[Japan] Climbing Mount Fuji is actually not difficult (Sunrise Summit) [Part 3/4]

Climbing Mount Fuji is actually not difficult (Sunrise Summit). [Part 3/4]

(Continuation of previous article) This is the first night spent at 3,000 meters above sea-level, and the strong wind outside is howling.

Sleeping rooms that can accommodate 200 people.

Mount Fuji has recently reopened, and there are very few climbers staying overnight. The sleeping rooms, which can accommodate 200 people, currently have only a dozen occupants, making it quite comfortable.

All the mountain huts along the Yoshida Line face east, so you don't have to reach the summit to see the sunrise.

Though a bit tired I had to go to bed at 8 o'clock to sleep, it took some time to adjust and fall asleep peacefully. I was awakened several times during the night by the strong wind outside, and it's hard to imagine how harsh the conditions are outside. I woke up briefly in the middle of the night with a slight headache, probably due to mild altitude sickness, but quickly fell back asleep and woke up the next day without any problems.

Observation before the climb: Mount Fuji's summit is often covered by thick clouds (picture taken two days before the climb at Lake Shojin).

For several days before the climb, we observed the changes on Mount Fuji and noticed that the summit was frequently covered by clouds, while the lower slopes were unaffected. Therefore, we made slight adjustments to our plan for the sunrise itinerary:

To avoid entering the cloud layer, we did not join other climbers in starting the ascent at 2 a.m. Instead, because all the climbing routes face the same direction, we chose to stay at the 8th station, which is only 300 meters away from the summit, and wait for dawn.

Mount Fuji's summit sunrise schedule (for reference only):

Date	Sunrise
1 / 7 - 31 / 7	04：40 - 04：55
1 / 8 - 31 / 8	05：00 - 05：10
1 / 9 - 10 / 9	05：15 - 05：25

Pre-dawn before sunrise.

Around the time of sunrise, waking up at four o'clock. As soon as I opened my eyes and drew the curtains, I saw a vast expanse of white clouds outside. I, who would usually snooze in bed, immediately jumped up and hurried outside.

The sun rising gradually casts a golden hue on the sea of clouds.

Golden, cotton candy-like sea of clouds.

At this moment, a faint yellow light gradually emerged on the horizon. It's hard to believe that the long-awaited sunrise sea of clouds is right in front of my eyes. Compared to the view from the base of the mountain a few hours ago, the scenery has changed so quickly. The view beneath my feet is now filled with thick, fluffy white clouds, as if I'm in a dream.

Light and shadows dancing.

Watching the sun slowly emerge from the clouds, its rays turning the cloud layer golden, the interplay of light and clouds is truly mesmerizing.

Continuing the ascent, in an instant, I have crossed the Torii gate located at the ninth station.

After breakfast, I set off for the summit once again. The slight altitude sickness mentioned earlier has completely subsided. After a night's rest, my energy has quickly recovered, and I easily completed the remaining 300 meters to reach the summit.

The shops at the summit are still being cleaned and haven't started operating.

Resting amidst the sea of clouds at the summit.

By the time I reached the summit, the sun had risen to the mid-sky, illuminating the cloud layer beneath my feet. The whole environment was so bright that it felt like stepping into a giant lightbox. The shops at the top would only start operating days later, and such trade-offs are necessary during the early stages of the climbing season.

There is still a significant amount of snow inside the summit crater.

Standing at the summit, I saw my own Buddha light shining below the volcanic crater

Apart from the shops, the path leading to the other side of the summit crater was not yet open. I cautiously approached the edge of the crater and looked down. There was still a considerable amount of snow. It was my first time seeing the interior of Mount Fuji, and it felt like an entrance to the center of the Earth.

It's time to find the way down.

After wandering around the summit multiple times, it's time to start descending.

By the way, if you want a climbing certificate, there is a service available. Just provide your climbing date, a photo of you at the summit, your name for the certificate, and pay a fee of 1,000 yen, and you can obtain an official "Mount Fuji Summit Certificate."

https://www.fujisan3776.com/form.cgi?id=summit



Related articles：

Climbing Mount Fuji is actually not difficult (Preparation)
[Japan] Climbing up Mount Fuji is not difficult (Preparation)


Climbing Mount Fuji is actually not difficult (Hiking)
[Japan] Climbing up Mount Fuji is not difficult (Preparation)


Hiking information:

Website for the "Mount Fuji Summit Certificate." 
www.fujisan3776.com/form.cgi?id=summit

Kawaguchiko Shuttle Bus Schedule: 

www.fujiyama-navi.jp/static/fujitozan/img/pdf_tw/yoshida_trail.pdf

Distribution of mountain huts, reservation and booking status
www.fujisanguide.com/forms/menutop/menutop.aspx?menu_id=1650

More information about Mt Fuji 

ttp://www.fujiyama-navi.jp/


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