My Experience Climbing Mt. Fuji
This summer my family and I decided to climb Mt. Fuji in Japan. Everyone in Japan knows about this mountain. Many see it as a cultural and spiritual place from it being a sacred symbol of Japan. The mountain is noted to have the tallest peak in all of Japan with 3,776 meters (12,389 ft). Although it is shorter than Denali (which stands at 6,190 meters or 20,310 ft), climbing it is considered somewhat challenging. The constant switch-backs of steep hills and some rock-climbing requires hikers to be in good physical fitness.
To start our climb, we took a bus from the bottom to take us up to 5th level where a tiny tourist town called Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station stands. Souvenir shops, desert stands, and restaurants in the plaza were bustling with activity. Some people simply enjoyed taking pictures while others were getting ready to head up the mountain. This is where many climbers buy wooden “Fuji” sticks that get stamped (similar to branding) at stations along the climb up the mountain.
My family and I climbed the Yoshida trail, which is the most recommended route to the summit. While some may feel distracted by the seemingly calm beginning climb that’s surrounded by trees and rocks, be careful of the pony poop! This pony service attracts many because tourists get to experience climbing on a pony all while leisurely going up a moderately steep route.
The 6th station is where the ascending and descending trails connect. This was where the steep switch-backs start. We took a little break before continuing the climb because after experiencing altitude sickness two years ago, we weren’t taking any risks. We made a plan to periodically take oxygen (from a can) to make the climbing easier and safer. During the break, we decided to take a couple of family pictures and helped take some pictures for others as well. We continued our climb and got to Kamaiwakan, a hut on the 7th station after around 4 hours. We checked in, bought commemoratory stickers, settled into our room, and rested until dinner. A common Japanese dish called “牛丼” or Gyū-don (a bowl of stewed thinly sliced beef and onions on rice) was served alongside miso soup, pickled vegetables, and a jelly treat. After dinner, we decided to wake up at 4:30am and watch the sunrise from the hut. The last time we attempted this climb, we ascended in the dark, which ended up being quite dangerous with heavy winds, almost vertical rock climbing, and sometimes unreliable chains for support. The sun slowly creeped up over a cloud covering the horizon and eventually shot out bright red rays at us. The sunrise was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.
We started climbing again and passed many Torii gates that we had initially thought were the summit. Boy, were we wrong! As we summited after 5 hours had passed since leaving the hut, we were welcomed by two white/gray Torii gates that were guarded by two spiritual monuments. A shrine stood further on the summit level where we paid our respects. I had visited many shrines this trip and tried each of their ”おみくじ” (Omikuji) or luck ratings and advice from the Japanese Shinto God but every one gave me a luck rating of “中吉” (Chyu-kichi) that means medium or moderately good luck. I was determined to get the highest rating “大吉” (Daikichi), which translates to great luck or a lot of good luck. I put my hand into the box and pulled one out by following my gut. I opened it up and it was a 大吉” (Daikichi)!
We celebrated reaching the summit and my great rating by having ramen and some other food from the restaurant nearby. Before heading down, we looked into the crater of Mt. Fuji. It was bigger and deeper than I had expected it to be. It was hard to believe that lava had once blasted out of this same crater in 1708.
Going down the mountain is something that is not mentioned enough! There were approximately 40 switchbacks that seemed to never end. Descending the trail and reaching the 5th station town took us around 5.5 hours. The increasing gravitational pressure, the loose volcanic sand and rocks, and the need to use a lot of thigh muscles made it challenging. The bottom of my feet eventually started hurting to the point where I couldn't stand the pain. To lessen the time spent going down and the slow but intense pressure on my legs, I strategically ran down the hill at lightning speed. Turns out that I had gotten big blisters on both of my big toes!
Traversing Japan’s tallest and most famous mountain over two days taught me that every imposing challenge is achievable through hard work, a strategy, and small steps.
No wonder there are 80 year old senior citizens going up the mountain beside you!
