I actually wished to hike Mount Fuji. All the blogs and Mt Fuji mountaineering guides I learn mentioned that it was difficult to climb to the Mount Fuji summit, however that was because of the size of the hike, not the precise terrain. I didn’t prepared something that mentioned: “to get the Mt Fuji summit on the Yoshida Path, you may be scrambling rocks and miles will take shut to 2 hours. Perhaps if I knew how arduous mountaineering Mount Fuji was, I wouldn’t have wished to do it. It’s arduous!
Earlier than mountaineering Mount Fuji, I had a number of questions:
What’s it like climbing Mount Fuji?It’s scrambling for 3 miles (assume you might be possible not going to common greater than 1 mile per hour for a lot of elements, if not nearer to 2). In case you can’t deal with rock scrambling, this will not be the hike for you.
What makes climbing to the Mt. Fuji Summit totally different? It’s very a lot commercialized and also you most likely received’t go greater than 10 toes with out seeing one other particular person. (They’ve restricted it to 4000 individuals per day). I assumed it might really feel crowded however it by no means did. In addition they have a number of support stations the place you should purchase meals, drinks, and get your strolling stick stamped. There are even Mt. Fuji lodges you can keep midway up.
Must you get a mountaineering stick for climbing Mount Fuji?Instantly sure. Get one on the backside and you’ll pay to get your stick branded by the totally different stops. My Mount Fuji mountaineering stick appeared superb on the end. Plus, the mountaineering stick really offers a whole lot of stability on the free rock.
About Mount Fuji:
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters (12,389 toes), is a bucket-list vacation spot for hikers and journey lovers worldwide. It’s technically nonetheless an lively volcano. This majestic mountain, with its completely symmetrical cone, shouldn’t be solely a pure surprise but in addition a cultural icon.
Climbing Mount Fuji is commonly described as a strenuous however achievable problem for hikers of various ability ranges. I’m right here to disagree that it’s not a simple hike in any respect. It’s strenuous and we had been on the market for over 9 hours. The mountain is split into 10 stations, with the commonest beginning factors for climbers being the fifth station. We began our hike on the Mount Fuji fifth station.
There are 4 fundamental trails resulting in the summit: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. The Yoshida Path (what we did) is the preferred, particularly amongst first-time climbers, because of its accessibility and well-developed services. The Mount Fuji Yoshida path has maintained loos and support stations alongside the best way (so convey additional yen as a result of the Mt Fuji restrooms do price cash).
Lastly, the climate on Mount Fuji might be unpredictable and harsh. Even through the official climbing season from early July to early September, temperatures can drop considerably, particularly on the summit. Rain, wind, and sudden storms are additionally widespread, making it necessary to examine the climate forecast and be ready for numerous circumstances. Once we hiked Mount Fuji on July third, the bottom of the mountain was within the 90s; nonetheless, through the Mt Fuji hike, we handled a whole lot of wind and the Mount Fuji summit was 38 levels. I wore two windproof jackets for many of the Mt Fuji hike.
On the Yoshida path, you should buy a strolling stick on the fifth station. Through the hike, you may pay to have your strolling stick stamped. In case you’re , I recommend bringing about 20,000 yen for the stamps. It’s positively value it and makes for a cool souvenier. Plus, having the strolling stick really helps on a few of the uphill climbs and descents.
New this 12 months is Mt Fuji solely takes 4,000 individuals per day, and it’s essential to make reservations. You may make your Mount Fuji reservations right here.
My Expertise to the Mount Fuji Summit:
Gear used for the Mt Fuji hike:
Hoka Tecton X: You want correct footwear to climb Mt Fuji. I extremely advocate a superb pair of path footwear or boots as a result of there may be a whole lot of climbing and free rocks. You’ll possible fall with out them.
Jackets: Gore-Tex and Final Route for wind safety.
Hat and gloves: (utilized in July!)
Pack: Final Route.
Vitamin: Bonk Breakers, UCAN.
Electrolytes: DripDrop and MapleAid.
Bonus: Candy treats and sushi (I ate so many candy treats yesterday).
