I started my climb at mid-day on Thursday August 30 2012.
I reached Station 8 at approximately 3000m around 4:30pm and decided to spend the night at a mountain hut.
I resumed my walk on Friday morning August 31 2012 at 2:00am.
I reached the summit at 3776m at 5:00am.
The decent took about 3 hours.
It took 90 minutes to go from Shinjuku Bus Station (Tokyo) to the 5th station by bus (Keio Bus).
The 5th station is the usual starting point for the trek to the summit. There are many restaurants, souvenir shops and supply shops. It can get quite crowded as it is a popular stating point for hiking and trekking groups going to the summit. The 5th station is at the 2300 meters mark up Mt. Fuji.
Advice:
1. Don’t carry too much – I saw people carrying very large backpacks with too many contents. Walking from station 5 to the summit is basically a day-trip so don’t pack and carry too much – use a day pack.
2. Don’t carry food & water as you can buy it along the way – less to carry.
3. For rain protection just carry a small poncho – very light.
4. If you feel tired don’t be afraid to have a good rest. I rested for 45 minutes at one stage and then felt fine and kept going to the top.
5. Eat and drink lightly along the way (snack often) – don’t have one big huge meal.
6. If you are travelling with friends or in a group realize that people will feel tired / weary at different times. Not everyone gets tired at exactly the same time. Be prepared to wait for each other or even better break into smaller groups or continue alone and meetup at the top.
7. Beware coming down – it was horrid. Not many shops to buy food / drinks and very steep and dusty. Have some food in reserve (chocolate) and be prepared for a 3 hour steep boring dusty rocky walk down.
Music Credits:
1.
Purple Planet Music – Evolution
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2.
Track: Feeling Good — Broke in Summer [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:
Free Download / Stream:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3.
Purple Plant Music – Dreamcatcher
AloJapan.com