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Climb Mount Fuji to Meet the Land of the Rising Sun
Published by Elaine Wong, Writer
Country: Japan 
The Experience
What better symbol for mountainous and volcanic Japan, than an active volcano climbed by 200,000 people annually? Mount Fuji, which last erupted in 1707-1708 is a holy site for many Japanese people. The first part of an ancient Japanese saying tells one, "A wise man climbs Mount Fuji once in their life," and there is really no excuse to be unwise since Mount Fuji is only two hours from Tokyo by bus.
Mount Fuji is visible from a distance, and for postcard perfect pictures, you should take them in the towns around the mountain before the mountain looms over you. Before climbing Mount Fuji, you need to decide if you want to climb from the base, or from the halfway-point (as most Japanese do). The area below the halfway-point (fifth station) is more scenic with trees, temples and shrines. They're also considerably quieter. However, it will increase the time to climb Mount Fuji dramatically. Climbing up from fifth station takes three to eight hours depending on individual fitness, timing and weather conditions.
The climb up from fifth station can be grueling for its monotony. After sixth station, the trees disappear and you're left with volcanic rocks and an occasional shrub here or there. The only things that break the landscape up are the various porta-potties, huts and stores. The stores sell everything you might need for the climb – including oxygen - with prices that make theatre concessions seem cheap. The coolest service on sale are the “brands”. Each station/store has a different brand, and they will brand your wooden walking stick for 200 – 300 yen ($2 - $3). Remember to save room for the one at the peak.
While climbing Mount Fuji during the day is safer, many choose to climb at night in order to reach the peak at sunrise. Another reason to climb at night is that there are often fireworks in the summer. If you time it right, you will be able to see fireworks setting off below you. For those who don't want to climb at night, but want to see sunrise, there are mountain huts along the routes, and a sleeping spot can be rented for exorbitant prices. Emerge before dawn to climb the rest of the way.
Seeing the sun rise over the Land of the Rising Sun is a poetic experience. You can see the land of Japan sprawled out below you. The lakes are crystal clear, and mountains stretch out from all sides. Numerous clouds float below, deceptively touchable. There is a shrine, a few stores and a post office at the top. You can also circle the gigantic crater at the top of Mount Fuji, after which, the trek downward beckons.
The hike downwards is considerably faster than the hike up Mount Fuji, as you are sliding down volcanic ash. This is either the best part (for those who like to run down mountains) or the worst (as the ash forms mini dust clouds that coat everything in grey, and there is absolutely nothing of visual interest), but you can meditate on the second part of the old saying as you go down. “A wise man climbs Mount Fuji once in their life, only a fool climbs it twice.”
Mount Fuji is visible from a distance, and for postcard perfect pictures, you should take them in the towns around the mountain before the mountain looms over you. Before climbing Mount Fuji, you need to decide if you want to climb from the base, or from the halfway-point (as most Japanese do). The area below the halfway-point (fifth station) is more scenic with trees, temples and shrines. They're also considerably quieter. However, it will increase the time to climb Mount Fuji dramatically. Climbing up from fifth station takes three to eight hours depending on individual fitness, timing and weather conditions.
The climb up from fifth station can be grueling for its monotony. After sixth station, the trees disappear and you're left with volcanic rocks and an occasional shrub here or there. The only things that break the landscape up are the various porta-potties, huts and stores. The stores sell everything you might need for the climb – including oxygen - with prices that make theatre concessions seem cheap. The coolest service on sale are the “brands”. Each station/store has a different brand, and they will brand your wooden walking stick for 200 – 300 yen ($2 - $3). Remember to save room for the one at the peak.
While climbing Mount Fuji during the day is safer, many choose to climb at night in order to reach the peak at sunrise. Another reason to climb at night is that there are often fireworks in the summer. If you time it right, you will be able to see fireworks setting off below you. For those who don't want to climb at night, but want to see sunrise, there are mountain huts along the routes, and a sleeping spot can be rented for exorbitant prices. Emerge before dawn to climb the rest of the way.
Seeing the sun rise over the Land of the Rising Sun is a poetic experience. You can see the land of Japan sprawled out below you. The lakes are crystal clear, and mountains stretch out from all sides. Numerous clouds float below, deceptively touchable. There is a shrine, a few stores and a post office at the top. You can also circle the gigantic crater at the top of Mount Fuji, after which, the trek downward beckons.
The hike downwards is considerably faster than the hike up Mount Fuji, as you are sliding down volcanic ash. This is either the best part (for those who like to run down mountains) or the worst (as the ash forms mini dust clouds that coat everything in grey, and there is absolutely nothing of visual interest), but you can meditate on the second part of the old saying as you go down. “A wise man climbs Mount Fuji once in their life, only a fool climbs it twice.”
When to Go to Mount Fuji Climbing
The best time of year to climb Mount Fuji is in the summer, because buses and huts are operating. Visitors are discouraged from climbing in May or October since facilities are closed and conditions hazardous. Climbing in winter can be fatally dangerous, and people have been blown off the mountain in the past.
Odds n' Ends
There are four different routes from fifth station to the peak, and research should be conducted beforehand about the routes taken. Kawaguchiko is the most popular route upwards and is easy to get to.
Though the climb from the fifth to eighth stations are usually quite fast, huge bottlenecks start to form from the eighth station to tenth (the peak), since everyone wants to climb up for sunrise. Therefore make sure to allocate plenty of time for the last hurdle.
Remember to bring warm clothing. The peak can drop to 0°C degrees even in the height of summer. Gloves are recommended since the rocks can be sharp. Rain ponchos are a necessity since weather is variable, especially near the peak. Wooden walking sticks can be bought at towns around Mount Fuji or at various stations.
Costs of Mount Fuji tours can vary depending on the route taken, but buses/trains to the area from Tokyo cost approximately 2000 Yen (approx. $20) one-way. Extra money for the shops along the trail is highly recommended. If you are planning on resting at the mountain huts, it usually costs 7000 Yen (approx $70) and upwards per night.
Though the climb from the fifth to eighth stations are usually quite fast, huge bottlenecks start to form from the eighth station to tenth (the peak), since everyone wants to climb up for sunrise. Therefore make sure to allocate plenty of time for the last hurdle.
Remember to bring warm clothing. The peak can drop to 0°C degrees even in the height of summer. Gloves are recommended since the rocks can be sharp. Rain ponchos are a necessity since weather is variable, especially near the peak. Wooden walking sticks can be bought at towns around Mount Fuji or at various stations.
Costs of Mount Fuji tours can vary depending on the route taken, but buses/trains to the area from Tokyo cost approximately 2000 Yen (approx. $20) one-way. Extra money for the shops along the trail is highly recommended. If you are planning on resting at the mountain huts, it usually costs 7000 Yen (approx $70) and upwards per night.
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- Climbing Mount Fuji By Night - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Mt. Fuji - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Going Up - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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