One of the most popular summer adventures in Japan is climbing Mt. Fuji. This report will show you my second challenge to reach the summit and view the sunrise - "the goraiko".
My challenge of last year failed because of the bad weather at the 8th station. During the last long-weekend, 16th-17th of July, I joined the mountain climbing tour as revenge. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful this time! On the first day, we climbed from the 5th station (2,304 meters) to Toyokan lodge at the end of 7th station (2,910 meters).
Overlook Lake Yamanaka from Toyokan lodge.
After dinner and short nap, we left Toyokan lodge at around 11:00 p.m. and continue ascending towards the top. Although it was in the middle of the night, the path was brightly-lit by moon, stars and flashlights of climbers. The condition was totally different form the last year's climb in a nasty storm...
At around 4:00 a.m., we finally arrived at the summit and waited the sunrise with about 10,000 climbers... and...
4:31 a.m. ...
A breathtaking view of the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Fuji, the highest point in Japan.
It was faster than I expected that the sun showed its whole face. Lights reflected from Lake Yamanaka and the seas of clouds were just fantastic. Many people might pray for the recovery of North East Japan from here.
Then we started descending. It was freezing cold around 5 degree C before the sunrise but the temperature increase immediately once the sun appears. Unfortunately I had anemia by this sudden change of temperature and thin air but the beautiful scenery of sea clouds and extensive forest brought relief for me.
Finally we came back to the 5th station after 5 hours descending. I was so exhausted but really filled with a sense of fulfillment. Furthermore, I felt it is really important to prepare well before the climb to enjoy the adventure safely.
>Click here to see a quick guide on what to bring for the climb. (PDF 345KB)
Anyway my challenge from last summer has finally completed. I am really glad that my revenge to reach the summit and to see the sunrise has been achieved. If you are planning to climb Mt. Fuji, I strongly recommend joining the tour and climbing with professional mountain guide for your safety. Remember, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. JTB Sunrise Tours offers two tour lineups as below from 24th July to 18th August this year. We are pleased to support one of the most memorable challenges in your whole life!
Tour Brochures:
>Mt. Fuji 2-Day Climbing Tour from Tokyo with English-Speaking Guide Service (PDF 980KB)
>Mt. Fuji 2-Day Climbing Tour from Kyoto (PDF 895KB)
by Akane Suga/JTB Sunrise Tours Staff
