Embark on a 2-day, 1-night adventure to conquer Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, soaring above 3,776 meters into the clouds. Experience the surreal sensation of clouds drifting past your face...


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This travel experience is quite extensive, covering everything from preparation to departure. The content is packed with details and includes around 100 accompanying images.

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Origin Story…

Nong Poh: "Hey, let's climb Mount Fuji together!"

He: (Looking doubtful) "Hey... are you sure?"

Nong Poh: (responding with sparkling eyes) "Sure, it's not difficult, but it takes a long time to walk. Let's go next year, we have plenty of time to prepare."

“Okay, if you don't mind, I'll go with you. But I need some time to get in shape first.”

This is a conversation between me and Nong Poh after the Meeting of the Songkran Japan Trip Group, a group formed by Japanese travel enthusiasts, with Nong Poh and Nong Pang (Nong Poh's wife) as group admins.

At that time, I wasn't sure if I would go. I'm not ashamed to admit that even climbing the Golden Mount left me exhausted. What ultimately convinced me was the prospect of having companions on the journey. I made no preparations for flights, lodging, or expenses, figuring that if I wasn't ready, I wouldn't go. In the end, three people (not including my partner and me) agreed to join, bringing the total to five.

The conversation took place before my trip to Osaka at the end of March, so I didn't pay much attention to it. After reading the previous threads, I realized that it would be a tough trip, with 6-8 hours of walking. I then made a rough plan with my friend about which days to go, and it ended up coinciding with the Asalha Puja holiday.

The lottery was drawn when I went to the "Travel All Over Thailand, Travel All Over the World" event in February. I got a promotion for Cathay Pacific Airways tickets. As you know, it's not easy to get a promotion during the holidays. But that day, I checked it out and there was one. The price wasn't too high, so I could afford it. Plus, I was impressed when I got to sit on a flight to Hong Kong once before.... So I thought, "What the heck, let's go and prove myself!" Let's do it!

Let's get to know Mount Fuji climbing a little. The climbing season is only 2 months, from early July to late August each year. This is because it is the period when the snow on the mountain melts, allowing general climbers to climb. There are 5 climbing routes, but the route we chose is the most popular and they say it is the most convenient (still looking for who they are). That is the Yoshida Trails.

This image depicts a pamphlet available at the Mt. Fuji Safety Guidance Center. The yellow line represents our planned hiking route, highlighting the numerous accommodation options available along the way. We opted for the highest lodging, Goraikou-kan, demonstrating our ambitious spirit.

Understanding Mount Fuji Climbing

Mount Fuji's climbing season is limited to two months, from early July to late August, due to snowmelt. Five designated trails offer access from various cities, including Kawaguchiko, Shizuoka, and Gotemba, known for its popular outlet mall. We chose the Yoshida Trail, considered the most convenient and popular route, accessible from Kawaguchiko or via a long bus ride from Shinjuku.

Preparation for the Climb

After returning from a trip to Osaka during the cherry blossom season, I still haven't started preparing in earnest. Finally, April has arrived, and according to the calendar, I only have a little over two months left. A voice in my head tells me, "It's time to start, man!" I first tried running in the park, but it didn't work out. It was too hot, and I knew I wouldn't last. I also had a history of ankle problems from playing basketball in school, so I decided to switch to working out at the gym instead.

In summary, the elliptical trainer has helped me regain my strength. Initially, I found it quite challenging, but with consistent use, my endurance has improved, and I no longer tire easily. On average, I exercise for 30-40 minutes per day, 3-4 times a week.


For climbing equipment, I rented it in Japan.

Renting is a more practical option as purchasing would incur significant financial strain.

No need to pay for checked baggage. In addition,

Only photographic equipment that can be carried up will be available.

Carefully calculate the weight, as it must include the weight of drinking water and a warm jacket.

Lift Off

The long-awaited travel day finally arrived on July 14th. By this point, I must admit that I had gained a certain level of confidence. "Let's do this," I thought to myself. This was my first time flying to Japan with a layover. We flew with Cathay Pacific, departing from Thailand in the evening, connecting in Hong Kong, and arriving in Narita the next morning. I recently learned that this type of flight is called a "red-eye flight," which departs from the origin late at night and arrives at the destination early in the morning. The flight was too short to get a full night's sleep on the plane.


We arrived in Hong Kong around 10 pm. Looking out the window, the sky was filled with clouds. I thought to myself, "I hope it's not like this in Japan, or I won't be able to see anything when I climb Mount Fuji." Around 1 am, we were called to board the plane. The flight took about 4 hours, and we arrived at the airport around 6 am. (Hong Kong time is one hour ahead of Thailand time, and Japan time is two hours ahead of Thailand time.)

Upon arrival, we checked our luggage at the Touganeya Hotel in the Ueno district. This hotel boasts an excellent location, with convenient access to the subway, JR lines, and the Keisei express train to Narita Airport. It's important to note that most hotels in Japan allow check-in around 3 pm. However, hotels with spacious lobbies often offer luggage storage before check-in. This hotel impressed me greatly. After leaving our luggage, we went out to buy some additional items. Upon our return, our luggage had already been delivered to our room.


Upon returning to the hotel, I checked the items I had rented online. The items had been delivered to the hotel two days prior, and everything was in order. The equipment fit perfectly, and the items were as pictured.

I purchased a can of oxygen at Yodobashi's sporting goods department for 527 yen. However, the price on the mountain is approximately double, around 1,200 yen. I brought it as a precaution for the journey, providing peace of mind.

Climbing Mount Fuji: Equipment Rental and Logistics

Equipment Rental:

Several websites offer online equipment rentals for climbing Mount Fuji. Based on my experience and communication with friends, Kobe Outdoor Rental (URL: http://mtfujirental.com/) provides excellent service and responsiveness. We rented a set for 10,000 yen for a two-day rental period.

Return and Delivery:

Upon descending the mountain, we returned the equipment using the Kuroneko Yamato delivery service (also known as the "black cat" delivery service) available at our hotel. This convenient service facilitated a smooth return process.

Start of the Climb:

On the morning of July 16th, we departed from the hotel early, leaving our remaining luggage behind. We purchased breakfast and drinks to consume on the journey.

We chose to travel by bus to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th station. The bus station has now moved to a new location, not far from the original one. It is still in the Shinjuku area, but they have built a very nice station. It is a building with a bus stop on the top floor, which greatly reduces traffic problems. I wish Thailand would do something like this.

Coordinates of the new bus station: https://goo.gl/maps/KT4M7jwzRr62


The new station is fantastic. On the third floor, there is a simple train schedule display. The train will be waiting at Gate B6. There is an English sign indicating that the train goes to Mt. Fuji 5th Station.


The fare is 2,700 yen per person for the 7:45 AM trip. The details of the bus ticket are shown in the picture. Please allow some extra time as the bus tends to depart on time. When it's close to departure time, get ready, put your belongings under the bus, and then go up and sit in your assigned seat.


The traffic today is quite congested, with intermittent traffic jams. This has extended the usual travel time of approximately 2 hours to almost 4 hours. This is likely due to the fact that my visit coincides with a Japanese holiday, resulting in a significant increase in leisure travel.


Looking up at the sky, it seems that there are quite a lot of clouds today (I forgot to mention that it rained yesterday...a good omen indeed). Let's understand this first: if there are a lot of clouds, it will make it impossible for us to see anything when we walk, as if we were walking in fog, and there will be a high chance of rain. This means that it will definitely make it difficult for us to walk up. If it's heavy, we might not even be able to go up at all.

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As the car ascended to the fifth floor, the temperature noticeably dropped. Dense fog blanketed the surroundings, causing a slight sense of unease. Despite the thick fog, the group continued their journey, hoping that the rain would hold off. Upon reaching the fifth floor, the fog became even more pronounced, enveloping the area in a thick mist. The temperature had plummeted to a mere 20 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat experienced earlier in the day.

After preparing ourselves, we put on our hiking clothes and grabbed some lunch before heading up. A must-do on this trip was buying a walking stick to be stamped at the top. Each level has shops offering stamping services at varying prices, typically around 200-300 yen per stamp.

Upon exiting with all our belongings prepared, we were surprised by the large crowd. It seemed everyone had come out to enjoy the extended holiday weekend. Each person appeared well-equipped, and those with tour guides gathered in designated areas.


Introduction to the Climbing Team

This expedition to Mount Fuji was undertaken by a group of seven individuals, all of whom lacked prior experience in climbing the iconic volcano. The team consisted of:

  • The author (Mr. A) and his wife: Embarking on a journey to conquer the summit of Mount Fuji.
  • Mr. Po and Ms. Pang: A married couple who escaped their parental duties to pursue this adventure.
  • Mr. Big: A solo climber who, despite his seemingly nerdy appearance, demonstrated impressive climbing skills.
  • Ms. Mai and Ms. O: Colleagues of Ms. Pang, experiencing their first trip to Japan, which unexpectedly included an ascent of Mount Fuji.

This diverse group, united by their shared ambition to reach the summit, relied on self-organization and meticulous planning, guided by extensive research and reviews.


Before we start our ascent, we need to pay a fee at the office building behind me. It costs 1,000 yen per person, and you will receive a document and a charm. We started our climb a little late, ideally we should have started earlier, but there's no turning back now.


At the entrance, there are multilingual warning signs. The general message includes instructions for climbing and warnings about falling rocks from above. I also learned from Neng Pang that camping is prohibited on the top. I was initially confused as to why, but now I understand. Therefore, it is important to be careful and avoid walking carelessly.


The weather conditions suggest that we will be walking through fog. The ground is very wet, making it difficult to see more than 10 meters ahead. Water droplets are clinging to our hair and hats. The initial part of the trail is easy to navigate, as it is mostly uphill. We are still walking in a group, and the weather is cool but not cold.


After walking for a while, you will come across a sign indicating a fork in the road. This marks the 6 km remaining to reach the summit of Mount Fuji. From this point, the path becomes steeper and the trees become denser, resembling a rainforest. The tall trees and the presence of ferns and moss along the path suggest that this is the typical condition of the trail.


As we continued walking, we heard a loud "thump" from behind us. We saw a man leading a donkey with someone riding on it, and another donkey carrying luggage. They offered rides from the entrance of the path, but I don't remember the price. It wasn't particularly comfortable, and we ended up having to walk the rest of the way to the 6th floor anyway.

As I walk further, the path becomes clearer, making it easier to see the surroundings. The good omen begins to appear. The path is now made of larger stones, but it is still easy to walk on. It is not too narrow, so people can easily pass each other.


We arrived at the 6th floor in no time. (I thought to myself, "This is easy.") This is the "Mt. Fuji Safety Guidance Center," where there are restrooms and a staff office. Brochures (like the one above) are available, making it feel like a small police station. Here, we started putting on our cold-weather gear, as we had realized that it was much colder than we had expected.


Another sign indicates the distance. I've already covered 800 meters. It's easy. I'm not even tired yet... No, don't think like that. Don't make the same mistake I did. Let's see how I was wrong.

The trail now takes on a zigzagging ascent, with a series of steps leading upwards. As we begin the climb, the initial incline may appear gentle, but it gradually increases with each step. The previously relaxed pace is no longer sustainable, and our speed begins to decrease.

From this point, the group clearly started to separate. Neng Mai and Neng Oh started walking ahead steadily (kids are like that, full of energy). Neng Big was still going strong, walking continuously (this is the right way, don't try to stop often). Neng Pang and Neng Poh were walking ahead at a moderate pace. My speed dropped significantly (I even got out of breath before my wife, no shame in admitting it).


After walking for a while, we reached a rest stop, but it was closed and not offering any services. At this point, my wife had to use an oxygen can. I must say that she was tired, but not excessively so. However, she had little time to prepare and, to be honest, she hadn't done any exercise beforehand. We even joked that this would be a test of my resolve: would I carry her up if she couldn't go on?

I don't need to ask my wife, she knows the answer. If we can't go up, we'll have to go down. There's no other option.


After catching our breath for a while, we saw a young child walking up the hill with their family, seemingly effortlessly. To be honest, I felt a little embarrassed. The child continued walking without even stopping to rest. This gave me a burst of energy. I thought to myself, "I'm not going to let a child beat me!" So I continued walking, determined to reach the top.

