We began our ascent on Mt. Fuji on August 9th at 7:00 p.m. We started climbing Yoshidaguchi Trail, one of the many routes at the base of the tallest mountain in Japan. Climbing Mt. Fuji, a 12338 foot dormant volcano, at night is the traditional way to climb. I had read that it would be crowded, but nothing prepared us for the amount of people on the mountain that night. Earlier in the day, the weather had been very rough. Mt. Fuji had experienced strong thunder storms and even hail. An elderly man had been struck by lightening earlier and killed. But as we began our climb, the clouds parted, the stars twinkled and the thin air cooled as we climbed and began what would become a twelve hour hike to the summit.
This picture begins to capture the crowds of hikers ascending the mountain. At times, we perched on lava stones only to hold the position for a minute before being able to push up and gain sure footing. It went on like this for many hours. I wasn't prepared for some of the steep climbs and rough terrain. As we neared the huts that lined the trails, the rocks were cut into steps and the climb, although difficult was less treacherous.
Here a man burns a symbol into our hiking sticks. At each hut you could pay 200 Yen for a burn. The burns climbed up the stick as we continued to reach new heights. We didn't pass up a single burn! At the end of our hike we had good looking sticks! The important burn, of course, being the summit mark! Monks at the top stamped our stick, too. Because we hiked at night, we were able to get a special Sunrise stamp as well! Our stamps were coveted possessions!
3100 meters is approximately 10,170 feet. We were worried about the altitude. Luckily for us, it didn't bother us. We brought oxygen just in case, but didn't need it. We saw many people unfortunately, along the way, using oxygen and feeling the affects of altitude sickness.
No kidding, this is what the side of the mountain looked like. Many times along the trail, we had to climb similar paths. Don't try to adjust your picture, that is a vertical shot!
The crowds at the huts made it difficult to rest. At one point, Steve and I found a spot along one of the hut's benches, only to be told to get up and move as it was saved for another group!
This is Bob, our sponsor here. We had made it finally, to the 8th station. We were greeted by a large red Tori.
Play for a hysterical account of our feelings 3/4th of the way up!
The crowds at the huts made it difficult to rest. At one point, Steve and I found a spot along one of the hut's benches, only to be told to get up and move as it was saved for another group!
This is Bob, our sponsor here. We had made it finally, to the 8th station. We were greeted by a large red Tori.
Play for a hysterical account of our feelings 3/4th of the way up!
As sunrise approached a hurried and determined emotion fell over all of us hiking. We knew the sun was coming, and we still had a bit to go to the summit. The crowds made it impossible to hike at our own pace making it very frustrating to stand stagnate on the trail as the sun inched its way to the horizon.
As the sun approached, everyone on the path, perched themselves precariously on a lava rock and readied their cameras.
The sun rising in the Land of the Rising Sun. A breathtaking and beautiful sight.
It was all worth it!
After the sun rose, we still had an hour hike to the summit. If we could have gone at our own pace, it probably would've take 20 minutes. The crowds were unbelievable. We were one happy couple to have made it at last!
Perched on top of the clouds! Amazing views!
The crater was unbelievable. It still had snow! It was cold!
A path led around the entire crater. We opted NOT to walk it. Maybe next time!
A path led around the entire crater. We opted NOT to walk it. Maybe next time!
Bob says it all without saying anything at all! We were tired. At this point we had been up all night with no sleep. It had taken about 12 hours to hike to the summit. It took us another 3 hours to make the steep and excruciating descent! We went about 33 hours with no sleep! We were a bit dazed and giddy!
We made it! All in all, it was just a surreal experience. It was amazing to see young and old, men and women making the trek up Japan's famous peak. I can see why Mt. Fuji is such a revered and sacred Mountain. The views from the top were amazing and the experience of watching the sun rise from that elevation is just unrivaled! Steve and I had a great time. (Well, now that the pain in my thighs is gone, I can say that!)
