"Top of Japan" Fuji by Mr.Sparkle

Fuji Travel Guide: 39 reviews and 114 photos

The awe inspireing sunrise of top of Fuji.

There is an old Japanese proverb that goes something like this...

"A wise man climbs Fuji-san once, a fool climbs it many times."

If you've hiked on Mt. Fuji, you would certainly understand. This is not say I regret hiking up Fuji, quite the opposite. My trip there was one of the most memorable times of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The shadow of Fuji-san in the morning

Indeed the hiking season for Fuji-san is short, only spanning from June to August. It is possible to hike off season, but more dangerous.

Why not hike the day after the hiking season closes? Its true that the weather won't be much different.

Well, the one thing that makes hike Mt. Fuji special is that its the group experience that makes it wonderful. Its not a beautiful mountain to see up close. Its a volcano. Very dead, black and ashy. If I had gone alone, off season, I think I would have felt empty. Seeing the sunrise with some many people, it was spiritual. I felt something... special. I can't say what, but you will know when you experience that. Its a moving experience. I would liken it to going to a sporting event or concert but having no one in the crowd but you. It wouldn't be so fun.

We did it!

Hiking Mt.Fuji was a challenge for me. I wanted to see how fast I could make it up. Round off, I made it to the top in 5 and half hours. My group started at 9pm and made it to the top second in my group at 2:30am. I know 5 1/2 hours is no record, but I think its pretty darn good and I'm proud of my hiking time.

Out of my group of 15, only 3 of us made it to the top for the sunrise. The rest were stuck on line. They were pretty close to the top though and were able to see the sunrise fine.

14 out of the 15 made it to the top... one girl couldn't do it and she turned around and went back. That was too bad. I wish she could have made it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The view from the top is amazing!
Cons:It's one ugly mountain!
In a nutshell:There is nothing more Japanese than Fuji-san.

Last visit to Fuji: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Aug 2, 2008
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Reviews (16)

Head light Warnings and Dangers (7)

You may want to consider getting a flash light, or a head lamp for your hike up Fuji. It certainly can get dark on the... more travel advice

Walking stick Things to Do (4)

You can buy walking sticks with bells and flags at the 5th station. Apart from being very useful for the climb, the... more travel advice

see the sunrise Things to Do (4)

Never once thought about seeing the sunrise on a mountain until I hiked Mt. Fuji. I have to say, seeing the sunrise of... more travel advice

Don't get bullied by tour guides Warnings and Dangers (7)

There's been some reports that tour guides have bullied climbers not in their group. For example, my girlfriend was told... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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Marisola Nov 12, 2009 at 5:18 AM

I LOVED Japan! I climbed Mt. Fuji, too! It was the 10th anniversary of my climb on August 1, 2009! I remember it every year! What a great day!
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dancinbudgie Aug 3, 2008 at 3:58 AM

Great page! I never even thought of climbing Mt Fuji! Too many kids under foot anyway!