It is noteworthy that the Japanese population exhibits a remarkable propensity for walking. Individuals of all ages and genders engage in walking with apparent ease, including elderly individuals who often surpass me in pace. (Perhaps my own physical capabilities are lacking.)


Many people wonder what the view from the top is like. I have captured some images for you to see. As you can see, from the 6th to the 7th floor, the path is made of gravel and stones, but the stones are not very large. However, walking on this path is very tiring because it feels like you can't take full steps.

The landslide mitigation efforts involve the construction of a zigzag path that gradually ascends the slope. Some groups are walking in clusters, while others are spread out. Our group of four is currently trailing behind. The younger members, who are more energetic, have been instructed to move ahead and act as scouts to assess the situation. (Despite the scraped skin on my side, I'll admit that I'm feeling fatigued.)


Despite his waning strength, his spirit remains undaunted, as evidenced by his determined posture.


On a steep and rocky path, a walking stick can be a valuable tool to assist with balance and stability. As the incline increases, it may become more difficult to breathe deeply. To maintain proper breathing, focus on taking slow, deep breaths and avoid rapid, shallow breaths. This will help regulate your heart rate and prevent it from becoming excessively elevated.


This team actually has a slogan they came up with while walking: "Rest at every bend." This means they take a break whenever they reach a bend in the road. This is a clear consequence of not exercising regularly, a classic pitfall for office workers.

Had it not been for this mountain climb, my behavior would not have changed... What you see as fatigue is 30% acting and 70% genuine exhaustion.


Surrounded by gravel and rocks, the only hint of nature was the strange, unnamed flower pictured here. It made me wonder how such a delicate thing could thrive in such a harsh and desolate environment. If even a flower can persevere, how can we give up? With renewed determination, I continued my journey.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

I have never experienced the feeling of walking and suddenly finding myself in another world, but I have encountered it here.

Emerging from the thick fog, we were greeted by a sudden burst of clear, bright skies. Relief washed over us, as we had feared being enveloped in the dense mist we had read about in reviews. We paused to capture the moment, with me even attempting a live stream on my phone.

The initial information I received indicated that NTT-Docomo was the only network provider available on the mountain. I roamed onto their network using my TrueMove H SIM card and was able to connect, albeit with weak signal in some areas. However, I am currently able to live stream from this location. It is important to note that Softbank is now also available on the mountain, providing an additional option for network connectivity.


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Looking back at the path we just walked, we were surprised to realize that we had been walking through clouds. The sky above was incredibly clear. If we were down below now, we would probably see dark clouds. Looking up, it felt as if the sun was very close to us.

Is it hot? Not at all, it's actually quite cool.


From the initial glimpse of the accommodation above (the small corner on the left), we still couldn't guess where our lodging was located. We assumed it was the highest point visible. The number of tourists also started to increase. We stayed there for quite a while, and a sense of contentment filled us. We were glad that at least the weather wasn't bad enough to prevent us from continuing our journey.


The trail became increasingly steep, requiring us to scramble and carefully plan our next steps. At times, we had to pause and observe the path ahead before proceeding. Initially, I thought the walking stick would be cumbersome, but it proved invaluable in providing support as we ascended.

The climb is more tiring than walking on flat ground, but we keep going at a steady pace to avoid getting tired too quickly. It's difficult to know how high we've climbed without finding a sign, which are usually located at major rest stops.


We reached the first rest stop, the 7th station, at an altitude of 2,700 meters. It's a small rest stop with accommodation (we call it a "hut"). However, almost 90% of the accommodation here requires a reservation in advance, otherwise there will be no place to stay. And during long holidays like this, there's no need to ask.


Looking back down, I felt a little proud that we had managed to climb up. However, there were quite a lot of people, and at first, I wondered why there were so many people and what they were waiting for instead of hurrying up.

We have now walked approximately 1.2 km from the starting point on the 6th floor, where staff are stationed. I will create a map to accompany our walk, which will provide a clearer overall picture. Due to fatigue, I have not been taking photos as frequently, and I am also trying to make better time.


Turning the corner after exiting the hut, we encountered a group of people queuing to continue their climb. From this point onwards, the journey took a considerable amount of time, with frequent stops and starts.


