Mount Fuji, Japan | Climbing The Yoshida Trail
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 вер 2023
- Mount Fuji, known as "Fujisan" (富士山) in Japanese, is one of Japan's most iconic and revered natural landmarks.
As I was in Japan in July, during the short climbing seasons (July - September) I finally got around to climbing the mountain myself.
This video follows me from Central Tokyo, ot the Summit of Mout Fuji. Staying Overnight in the Toyokan Mountain Hut.
This video is mainly Day One footage as I encountered Technical and Time issues on day 2.
Here are some key details about Mount Fuji and the Yoshida Trail:
Location: Mount Fuji is located on Honshu Island, Japan's largest island. It straddles the boundary between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Its precise coordinates are approximately 35.3606 degrees North latitude and 138.7274 degrees East longitude.
Elevation: Mount Fuji stands at 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level, making it the highest peak in Japan. Its snow-capped summit is visible from a considerable distance on clear days.
he Yoshida Trail, also known as the Yoshida Route or Yoshida-guchi Trail, is one of the most popular and commonly used routes for climbing Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic stratovolcano. This trail offers a relatively accessible and well-maintained path to the summit, making it a preferred choice for both novice and experienced climbers. Here is an overview of the Yoshida Trail:
Starting Point:
The Yoshida Trail begins at the fifth station (Gogome), which is a trailhead located at an elevation of approximately 2,305 meters (7,562 feet) above sea level. This starting point is accessible by road, making it convenient for climbers who arrive by bus or car. It's important to note that the "fifth station" refers to the fifth point along the trail, and there are four additional starting points on different routes around the mountain.
Climbing Season:
The official climbing season for Mount Fuji typically runs from early July to mid-September. During this time, the weather is relatively stable, and most of the snow has melted, making the ascent safer and more manageable. Climbing outside of this season is strongly discouraged due to the harsh conditions and increased risk.
Trail Characteristics:
The Yoshida Trail is characterized by a well-maintained and marked path that is divided into ten stations. Each station offers basic amenities such as rest areas, food stalls, and sleeping accommodations in mountain huts (goya). These huts provide climbers with the option to rest, eat, and even spend the night during the ascent.
The trail consists of a series of switchbacks that zigzag up the mountain's slopes, gradually gaining elevation. Climbers will encounter rocky terrain, loose volcanic gravel, and steep sections, especially as they approach the higher elevations. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy footwear and warm clothing, is essential.
Sunrise at the Summit:
One of the highlights of climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail is the opportunity to witness the sunrise from the summit. The view from the top as the sun bathes the surrounding landscape in warm hues is breathtaking and spiritually significant for many climbers. It's recommended to reach the summit well before sunrise to secure a good viewing spot and to allow time for acclimatization.
Safety Precautions:
Climbing any route on Mount Fuji requires careful preparation and attention to safety. Altitude sickness can be a concern at higher elevations, so climbers are advised to take their time, stay hydrated, and listen to their bodies. Adequate clothing for cold and windy conditions is essential, as temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing even in summer.
Descending the Yoshida Trail:
After enjoying the sunrise and exploring the summit, climbers typically begin their descent. Descending along the same trail is a common practice, and it usually takes around 3 to 5 hours to return to the fifth station. Caution is still required during the descent, as the loose volcanic gravel can make the trail slippery.
Reservations and Crowds:
Given the Yoshida Trail's popularity, it can become crowded during peak climbing season. It's advisable to make hut reservations in advance, especially if you plan to stay overnight. Additionally, climbers should be prepared for crowds on the trail, especially during the weekends.
Very cool video. I hope I get to visit japan some day, I love hiking and climbing and they have so much to offer.
You should!
Honest no bs filmmaking! This is what it should be! Wonderful!!! Thanks for taking us along...
Thank you for sharing w people who will never be able to take this journey. Very special!!
Very cool. I've never seen a video of My. Fuji that included this much detail of the actual climb.
Looking forward to doing this next summer, awesome!
Absolutely amazing. I've got tired just by looking at you and all others climbing (few years back it took me 4h to walk up the Win Hill...).
Film was still excellent as you are so informative and honest. Looks like an intense mission.
I enjoyed watching this. Great content here! I did the hike in 2023 too. It was really hard! Well done! 🎉
Went to Japan .Beautiful place . Went and saw Mt Fiji.
Another thoroughly great video and your dedication to the history content plus filming the area you’re in - well done 👏👏👏
Very nicely explained Andy, the complexity and level of preparation required for this made me do a rethink 😜. I was there in late August this year, but the weather was horrible so couldn't really do much. Saw the crater from the flight back though 😁.
Thank you for covering the transportation from Tokyo to Fujisan. Very helpful. How did you get your 8th station hotel reservation? I tried and it sold out so quick. I am going this year and will be hiking early morning and hiking down the same day.
Love love love Japan. I went in 2018 but didnt get up to Mt Fuji but did fly paat it on my way to Okinawa. Assume you've been there?
Another great video Andy!
I really enjoyed this Video. My wife and I are going to Japan next July for two weeks and wish to climb Mt. Fuji. What tips do you have to book and overnight Hut. I plan on getting us to the Subaru 5th Station on our own and doing our own climb much like you did.
Nice mate, I just came back from spending all of Augest out in Japan. I climbed Fuji back in 2010 when I was living in Tokyo.
That really brought back memories of my yomp up the Mountain. I stayed at the Fujisan mountain hut that was the last one before the summit I think. From there I did the final stretch to the summit for the 4:00 sunrise I think I got up at around 2:00 (or more accurately woken up by everyone moving around) I had a crap sleep as it was too hot inside for me and forgot to take ear plugs so I had some guy snoring right into my ear most of the night.
But the sunrise at the top will be something I’ll never forget.
The weather looks more or less the same as when I did it. Though the first day visibility was (by what I can see in the video) worse and it was raining for more of the time too.
Great vid
Hi Andy! Do you need an online bus reservation to show once / if you're coming from the Mount Fuji Station? or can just purchase once arriving there? Thank you and more adventures to come!
You can buy a Ticket either single or Return at Mount Fuji station, don’t think you can reserve. But busses run twice an hour both ways.
Thanks for another brilliant video Andy. How long would you suggest to visit and do this. You’ve given me an idea.
Most informative video for those planning to do diy hike... thank u! Just a question, how did u book for mountain hut?
Most huts can be booked online, but not all have English language web pages. Google the Hut name.
Ha ha, been there some 20 years ago. With car to 5th station, starting the hike 3 or 4 a.m., getting the sunrise on the way. The memory is fuzzy, was very weak on top. stayed on the lower end of the crater rim, had no inclination/energy to go to the top. The Japanese said: "A wise man will climb Mt Fuji once in his life - but only a fool will do it twice".
Love that phrase ! So true.
"you're not doing the summit in 1 day...well, i'm gonna give it a shot in may. 1 day to go from tokyo to the summit.
Well?
Well done. I shared your tiredness.