Fujisan: To Climb or Not to Climb
 

I'm thinking of climbing Fuji when I'm in Japan this summer. I only want to spend one night there, since I have a pretty packed schedule of other places to visit. Do you recommend that I climb it? Is it difficult? I would love to hear thoughts and recommendations from people who have done so. Thanks!

DH has done it years ago, I haven't. It can't be that difficult, considering you're likely to see many septo- and octo-genenarians along the way. From what I understand, the most popular way is to go up to the fifth station by bus, start climbing till 7th or 8th station before dark, stay overnight in a hut, start climbing around 4am in time for the sunrise.

My understanding is that it can take 5-7hrs climbing depending on your pace. I heard some guys have done it as a day trip. The huts are very basic (no shower), can get VERY crowded, needs reservation. DH did say climbing routes get really crowded toward the peak as so many people try to get a glimpse of sunrise (is this a kind of shinto ritual?) And it gets VERY cold even in summer. You'll need solid walking shoes (not just tennis shoes), windbreakers and jumpers--something in layers.

My very good friend and his wife climbed Fuji. They said it was actually quite a strenuous climb; that at the top they were almost crawling on loose gravel. They said it is good climb if you really need to satisfy a dream or if you love being in the midst of huge crowds of people (and litter), but as far as it being a nice nature experience, it did not qualify.

And those 80 or 90 year olds climbing up the mountain are NOT a good indicator of an easy climb! Those are the same grandmas who would pass us on the beginning of long, steep temple stairways, take time to do their temple rituals at the top, then come down past us as we were still only half way up! Well, everybody passes me, but these ancient, bent obachans made my track team daughters look like turtles. ;-)

I climbed when I was 16 and was running cross country and track in high school and I recall it to be quite strenuous. W9London otherwise describes the process quite accurately. Coming down the mountain can be very fast. I think I came down in less than 45 minutes and got rather ill.

Thanks so much for your thoughts everyone!

My very best friend who is in her 60's has climbed Fuji-san 3 times an accomplished hiker. She prepares for her climbs for at least 3 mos prior. The last time a friend went with her and she had to help the friend climb down as her knees and legs were very badly sore,aching, etc. But she says it is well worthwhile. She stays in a ryokan/rv place in Fuji-Yoshida run buy a Japanese/American family. I can get the name if you are interested. There is an old saying To climb Fuji for the first time is enlightening to climb it again is being a fool.

Melen - What is the name of the ryokan in Fuji-Yoshida run by the japanese/american family? I'm traveling alone - would this be an ok place for a young guy? Also, i was thinking of taking the last bus to station 5 and climbing throughout the night to plan and summit around 5am. Is this smart?

Our son just climbed Fuji last week (they primarily went to Japan for the Fuji Rock Festival) - he is 25 yrs old. Although he walks quite a bit, he and his friend found it quite hard going. They set off very early in the morning and were up for sunrise. I have looked at his photos and its very uneven underfoot - lot of lava type stones etc. I think for them the altitude was a problem too. But they are really pleased they have done it and got some marvellous photos at the top.

to jimz

sorry have not checked on post and hope this is not too late for you

The ryokan is Inn Fujitomita and they have a website; just google on to Inn Fujitomita. They are not American but he has lived in USA as a cook for John Wayne. His daughter was educated in US. My friend says the food is wonderful.

My friend says if you're in shape you will do ok. She says what they do is walk for 4 hours and get to the half way inn....to stay for 4 hours of rest...the cost is kind of pricey at $60 just for a place to sleep or rest in one big room but you will need it to acclimate to the height. The walk or run down is quite exciting she said as it is soft cinder and even if you fall down that experience is memorable but not hurtful.

The people at the inn will be most instructive of how and where to go.

Traveling in Japan is quite safe and even if you are alone..

For jimz

have email address for that ryokan you might want to stay at

[email protected]