This is another accommodation option. Each location has a stamp point. The price starts from 200 yen. Some places offer different options. For example, a special price for a group of two is 300 yen for two stamps. Food prices are around this range, slightly more expensive than downstairs. However, the more expensive option includes a 500 yen (approximately 150 baht) bottle of water (approximately 1/2 liter). Downstairs, it would only cost around 100 yen.

Between floors 7 and 8, there are frequent rest stops, which is the most frequent of all floors. When we were looking for accommodation, we considered these rest stops, but many of them were only available in Japanese, making it difficult to book.


From this vantage point, we could see the accommodation we had just passed. It didn't seem far away, but the challenging climb had extended our journey. We also noticed that the fog below was gradually rising.

It would be unwise to delay any longer. The extent of the fog's ascent is unknown, and I have no desire to ascend a mountain shrouded in mist. Furthermore, the number of people ascending continues to rise.


Looking up, it doesn't seem far. Let's keep going. I haven't taken out the pamphlet the staff gave me to see which is which. I just know that we have to keep going up because we are staying at the last accommodation.

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The incline was not vertical, nor did it require the strength of a professional climber. However, there were sections that required careful navigation and a steady hand. While there was no need to hang from the rocks, it was necessary to use handholds and ropes for support. It was important to choose handholds carefully, as some were loose or unstable. The temperature of the rocks felt unusually warm during the climb, but this was likely due to the exertion rather than any supernatural cause.


This is another hut called Kamaiwakan, located at an altitude of 2,790 meters. Looking at the numbers again after returning, I was surprised. It was only 90 meters higher... Why did it take so long?

Translation:

Translation:

This is another spot, not at Kamaiwakan, but a little further north. The clouds were floating beautifully, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not choosing to stay in this area. The sign on the side indicates that there are restrooms here, with a usage fee of 200 yen per entry. Although the restrooms are located at a high altitude, they are kept clean. This is likely due to the presence of a housekeeper who collects the fees and ensures regular cleaning.


We have now reached another hut called "Torii-So 7th Station". We are still at the 7th level. The landmark is a red torii gate. It's hard to believe that it took us almost 2 hours to walk from the point where we found the first accommodation, around 3:30 pm, to here, around 5:30 pm.


Looking back, we've actually climbed quite high. As of now, people are still making their way up. We don't know where they'll stop to rest. We're not the only Thai group that has come up. We met other Thai people along the way, and some of them are staying at the same place as us.


We continued our ascent and reached another hut called "Toyokan Inn," located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This was the hut we had first spotted from below, perched atop the mountain.

Initially, I intended to capture the ambiance. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed white dots in the sky. What are those? Oh, it's the moon! Has it already risen? It doesn't seem like it's going to get dark anytime soon. (I checked the time after coming down, and it was 6 pm! The sky looked like it was 3 pm.)


Many shops now use electric branding irons instead of traditional fire-heated ones.

Let's take a moment to reflect on our journey so far and the milestones we have achieved.


From this point forward, there will be fewer huts to see. The next one will be on the 8th floor, which is the one the group is looking at now. (8.5 Where am I...T_T)


We are still in the phase of climbing the mountain. For me, I admit that it is hard and tiring. I am frustrated with myself that I should have prepared better, for a longer period. If I hadn't been fit for a while, I might not have made it up there easily.

The sky is now a blue canvas, gradually tinged with the yellow hues of the setting sun. As the sun dips lower, we must find our own resting spots.


As the sun began to set rapidly, we realized that we had run out of time to take photos. We knew then that we were behind schedule.

It is currently around 9 pm. We are now relying on the three people who are ahead of us to help us arrange accommodation. By the time we reach the point we circled in the previous image, it will be completely dark. From now on, we will have to use our headlamps. This place is called "Mt. Fuji Eighth Station Haku-un-so".


At that point, I wasn't sure how far we had come because we didn't know where our accommodation was. After getting off the bus, we checked the map and realized we were halfway there. (Our accommodation is marked by the yellow star.)

We continued our ascent, grateful that the steep climb was behind us. The path ahead zig-zagged upwards, and we found ourselves taking more frequent breaks to catch our breath. We agreed to prioritize safety over speed, carefully managing our heart rate and breathing.