We began our Mount Fuji summit journey round 6 am. We walked to the native bus station. Although the primary bus was at 6:40, it was fully packed earlier than 6. That was our first mistake, and if you’re attending to Mt Fuji through bus, you must get there effectively earlier than 6 to safe a spot on the primary bus. We had been going to be on a minimum of the third bus (attending to Mt Fuji round 10 am), so we opted for a cab. With 5 individuals, the cab was about the identical price as a bus. I feel I’d advise a cab to the Mount Fuji fifth station regardless.
As soon as we obtained to the Mount Fuji fifth station, we obtained our strolling sticks and a locker. I selected a medium-size strolling stick so I might match it into my suitcase. Spoiler: it’s nonetheless too massive, and I’ll mail it again. The primary mile of Mount Fuji goes downhill for a bit. You assume: why am I going downhill? Don’t fear, you’ll go 5,000 toes uphill within the subsequent 3.5 miles. We hit the primary mile of Mt Fuji in 27 minutes and thought: wow, we’re doing nice. Oh, little did we all know.
The primary little bit of Mount Fuji is simply switchbacks and pretty straightforward (however steep climbing). We obtained to the seventh station and obtained our first stamps. From there, you might be strolling (climbing) virtually immediately uphill on volcanic rock. It’s pure scrambling for nearly 2 miles. We took loads of breaks, and the subsequent two miles had been 1:47 and 1:43, with the breaks. Through the Mt Fuji scrambling session, I actually didn’t assume I’d make it to the Mount Fuji summit. It was simply so arduous, and we had been transferring so gradual. The strolling stick positively helped with stability.
We hit 3 miles of Mount Fuji in round 3 hours, and the subsequent 1.5 took one other 2 hours. Throughout that point, I ate so much and drank so much. By then, we had been effectively over 11,000 toes. In case you wrestle with altitude illness, ensure to be ready.
Lastly, we noticed an indication for 400 meters to go. As somebody who lately ran 400 meters in 1 minute and 18 seconds, it was very soul-crushing to realize it was going to take us about 40 minutes to go 400 meters. LOL, and it did.
As soon as we reached the Mount Fuji summit, it was disappointing to see the ultimate support station was closed. It was additionally very windy and chilly. I wanted a hat and gloves and began to get a bit hypothermic. I can’t think about mountaineering to the Mt Fuji Summit if it’s wet, so examine the climate! After hanging round, testing the summit, and enjoyable, we headed down the impassable path.
The impassable path has minimal services, and it’s a really free rock switchback to the underside. You’ll be able to look down and see individuals 1,000 toes under you on the switchbacks. However I feel it’s so much simpler to take the impassable path down Mt Fuji. We averaged round 4 hours to get down. Through the first elements, I used to be a bit nervous as a result of it was so windy, and typically I felt like I used to be going to blow off the facet of the mountain. However we simply saved placing one foot in entrance of the opposite and eventually made it again down and accomplished the Mt Fuji hike in about 9 hours and 20 minutes. I actually want the path was like that the complete time. I used to be not a fan of the scrambling uphill for 2 miles.
Mount Fuji Conclusion
Make no mistake, the Mount Fuji summit is difficult, and also you have to be ready with correct gear, footwear, and meals. If you’re visiting Japan or only a native, it’s an incredible attraction to do. However I can not understate how arduous climbing Mount Fuji is. Am I glad I did it? Certain, however whew it was not straightforward and I had some actually low moments. Not simply with the uphill however with the neverending downhill too.
Would I like to recommend mountaineering to the Mount Fuji Summit? Sure, it’s a whole lot of enjoyable. However it’s essential to realize it’s very difficult and you will want to be in fine condition or have skilled for it. If I hiked the Mount Fuji summit once more, I’d contemplate getting a lodge and staying in a single day and doing it in two days. I feel it might be extra enjoyable.
You’ll be able to see all hikes right here and strava right here.
Questions for you:
Have you ever hiked Mt Fuji?
What’s the hardest hike you’ve performed?
