To all those who climb Mt. Fuji in 2023
The 2023 climbing season is finished.
Trails have been already closed.
(Except 5th to 6th Sta of Fujinomiya Trail)
This year it will be very crowded!
The 2023 climbing season is expected to have many climbers from Japan and abroad to visit Mt. Fuji due to the post-COVID-19 influx of tourists.
All huts on Mt. Fuji require reservations. The capacity (accommodation capacity) of huts has been reduced to about a half or a third of the accomodation capacity available before COVID-19. Overcrowded situation is expected, not only on weekends and holidays, but also throughout the climbing season. It is not always possible to reserve a hut on the day you wish to climb Mt. Fuji.
Overdoing a day climb is dangerous!
Climbing Mt. Fuji without staying in a hut is extremely dangerous unless you have sufficient climbing experience, physical strength and skill.
Especially, bullet climbing (*1) and day climbing with light gear (*2) are extremely dangerous.
Your climbing plan should include plenty of time and physical strength. Prepare your gear and physical condition before climbing Mt. Fuji.
(*1) Bullet Climbing: A style of climbing departing from the 5th Station at night with the aim of reaching the summit by sunrise without staying in a hut.
(*2) Light Gear Climbing: A style of climbing without the necessary equipment.
Risks of climbing Mt. Fuji
*If you click on "Altitude sickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, etc.", you will be taken to the page of "Concerning health problems to watch out for on mountains", so please click the corresponding tab again.
Hypothermia:
The temperature of vital organs such as the brain and heart (core body temperature) drops below 35°C. A condition in which the body temperature cannot be adjusted properly in an environment with high temperature and humidity, and various symptoms such as dizziness and sluggishness occur.
Being incapacitated due to exhaustion and not being able to descend on your own.
What happens if the trail is congested?
If the trail near the summit is congested, it may be impossible to move forward or backward. Climbers walking on the edge or outside of a busy trail can cause rockfall accidents, which can lead to fatal accidents for climbers walking below.
You may not be able to secure a space to rest in or around a hut that has not been reserved. Even if the weather suddenly changes, you cannot stay in a public toilet or a restroom attached to a hut.
An increase in the number of rescue requests is expected due an increase of various causes. As such, it may take longer than usual for rescue agencies to respond.
Also, the huts are not open 24 hours. No sudden overnight stays or breaks are allowed. In addition, please note that the use of hut toilets may be restricted outside of business hours.