Where is my accommodation?

By now, we hardly see anyone following us. There should only be a few people left. We are probably one of the last groups of the day. The headlamp we received is quite useful. Although it looks small, it is surprisingly bright. We can see the path clearly.


This is another hut not far from the previous one. There is a sign indicating the altitude, which is 3,250 meters at this point. When we arrived, we thought that the place with the lights we saw on the upper level was our accommodation.

However, this is not the case. The actual location is the 8th real station, and our accommodation is located further above it (likely the small light in the far right corner, as seen on the map).


After walking for a while, a large group of Japanese people followed us. I secretly took a picture of them, and this was the last picture of the day.

After that, I just kept my head down and walked. I didn't think about anything. I walked and rested, and it took me almost until 11 pm to reach the accommodation. I didn't do anything. When I arrived, everyone was already asleep. I had to nudge the caretaker to wake up and receive us (they had a sign that said if you had booked accommodation, you could nudge them to wake up). Then we had to go to bed quickly because they would wake us up at 1:30 am to walk up to the top to watch the sunrise at 4 am.

This morning I've been waiting for

At 12:30 AM, the staff turned on the lights to wake everyone up in preparation for their ascent to the 10th floor.

After careful deliberation, our group has decided to continue sleeping. Ascending the mountain at this hour would be unwise. We have opted to witness the sunrise from our current location.

As night fell, people staying at the lower elevations began to ascend the mountain. From the city below, the sight of their headlamps resembled a stream of light flowing towards the summit of Mount Fuji.

To be honest, all we can do is close our eyes. We can't even sleep anymore. It's more like resting to regain our strength.


Unable to sleep, we decided to have a bite to eat, as we hadn't eaten since the previous evening. The accommodation provided us with salmon rice bowls and a box of green tea. Perhaps due to hunger, I found this meal particularly delicious. (However, my companions expressed their dislike, possibly due to the slightly salty sauce drizzled over the rice.)


As some struggled to sleep, others whispered amongst themselves, meticulously packing their bags. We knew we wouldn't be returning here, so we had to carry everything with us as we moved on. I, however, decided to catch some sleep while waiting for dawn to break so I could capture the scene with my camera.


As the darkness began to recede, we eagerly awaited the first rays of light. Gradually, our surroundings became clearer, revealing details that had been obscured by the night.

The vast distance between the accommodation above and the city below is striking. While it may appear close at first glance, the reality is that the separation is significant.


The sky was exceptionally cloudy today, delaying the sunrise. However, the moment the sun emerged from behind the thick clouds was truly breathtaking. The sight was so captivating that it would be impossible to imagine without witnessing it firsthand. The clouds resembled mountains towering over other mountains.


As the clock struck a little past four, the first rays of light emerged from the horizon.

Many tourists also waited to watch the sunset here, as they probably knew that they wouldn't make it to the top in time. Many people took out their cameras and phones to take pictures.


Many people sat and soaked in the atmosphere for a long time. As for me and my friends, we were preparing to move on. The later we ascended, the later we would descend, and we didn't want to risk not making it down in time. We had to catch the last train back to Shinjuku.

The path leading up to the mountain peak was undeniably challenging. The saying "the higher you climb, the colder it gets" proved true, as even with gloves, the chill was palpable.

As people ascended the mountain, they paused intermittently (including myself) to admire the breathtaking sight of the rising sun.

As you ascend the mountain, you will encounter individuals napping at rest stops. It is presumed that they began their ascent early in the morning but were unable to continue due to fatigue. However, it is crucial to choose rest stops carefully, as not all locations are suitable due to strong winds. Seek shelter from the wind when selecting a rest stop.


As we were making our ascent, the group that had started their climb in the early hours of the morning were already beginning their descent. It made me wonder what the view from the summit would be like at sunrise, and how different it would be from what we were seeing now.


As I walked and rested, I began to understand why so many people attempt to hike up here. The view is unlike anything I could have imagined beforehand. Every time I look, the scene changes, as the wind constantly shifts the clouds.


