Fujisan - the uncontested landmark of Japan
2006-01-12
Early sunrise seen from Mount Fuji
Since ancient times countless pictures, songs and stories have been dedicated to express its beauty - a nearly perfectly shaped volcano towering 3.776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji is Japan's highest and most prominent mountain. Hiking this mountain has been a pilgrimage for centuries and to this day remains one of the most climbed mountains worldwide.
The mountain itself looks more attractive from a distance, but the unique and amazing view of the "Goraiko" (Buddha's Halo Sunrise) from the top of the mountain in the early hours of a clear day is truly rewarding. During the official climbing season, hundreds of equally minded hikers from across the world climb one of several trails leading up to the top of this symbol of Japan.
Hikers on the descenting trail
Various trails leads to the top, most popular is the trail originating at the Kawaguchiko 5th Station in Yamanashi Prefecture. Alternatives include trails from Subashiri, Gotemba or Fujinomiya 5th stations all located in Shizouka Prefecture. We recommend, to scale the entire mountain using the 19-km-long Yoshidaguchi Trail from Fujiyoshida City - the oldest trail to the top of the mountain. With several trails leading up the mountain, precaution should be taken when descending the mountain . A wrong turn might very well lead you into the wrong prefecture, watch the signs instead of blindly follow others on the way down.
Author enjoys being on the top
An attempt to ascend the summit of Mount Fuji should be met with appropriate preparations and respect - it can be freezing even at height of summer, oxygen is limited and strong winds should be anticipated. A good pair of lightweight hiking boots, appropriate wind-resistant and waterproof layers, warm clothing and nutrition is strongly recommended. Supplies on the mountain are limited and expensive. You will be amazed and surprised to see, they even have a drink vending machine placed on the rim of the volcano caldera.
An old Japanese proverb goes "You are wise to climb Fuji once and a fool to climb it twice." A different modified version goes "He who climbs Fuji once is a fool. He who climbs Fuji twice is twice a fool." - Fuji-san is climbed by 200.000 to 400.000 people a year - about one third of those being foreigners. Hardly anyone climbs it during the off-season because of harsh weather conditions - so brace yourself for a long line of climbers - especially on weekends and public holidays.
I say, climb Fuji-san for yourself, enjoy the Goraiko from the top of the mountain, feel great as you have accomplished something only 1% of Japanese will ever do! Enjoy, the experience will stay with you for a long time.
