The Charm of Mt. Fuji

What's the most tallest mountain in Japan? Of course it's Mt. Fuji, you know.

Even for Japanese people, to climb up the Mt. Fuji is one of the things they are longing for, but 

actually, the available period to climb up the Mt. Fuji is only from early July to early September.

If you miss this period, Mt. Fuji will be closed and no one can get in there.

That's why the Mt. Fuji tour and events around Mt.Fuji is held from the beginning of June, and a lot of climbing gears make good sales from this season. In addition, since the Mt. Fuji became the World Heritage that UNESCO has prescribed in 2013, a lot of people began to start the climbing as a sport from last year.  

What makes people willing to climb up Mt. Fuji? The reasons are not a few.

First of all, Mt. Fuji has the best name value in Japan about its elevation, and its beauty. 

Second, Mt. Fuji's mountain trails are maintained very well, so you can climb up to the peak with sightseeing. Moreover, there is variety of historical sightseeing spots around the mountain trails, such as Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and Shiraito Falls. Those sightseeing spots are very famous among the mountain-climbers to visit.

If you are planing to climb up Mt. Fuji, you never want to miss the sunrise view from the summit of Mt. Fuji. Several Mt. Fuji climbers visit the summit to see this speechless sight of the Japanese No.1 mountain. Only people who reached the summit can see and feel this amazing sunrise view as the reward of the hard exercise. 

Do you feel you want to climb up the summit of Mt. Fuji, now?

Even the beginners can challenge to Mt. Fuji, and its mountain trails are well maintained, it's a highest mountain in Japan, so you need to have knowledge and to be prepared.

With that said, i would like to summarize the notes to challenge the Mount Fuji.

Note 1: The period to climb Mount Fuji is only from early July to early September. 

Mount Fuji is opened only for 2 months. 

Other than this period, snows falling on Mt. Fuji,  and the huts are closed, so it's very dangerous to climb up there. Even in September, the possibility of snowing will be increase. For beginners, to climb Mt. Fuji in between July to August is recommended. 

*Depending on the mountain trails, opening-closing timing varies even during early July to early September, so it is recommended to check  the opening status of each mountain trails before your challenge.

Note 2:The  general route of Mt. Fuji climbing.

You can go by car or bus until Mt. Fuji's 5th station, so it is common to start climbing from 5th station. Then, select the route that fits you from typical 4 routes. The 4 routes are as below.

1. Fujinomiya route ( Trail-head: Fujinomiya 5th station, Shizuoka Prefecture) 

2. Yoshida route ( Trail-head: Fuji Subaru line 5th station, Yamanashi Prefecture) 

3. Subashiri route ( Trail-head: 5th  Subashiri 5th station, Shizuoka Prefecture)  

4. Gotemba route ( Trail-head: Gotemba new 5th station, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Note 3: The weather of Mt. Fuji.

Near the Mt. Fuji's summit, the elevation is 3,776 meters above sea level, the temperature is  6 degree Celsius average in August, the temperature difference between the basement and the summit is about 20 degree Celsius or more. There are 1,000 to 2,000 meters elevation difference between the trail-head and 5th station, in the 5th, the temperature difference between the summit and 5th station will be 10 ℃ or more. 

In addition, you also better to watch out for the winds. 

Near the summit, very strong wind blew, the wind speed exceeds the 20 meters/h, and sometimes it's even hard to keep standing up. In September, snow starts to fall as well. 

Beginners should climb Mt. Fuji in between July and August. 

※ There may be a possibility that snows are  still remaining even in early July.

Note 4: Have enough time to plan your Mt. Fuji climbing.

While Mt. Fuji climbing, sometimes climbers abandon the climbing by altitude sickness. 

Especially in the case of bullet climbing, altitude sickness can occur because the body cannot get used to the altitude. In order to enjoy climbing safe and comfortable, it is necessary to plan the climbing process taking you days to get used to the mountain's environment. 

Note 5: Never forget to carry your snowsuits.

As I explained in Note 4, temperature is different between the starting point and the summit

(Approximately -0.6 degree Celsius in every 100 meters altitude ). Therefore the temperature at the summit is as well as the winters even in the summer season. In addition, when the wind blow, the sensible temperature gets down very quick (-1.0 degree every 1 meter/h) . The summit equal midwinter is the correct thought.

Note 6: Never walk on the outside of the trails.

Walking outside of the trail cause of rockfalls and the lost. Do not walk outside of the trail ways.

Note 7: Keep the mountain clean.

This is not only for Mt. Fuji, but for nature protection, let's take all trashes back.

Note 8: About toilet of Mount Fuji.

When you use the toilet in the Mt. Fuji, usage fee for about 100 to 300 yen is asked as tips. 

In mountain's higher altitude, it takes costs to maintain the toilet, so let's pay the usage fees to use it.

Note 9: Prevent the altitude sickness.

- Before departure, stay and take a break for two hours at the 5th station to get used to the        altitude.  

- Walk slowly at a constant pace

- Take short breaks in certain period. Not too long, not too short is better.

- Drink a water constantly. Risk of altitude sickness increases if you hold to drink water to            avoid to go to toilet..

- Take deep abdominal breathing

Note 10: Go to the hut when the physical condition gets bad.

During Mt. Fuji climbing, you should not do unreasonable behavior.

You must climb at your own pace, and go to the hut if you felt your physical condition worsens, turn back in some circumstances is also an important choice.

Those are 10 important things you have to note when you climb the Mt. Fuji.

Finally, let me introduce you the women's climbing gear shop Arucoco's recommend 

climbing coordinats. 

Recommended Cordinates

When you climb up the high mountains, the head lamps are essential.

When climbing the Mt. Fuji at night, a head lamp that illuminates your feet is the required item. 

Thinking about lighting up your feet from 8 pm to 4 am, it's better to prepare the extra batteries. 

If you align further, sunglasses, neck warmers, crimp tights are also good items to carry with. 

If you want to achieve the summit of Mt. Fuji, and want to see the sunrise view, those items are very very helpful.

Please, have a well preparation, and make wonderful memories.

That's all for today. Thank you for reading.