Mount Fuji

September 11-12, 1999

In September 1999 I did what every visitor to Japan must do once (but only once!): I climbed Mt. Fuji (or Fuji-san, as the Japanese call it). The idea is to climb through the night, arriving at the top in time for sunrise. So my six friends and I began the climb from the fifth stage, already about 2300 meters up, around 10:00 PM. The official Fuji "climbing season" is in July and August (by definition this is summer in Japan), so we were admonished on a few occasions not to make the climb. Abunai!! (Japanese for dangerous) we were told, but the reality is that conditions are fine on either side of this very arbitrary time period. This also means that we avoid the throngs of people who make the trek during the official season.

In reality, while very majestic when viewed from a distance, the scenery on Fuji is rather bleak. It's cold and windy on the way up, and you roast in the sun on the way down. And the landscape would probably remind Neil Armstrong of the moon: nothing but volcanic rocks and dirt (often blowing in your face). Nonetheless, it was worth it to me to see the sunrise from the top. But as the Japanese say, you're wise to climb Mt. Fuji once, but a fool to climb it twice. I have no intention of being a fool!

My fellow climbers and I posing at Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park. Prior to tackling Fuji-san, we attempted a more modest goal: the log flume. Heading to the top of the log flume. Splash!!

The mighty Fuji-san from the fifth stage (about 2400 meters) where we begin the climb. I figured a little prayer would be in order before the climb. Trying to stay warm while waiting to begin the climb. We didn't want to start too early and get to the top long before sunrise. Sunrise from Fuji (around 5 AM). I am not quite at the top, but real close. Though extremely cold and exhausted, this is truly an exhilarating moment.

I have landed on Mars! Actually, it's the barren, volcanic landscape of Fuji just after sunrise. You can see how far I am from the top. It doesn't seem like much, but after a six hour climb, it was grueling! Looking down into the crater. Fuji-san has not erupted since 1707, so I felt reasonably safe taking this picture. The view from the top (3756 meters). A tired and cold but happy group at the top after conquering Fuji.


My fellow climbers and I posing at Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park. Prior to tackling Fuji-san, we attempted a more modest goal: the log flume.	Heading to the top of the log flume.	Splash!!


The mighty Fuji-san from the fifth stage (about 2400 meters) where we begin the climb.	I figured a little prayer would be in order before the climb.	Trying to stay warm while waiting to begin the climb. We didn't want to start too early and get to the top long before sunrise.	Sunrise from Fuji (around 5 AM). I am not quite at the top, but real close. Though extremely cold and exhausted, this is truly an exhilarating moment.


I have landed on Mars! Actually, it's the barren, volcanic landscape of Fuji just after sunrise. You can see how far I am from the top. It doesn't seem like much, but after a six hour climb, it was grueling!	Looking down into the crater. Fuji-san has not erupted since 1707, so I felt reasonably safe taking this picture.	The view from the top (3756 meters).	A tired and cold but happy group at the top after conquering Fuji.