012.
Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji
Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan
"Circle Japan's sacred mountain — 168km around Mount Fuji with 8000m of climbing through ancient forests."
A circumnavigation of Mount Fuji — 168km around Japan's most iconic mountain through volcanic forests, traditional landscapes, and the Fuji Five Lakes.
The Course
A circumnavigation of Mount Fuji through forests, mountain passes, and the Fuji Five Lakes region. The course doesn't summit Fuji but circles it on trails through ancient forests, volcanic terrain, and traditional Japanese landscapes. One of Asia's premier mountain ultras.
mountainous
loop
14
1,800m
6
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
10°C
065%
35%
April in the Japanese mountains. Cool, often cold at altitude. Rain possible. Cherry blossom season in lower areas.
Stats & Records
2012
1,200
34:00:00
18:58:22
Sho Matsumoto (2023)
22:45:12
Fuzhong Song (2022)
Entry
¥33000
September
instant
Lore & Trivia
UTMF circles the base of Mount Fuji — Japan's most sacred mountain and one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones on earth. The 165km route stays below the treeline, threading through dense forest, volcanic rock fields, and the Five Lakes region at Fuji's northern base. Running around a volcano that is also a Shinto shrine gives UTMF a spiritual dimension that few ultras possess. Japanese runners bring a reverence for the mountain that goes beyond sport — Fuji-san has been climbed by pilgrims for centuries, and UTMF runners follow in that tradition, circling the mountain rather than ascending it. The race typically falls during the cherry blossom season, when the course is carpeted in petals and the mountain floats above pink clouds of sakura.
- ▸ 165km circumnavigation of Mount Fuji — Japan's sacred volcano.
- ▸ The route passes through the Aokigahara forest, one of the most mysterious woodlands in Japan.
- ▸ UTMB World Series event — Japan's most prestigious ultra.
- ▸ Cherry blossom timing means runners may see the course carpeted in sakura petals.
- ▸ The Five Lakes district at Fuji's base provides some of the most scenic running on earth.
- ▸ Japanese running culture emphasises respect for nature — littering is unthinkable.
- ▸ Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707 — the race circles an active volcano.
- ▸ The race village atmosphere is uniquely Japanese: organised, respectful, and immaculately clean.
You do not run around Fuji. You are permitted to circle it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji is a 168km (168km) ultra marathon with 8,000m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 61/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 35%. Runners have 46 hours to finish.
How do I enter Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
UTMB Index or ITRA points qualification required. Entry is by lottery. Entry costs ¥33000. with a maximum of 2400 starters.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
Average temperature is 10°C with 65% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. April in the Japanese mountains. Cool, often cold at altitude. Rain possible. Cherry blossom season in lower areas.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
The men's course record is 18:58:22 set by Sho Matsumoto in 2023. The women's course record is 22:45:12 set by Fuzhong Song in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji? +
The average finish time is 34:00:00. About 1,200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 35%.
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