Fuji-san (Mount Fuji Volcano) Rock Climbing

富士山 Fuji-san is an active volcano that is the highest mountain in Japan. The summit currently stands at 3,776 m (12,388 ft). The last eruption ended in 1708. You will hear it called Fuji-yama (Mount Fuji), which is actually a faux-pas. The Japanese call it Fuji-san, as a sign of respect. It is one of Japan's three holy mountains.

With an average 200,000 climbers a year, and an estimated 10,000/day during a few weeks in August, Fuji-san may just be the most heavily climbed mountain in the world.

Climbing is done by stations, or posts with restaurants and toilets. Most climbers start from a "fifth station" of which there are four major routes. One may also choose to begin from the base (station 1) of which there are four major routes.

This is a mountain that anyone could get up, however people often underestimated the mountain. Even with comfy heated huts every 45 minutes, the Fuji-san still takes lieves in the high season. Many die from hypothermia, while others have died from heat exhaustion, still others are blown off the mountain or died of dehydration. Perhaps this is why it is important to call him Fuji-san. The most common mistake is clothing, at 12,000 ft. weather can be brutal. Wear comfortable clothes, but be prepared with a minimum of: quality rain suit (jacket & pants), thermal base-layer, and fleece mid-layer.

It is vague whom could claim first ascent on Fuji-san. "It is written in an old book that Shotokutaishi climbed it in 900 years at the Christian era." ~ Shizu Nishimura