Climb Fuji from Fujinomiya starting 11am

I have no interest in hiking through the night or staying in a mountain hut. I'd like to hike from Fujinomiya 5th station and do it in one day. The bus, according to the 2008 schedule arrives at 10:45am. Is that enough time for two fit adults to return to the 5th station by 6pm or so. OR, should we take a taxi from Shin-fuji station to arrive earlier than the bus? I have only one day to hike so money is not an issue.

If you are in great physical condition, you might be able to do it. More average climbers are more likely to require 8-10 hours for the round trip.

Uji, Thanks for your response. Do you or anyone else have any idea how much a taxi would cost to Fujinomiya 5th station from the Shin-fuji train station? And does anyone ever stay at the 5th station and use it as a way to leave at 8am for example?

Thanks

Do you or anyone else have any idea how much a taxi would cost to Fujinomiya 5th station from the Shin-fuji train station?

It is about a 50 kilometer ride. Roughly estimated, it will probably cost around 10,000 yen one way. You could save a little bit by taking a taxi from Fujinomiya Station, instead.

And does anyone ever stay at the 5th station and use it as a way to leave at 8am for example?

There is a mountain hut at the Fujinomiya 5th Station:
http://live-fuji.jp/fuji/scott/huts.html

A taxi from Fujinomiya to the 5th station is approx. 10 000 Yen.

A final follow up....Are there taxis "waiting" to pick up passengers that finish the hike or would it be wiser to set up an appointment with our driver for a pick up 10 hours later (at 6pm)?