8 things you need to know before you climb.
3,776 meters, or more impressively, 12,389 feet. That is the elevation you will be standing at should you brave a climb to the summit of Japan’s greatest icon, Mt. Fuji. The climbing season is a short 62 or so days a year from the beginning of July to the beginning of September (depending on the year) and upward of 300,000 people attempt the climb each season. If an assault on Fuji is on your Japan bucket list, here are 8 things you need to know to make your climb all it can be:
1. The temperature on the summit of Mt. Fuji has more in common with the North Pole than with the rest of Japan. There isn't a single climbing season that goes by without a number of hikers having to be rescued or dying of exposure because they were not adequately prepared. Pack warm clothes, waterproof outer layers and, most importantly, wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes. He who climbs in sneakers or sandals will suffer the agony of de feet (pun intended).
2. Pack all the food and supplies, especially water, you will need for the climb. Mt. Fuji might be like the rest of Japan in having a vending machine every few hundred meters, and a number of mountain huts (known as stations) that sell drinks and supplies, but as the elevation goes up so to do the prices. A bottle of water that costs ¥100 at any convenience store costs ¥500 by the time it reaches Mt. Fuji’s summit.
3. Give yourself plenty of time! The climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji can take 6-9 hours depending on fitness, weather and a number of other factors, and then half or more of the ascent time to get back down. Factor that in when planning your hike.
4. Don’t climb Mt. Fuji at night! Make the ascent during the day and stay the night at one of the summit lodges or at one of the huts high on the slopes. Just before dawn you'll be able to attempt the last leg of the climb. You’ll be able to see where it is you’re going and, weather permitting, the expansive view of the surrounding area. The lodge will provide dinner and breakfast bentos (packed lunches), and a wake up call that will get you out in time to see the sunrise.
5. Pace yourself and be willing to call it quits! Climbing Mt. Fuji means going from sea level to an elevation of nearly 4 kilometres in a matter of hours. Altitude sickness can strike even the fittest of athletes. Going too hard can speed the onset of altitude sickness and exacerbate the symptoms. Altitude sickness can manifest itself as a headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness and fatigue. If symptoms become severe CALL IT QUITS and get to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Forcing the climb can be life threatening.
6. Mt. Fuji’s toilets are pay toilets! Many of Mt. Fuji’s toilets require a usage fee (it goes towards maintenance and preservation work). It’s best to do any business at the 5th Station or at the lodge one will stay at. Expect to cough up ¥200 or more if you end up needing to take a trip to the john.
7. Avoid the Lake Kawaguchi Yoshida-guchi trail! This is the most popular climbing route and the most crowded. The jams created by the sheer number of climbers are frustrating and can detract from the overall experience. Climb via the Fujinomiya Route on the south side of Mt. Fuji. It might be the steepest of all the routes but it’s also the shortest. Buses also run directly to the Fujinomiya Trailhead from the Shin-Fuji Bullet Train Station making access easy.
8. Descend by the same trail you came up! There are 4 established routes up Mt. Fuji. Climbing down the wrong one could put you on the wrong side of the mountain and a long way from your next destination.
Hiking around Mt. Fuji’s crater, sending post cards from the post office at its summit, getting a hiking stick stamped at each of the huts along the trail and turning away from the sun to see Mt. Fuji’s vast shadow on the surrounding clouds or landscape are all summit experiences that are not to be missed. Safe climbing!
Works consulted:
Author’s ascent August 2nd-3rd 2010