Upon reaching the 9th floor, you will notice a sign, although some may not even realize it. There is a small seating area that doesn't appear to be the 9th floor. From this point, ascend another 400 meters to reach the top floor.


The ascent today was no different from yesterday's. We walked and rested intermittently along the way, and the higher we climbed, the more difficult it became to breathe.

And as we stood there catching our breath, we saw someone walking up. But everyone's eyes followed them in a row. When they reached the spot where I was standing, they suddenly realized what was going on. A woman was walking a Pomeranian dog, walking up the hill. I felt a little embarrassed for the dog, but oh well… I gave in.


We agreed that if we were tired, we would rest. It's okay to rest often, but we have to reach our destination. Actually, it's not a bad thing, because sometimes beautiful moments only last for a moment.

This photo was taken because I was staying here. If I had just walked around without paying attention to my surroundings, I would have missed the opportunity to take this photo.


My friends and I agreed that the section from the 8.5th to the 10th floor was the most challenging. There were several sections that required climbing, which left us exhausted. We took breaks along the rocky path, making sure not to obstruct other hikers.


The white stone torii gate, resembling a gateway to the summit on the 10th floor, signaled our approach to the top. Many, including myself, paused to capture the scene.

I'm almost exhausted. It took me about 3 hours to walk from my 8.5th floor accommodation to the top floor. I started from my accommodation around 4:30 am and arrived around 7:30 am, give or take 10 minutes.


And finally, my wife and I reached the top of Mount Fuji, which we call the 10th station. The pillar you see here stands out prominently and can be seen as soon as you climb up.

Nearly everyone who visits the 10th floor tourist center takes a picture with this pillar, which is located directly in front of the center.


The red stamp serves as further confirmation of your ascent. Unlike the stamps below, which are created by burning wood, this one is made by printing red ink onto the wood. It's almost as if it's a stamp of approval, saying, "You've made it!"


Standing at the edge of the path, we captured the scene we had always admired from below. The sight of people standing there, looking up, had always captivated me. As I walked, I knew I had to reach this spot.

We felt a small sense of pride in accomplishing this together. We didn't think we could do it, considering many people who had attempted it before had turned back due to the weather or exhaustion.

After an arduous climb, punctuated by frequent rest stops and heavy breathing, I finally reached the summit of Mount Fuji with my wife. While I must admit that I was the one struggling more, on the verge of exhaustion, she displayed remarkable strength and perseverance. Standing at the peak, the breathtaking view and sense of accomplishment completely erased all traces of fatigue.


After that, we went to find our friends who had arrived earlier (our couple was the last to arrive). We ended up at a shop that allows tourists to rest upstairs.

After taking a break and having some water, we continued to our next destination: the crater of Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, we were slightly confused. What we saw was not steam from the crater, but rather clouds flowing down and rising up to meet our faces, turning into cool steam. Moreover, due to the excessive brightness of the steam, the photos we took turned out extremely bright. We still wonder why we didn't try to find a different angle to take the photos.


After waiting for a considerable amount of time, the fog showed no signs of dissipating. It would occasionally thin out for brief periods, but not long enough for us to capture any decent photos. Realizing that we were running the risk of missing our ride, we decided to descend. We quickly made our way down, taking different routes than we had used to ascend.

Let's take a look at our return route first. Before we started, we had no idea what the return route would be like. We were only focused on the ascent, and no one told us what to expect on the way back down.

The return journey involves a 5 km walk down a gentle, open slope.


The view during the descent is no less impressive. The clear blue sky contrasts beautifully with the white clouds and the green ground below. In some moments, when the wind blows, you can see the clouds spreading out in a fluffy pattern.

While the narrowness of the path might make some hesitant to walk along its edge, its width is actually sufficient for its intended purpose. This path is primarily used by staff vehicles, such as small crawler-type vehicles, to transport supplies and food from below.


The weather was surprisingly cool despite the sunshine, and it even felt a bit chilly as we started our descent. However, as we continued walking, the temperature gradually rose, prompting me to remove my jacket (a decision I later regretted). The combination of strong sunlight and wind masked the true intensity of the heat. After walking in the sun for several hours with my jacket off, it felt like I had been sunbathing. Upon returning to Thailand, my skin peeled, and it took a while to fully recover.


