Climbing Mt Fuji
Ever since I first visited Japan I've been wanting to make the climb, and finally got around to it in late August 2011.
Bus from Shinjuku up to the 5th Station.
The challenge in sight!
Even at Mt Fuji we get to experience some Engrish.
From here on, you have to pay when going to the toilet. Here at the 5th Station, you should put in 50 yen for doing your thing. Quickly becomes more expensive as you climb, but most stops still use these unmanned collection boxes.
Walking sticks are available for those who feel they need one. Buying one with a flag on, you support The Great Tohoku aid.
A long way to go. It's pitch dark, so a head light is strongly recommended.
One of the last stops that provide snacks. Stops further up will only provide some (expensive) food.
If you bought the walking stick, you can pay to have it branded. Each stop has their own brand.
Taking a break at the 7th Station. Remember to take many breaks, or the altitude sickness will easily kick in.
Was way too tired to take pics the rest of the way. Here we have finally arrived at the summit.
Waiting for the sun to rise.
Looking down, there's a long line of people walking up. From the 8th station to the summit, we were basically standing in a slow moving line.
The sun rise over Japan. Was well worth it.
Taking a look down the volcano.
As we start to walk down, there are other people walking up. Did they miss the sunrise?
Finally back at the 5th Station. Lots and lots of people preparing to start their climb. You can also see someone being carried on a stretcher. The climb is not to be taken lightly.
Also lots of people crashing down after finishing a very exhausting climb.
Was starting to get foggy, so I guess we were lucky to have a somewhat clear sky at the summit.
Wow awesome. Good job!
お疲れ
absolutely fantastic !
Absolutely gorgeous!!
I was thinking about this trek but I'l be in the area between May27-June 7th that is just before the hiking season for it so maybe next visit. Next year I have plans to hike thru the Appalachian trail though....
Well, they do say you can put anything in a curry and it will taste good.
Awesome! I love Fuji-san. I've been twice, but both out of season. So I've only ever made it to the 7th station.
The thing is that the part after 7th station is so much more exhausting than the first part. Felt like it would never end. Best be well prepared.
Really nice pictures; I climbed in August 2007, just before I left Japan last (~sigh~)... I was on a day climb, instead of the night climb, and I really want to go do a night-time one sometime soon.
Though, honestly, I think doing it in the daylight first (but who climbs twice, honestly?!?) would help a heck of a lot. That climb is no joke, especially that last switch-back stretch from, I think Station 9 up to the Torii gates. Yeesh!
Maybe I should bandwagon here and post a few pictures of my own, eh?
Thanks for your comment! I want to do my next climb in daylight, but since I already did Mt Fuji, I will try to tackle Kitadake, Japan's second tallest mountain, instead.