We hiked the Fujinomiya Trail, which is the shortest course for reaching the highest point on the mountain. This also means that it consists of many difficult and steep areas! We started at the 5th station on the Fujinomiya Trail: 2400m.
You can see the route we took on this map. We started at the 5th station on the Fujinomiya trail, which is on the bottom left hand-side of the picture.
And we're off! We went with Daryl, Kirk, and Rob (Joe's co-workers from Boeing). This was actually Kirk's second time climbing Mt. Fuji... and as the Japanese say, "A wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once in their life, only a fool climbs it twice."
Everyone around us were wearing coats, pants, gloves, hats, etc. The 5 of us, on the other hand, were taking off as many layers as possible and still sweating. It was a lot steeper than I thought it would be. I think this was about the time that I was saying, "I don't think I'm going to make it to the top!"
Finally broke through the clouds - it was beautiful.
I was surprised that it was all rock and gravel. I was expecting more trees and greenery. It wasn't a very scenic hike up, but the views from the top were worth it!
On top of the world! We made it to the top in 4 hours :)
Crater at the top.
Shrine at the top.
We bought these walking sticks at the bottom of the mountain. As you hike the mountain, you can get each hut's unique "stamp" branded onto your walking stick. It helped us on our hike, and is a neat souvenir.
Starting our descent... we've got a long way to go.
We were trying to make it down before the sun set, since we didn't bring flashlights with us. We all agree that going down was more difficult than hiking up the mountain. It was so steep, and with so much rock and gravel it was hard to keep your balance and footing - and hard on your joints.... not to mention we were physically exhausted from the climb up.
Beautiful sunset. We made it down in 3 hours.It was an amazing adventure and accomplishment. But also the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I'm glad we did it, but I will never do it again! If you want to see more pictures, I posted an album on facebook and shutterfly: http://emilyandjoepictures.shutterfly.com/
Cograrulation!! You must be proud of the accomplishment, conquered highest mountain in Japan. Why did not you feel cold at Mt . Fuji top which is 3776m high?
ReplyDeleteIf you like to climb mountain near Nagoya, Ontake and Norikura are easy to climb and scenery.
Sorry, mountains in Nagano Pref. have great scenery on the contrary to Mt.Fuji which is just ash of volcano, no plant and animal life. Besides there are good Onsen (hot spring) around there!
ReplyDeletelove how you can get the walking sticks stamped at each camp - very cool - the last hike I went on my friend brought along some walking sticks and they helped so much - I'm a fan!
ReplyDeletelove the pics