Translation:

We descend to a point that resembles a junction between the ascending and descending paths on the 8th floor. This is the only point where we can find supplies, including drinking water and food (stock up here, as the next opportunity to purchase water will be at the bus station on the 5th floor).



As we descended, we encountered a group of "pilgrims" walking briskly without any equipment, wearing only ordinary shoes. Their pace was astonishing, leaving us in the dust like a slow train stopping at every station compared to a Shinkansen bullet train. In the blink of an eye, they were out of sight.


This is the first rest stop, roughly equivalent to the 7th floor. After descending almost 4 km, we reach a public restroom. The path continues, but it is no longer as steep as before. Following the path, we will rejoin the original route at the 6th floor (at the location resembling a small police station).


Climbing Mount Fuji: A Guide for Beginners

Reaching the summit of Mount Fuji requires physical preparation and careful planning. Here are some tips for a successful climb:

  • Train for endurance: If you're not an avid exerciser, start training at least 2-3 months in advance. Focus on activities that maintain a steady heart rate and prepare you for sustained exertion.
  • Simulate the climb: Practice carrying your backpack during your training to get accustomed to the weight. Learn proper packing techniques to distribute the load comfortably.
  • Breathe deeply: On the mountain, take deep, full breaths to avoid fatigue. Maintain this breathing pattern while walking and resting, as the altitude affects lung capacity.
  • Invest in proper footwear: Hiking boots are essential for safe and comfortable ascent and descent, preventing injuries and potential setbacks.
  • Pack light: Minimize clothing and other items, as you may not have time to change. Consider using portable cleaning wipes for convenience.
  • Start early: If possible, stay in Kawaguchiko town and begin your climb as early as possible. Traffic congestion can delay your ascent and disrupt your schedule.
  • Fuel your climb: Energy gels are ideal for sustained energy during the ascent.
  • Stock up for the descent: Before reaching the summit, ensure you have sufficient food and water, as there are no shops at rest stops on the way down. The only shop is located at the 8th station, which can be challenging to reach.
  • Descend safely: When descending, step heel-first and take short, steady strides for optimal control and comfort.

Remember, climbing Mount Fuji is a physically demanding endeavor. By following these tips and preparing adequately, you can increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable climb.

For those who want a certificate, you can submit your photos with details such as your name and the date of your climb through an online form. You can then pay the processing fee through a Japanese bank or Paypal. After about 1-2 weeks, you will receive your certificate by mail. The picture shows the certificates of Poh and Pang, which look like this. By the way, if you only reach the 5th floor, there is also a certificate for you. You can choose the type of certificate you want from the beginning, whether you are just visiting the lower floors or climbing to the top.


You can apply for a certificate here. Japan Mt.Fuji Association Website URL is http://www.fujisan3776.com/index_en.html

It is understandable that many readers who have followed this discussion from the beginning may think that...

“Why is it so difficult… Why climb up here? There’s nothing much up there anyway.”

I have heard someone say that

"Perhaps the most valuable aspect of a journey is not the destination itself, but rather the friendships and experiences encountered along the way."


I have personally verified this statement and believe it to be true. We may see stunning and magnificent photographs taken by others, but obtaining them frequently necessitates overcoming significant obstacles. Experiencing it firsthand deepens our understanding that the rewards far outweigh the beauty of a single photograph. This image, in my opinion, is the most valuable souvenir from my trip.


Thank you to everyone who has read the story of this journey. I never thought that a two-day, one-night climb of Mount Fuji would inspire so much writing.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who endured the hardships of this journey together. It is these shared experiences that truly elevate the value of our travels, far beyond simply reaching the destination. Together, we have forged memories that will forever be cherished.

Climbing Mount Fuji: A Guide for Aspiring Hikers

This article details the experiences of a group of friends who successfully climbed Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their insights and recommendations aim to assist aspiring hikers in planning their own ascent of this iconic peak.

Thank you to everyone who has been following my journey. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to ask. You can also follow my travels on my fan page at [link to fan page].

https://www.facebook.com/naisoop

Or other social media channels

Website: http://www.naisoop.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/naisoop

See you again in the next review.

# Japan
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