4 minute read
Climbing Fuji
by Jimbro57
On the postcards, of course, Fuji is beautiful. A snow-capped deity, framed with cherry blossom and cloudless skies, an image recreated in a thousand different ways across the land of the rising sun. Up close and personal, however, Fuji feels different. Earthy, wet and submerged in mist. Slippery, stubborn and chasing my breath.
Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fujisan,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains,
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That picturesque snow blocks the mountain for all but July and August, when most of the 400 000 people who climb it each year do so by night. In Japan, Fuji is sacred and pilgrims labour by torchlight to reach the 6th station for the sun’s first appearance. For pilgrims in search of solitude (and latecomers like myself), the only option in September is to hike by day. Yet the clouds that hover around Fuji-san make the search for sunlight no less optimistic.
During the climbing season, climbers of Mount Fuji are asked to contribute 1000 yen per person at collection stations at each trailhead. The money will be used to cover some of the expenditures arising from the huge number of climbers that visit the mountain each summer, especially regarding the protection of the environment and measures to guarantee the safety of climbers.
The ascent to the summit does not pose any major difficulties regarding climbing skills. Only at some points the terrain is rather steep and rocky. Abundant signs along the trail warn the hikers of other minor problems such as sudden wind gusts and falling rocks. However, the main challenge of the climb is the fact that it is very strenuous and the air gets notably thinner as you gain altitude.
Most people try to time their ascent in order to witness the sunrise from the summit. Also, the chances of the mountain being free of clouds are highest during the early morning hours.
The recommended way of doing this, is to climb to a mountain hut around the 7th or 8th station on the first day and spend some hours sleeping there before continuing to the summit early on the second day. Note that the sunrise takes place as early as 4:30am to 5:00am in summer.
Another popular way is to start climbing the mountain in the late evening from the 5th Station and hike through the night to reach the summit around sunrise. This is a more tiring way of climbing the mountain and is discouraged by the local authorities as it brings an increased risk of altitude sickness and injury.
Ascending and descending the mountain in a single day during daytime is also possible, but again it is not recommended for the same reasons as above. Furthermore, the mountain provides very little shelter, leaving climbers fully exposed to the sun. Visibility also tends to be worse during daytime when the mountain is frequently wrapped in clouds.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the top of the highest point in Japan, Mt. Fuji! But before making your triumphant return to the base of the mountain, check out all the interesting things to do while you are here.
However, in order to experience it, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and to keep the sunrise time in mind. The sunrise starts at 4:21 a.m. at the beginning of July and can be as late as 5:05 a.m. towards the end of August. Plan your hike accordingly in order to not miss out on this spectacular view!
When can you climb Mt Fuji? Ideally, between July and August to be safe. It is possible to summit Mount Fuji in September during the day but you do so at your own risk.
What to wear when climbing Mount Fuji. Plenty of layers for warmth as temperature drops at higher altitude. Sturdy boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing in case of bad weather. Check out what to pack for a walking holiday for more useful tips.
What to bring to Mount Fuji. Nothing heavy. Consider a torch at night, take plenty of drinking water and bring some food. In the peak season, mountain huts serve basic food but it’s best not to rely on this.
The mountain itself may look more attractive from afar than from close up, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing through the early morning hours among hundreds of equally minded hikers from across the world are very rewarding. ◀
