Climbing Mt. Fuji, Huts, 5th Stations

I apologize if this was asked at some point earlier. I will be climbing Mt. Fuji in July 2009 - planning ahead - and I have 2 questions:

1. Is it possible to ascend the mountain from the Kawaguchiko 5th station, but descend via the Gotemba trail, ending up at the Gotemba 5th Station so that I can easily hop on the bus to Gotemba Station and hop on the train to Izu?

2. Has anyone stayed at the Taishikan or Fujisan Hotel mountain huts? Are they decent?

Thanks.

Is it possible to ascend the mountain from the Kawaguchiko 5th station, but descend via the Gotemba trail, ending up at the Gotemba 5th Station so that I can easily hop on the bus to Gotemba Station and hop on the train to Izu?

Yes! You can expect similar timetables to this year's ones:
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/fuji_season.html

Has anyone stayed at the Taishikan or Fujisan Hotel mountain huts? Are they decent?

I stayed at one, although I can't remember the name. I think all of the huts on Mount Fuji are decent, but like all mountain huts, very spartan. They can also get very crowded during the peak days.

As always, thanks for the info Uji. I'm planning on going on Friday July 3rd. The very beginning of the climbing season. Would you know if Friday nights at the beginning are usually crowded or considered "peak"?

No, Friday evenings in the first half of July are not considered peak season.

Hi, I just wanted to add a comment that at the beginning of July some trails may be blocked due to lingering snow. For example, this year the Gotemba Trail was blocked until July 8th. ( http://mountfujiguide.com/blog/4plus/143 )
No one can predict the climate of the next year accurately, but you may want to keep the possibility in mind.

Thanks everyone for all of the info. I will make back-up arrangements if we are unable to make the climb.

I stayed at Gansomuro at 3250 M this year. It was good. but costs 9000yen though, incldues 2 meals