Risks of climbing Mt. Fuji
Altitude sickness
One of the most common reasons that forces people to give up climbing Mt. Fuji is the altitude sickness. In order to enjoy a safe and comfortable climb, protect yourself from altitude sickness. There is the possibility of getting an infection even on Mt. Fuji, in places where many people gather.
Heat and cold
The temperature of Mt. Fuji varies according to the altitude and weather, leading to the risk of heatstroke and hypothermia. The weather can change rapidly on some days. Sweating and dehydration due to the heat can cause cold and altitude sickness.
Accidents
Mt Fuji has a structure made up of multiple accumulations of volcanic lapilli and is prone to collapse. Thus, there is the risk of rockfalls on slopes and slip drops at craters and valleys. In the past, large rocks have fallen, killing more than 10 people.
Injury
Climbing Mt. Fuji carries the risk of all types of injuries caused by the accidents mentioned above, including sprains and bruises. Some of the ascending trails are steep, narrow, and rocky, and you will have to walk up in an unsteady posture. Some climbers put their foot on an unstable rock, lose their balance, and sprain their ankle, others injure their foot by hitting rocks in the sand when they are running down the sandy slope known as sunabashiri.
Wrong path
It is sometimes difficult to see the path in fog and darkness, which often leads to being lost and taking the wrong path.
Especially when you go down to Yoshida Trail Ent. or Subashiri Trail Ent. from the summit, be aware that the Yoshida Trail and Subashiri Trail diverge from each other at the 8th Station. More than 1,000 people every year choose the wrong path at the junction.
Fatigue
Climbing Mt. Fuji takes 10 hours even at a standard pace (round trip). Ascending the mountain puts a lot of stress on the heart and lungs, and descending puts strain on the joints and muscles. Lack of regular exercise can cause physical fatigue and result in inability to move. Many climbers ascend Mt. Fuji overnight to see the sunrise at the summit, so-called “bullet climbing.” Bullet climbing without getting enough sleep increases the risk of fatigue and other risks.
Volcanic Eruption
Mt. Fuji is a volcano which is still active today. Since the enormous eruption in 1707 that created the Hoei Crater, no significant events have occurred. However, the possibility of disasters must be mentioned, such as generation of volcanic toxic gas, eruption and phreatic explosion, as well as pyroclastic flow, earthquake, and falling rocks associated with an eruption and explosion.