Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan

Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at a total of 3776 metres, located approximately 100 kms south-west of Tokyo. The official climbing season is July and August, but climbing is still possible until the middle of September if it does not snow, but please keep in mind that all official shops and huts close at the end of August. Mt Fuji is too dangerous in all other seasons to climb with the exception of professional mountaineers.

There are officially four routes for climbing Mt Fuji, making climbing possible to people of all ages. In fact, approximately 300,000 people attempt the climb annually. There are however matters which require attention. Mountain sickness is something which affects some people due to the high altitude above sea level, in which case it is advised to descend immediately.

Furthermore, the summit around daybreak at this time of year is normally less than 5 degrees Centigrade in addition to strong wind, so adequate protection against the cold is necessary. On other days, the day time temperatures can also get very hot, so adequate drinking water is highly recommended. In essence, bad weather, strong winds and lightning can be very dangerous, not to mention falling rocks, sunstroke, cold, heart failure and other accidents which have led to death.

Accommodation on the climb are in the form of huts which normally charge about 7000 yen. Closer to the summit, the scenery can be second to none when the weather is fine. Let's enjoy mountain climbing!

Shops on the summit open from about 3.30 a.m. in July and August but may close during the last five days of the season. Sunrise is generally between 4.30 and 5.00 a.m., when many shout the Japanese phrase "Banzai", a word of celebration and hope for longevity.