Mt. Fuji Climb
WillhiteWeb.com: World Travel
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, one of the most well-known mountains in the world, and arguably one of the most beautiful with its symmetrical cone, which is snow-capped for about 5 months a year, and commonly used as a symbol of Japan. Fuji is probably the most climbed mountain in the world and one of the highest tourist peaks. In summer, no experience or skills are necessary, just a determination to reach the summit. In route up the mountain, you can purchase food and drinks, including hot soups and noodles, some clothing like gloves and hats, as well as find shelter in numerous stations. The main tourist route is so crowded that near the summit, just before sunrise, there are long waits on the trail since you are not to leave the main chained in path. The highest point is on the far rim of the crater and requires another half-hour or so to reach. Probably less than a third actually go to this highest point.
Elevation: 12,388 feet
Hiking Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Access: Direct bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo
Fifth Station Trailhead
Views in the first few minutes
Hikers going down the down trail
The down trail is nice and sandy at first, then has more rocks instead of sand
Fuji crater
20 year anniversery to the day
Victory
Vending machines at the summit (the rumor is true)
Breakfast, a 6 dollar cup of soup
One of the many stations along the way
Climbers nearing the rim
National Park sign
Nearing sunrise
Sunrise
Watching the sunrise
Morning
What everyone got up early for
Obelisk at the true summit
At a station with the lights of other stations above
On the crater rim trail looking back up at the true summit
Shops on the crater rim
Summit post office
A map given to us at the first station
View from the true summit showing part of the route around the crater
Watch the video on Youtube: