Nature Fit for Fuji

Ukigumo

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Are people so stupid to be this unprepared for the ascent of Fujisan?



Personally, I think they should be allowed to prematurely remove themselves from the gene pool together with those who subscribe to other idiotic health-related misbehaviors.
 
It's not worse than what you experience every summer in the European Alps: flatlanders in shorts, T-shirts, or high-heels utterly oblivious to the dangers mountains can pose.
 
I think a lot of people underestimate the temperature differences at high altitudes. It's hot at the base, so it must be hot at the summit, right?

Um, no. I think the worst part of climbing Mt. Fuji was when we were climbing through the cloud line. It's wet and chilly. It dries up when you pass the clouds, but it doesn't get any warmer! Brrr!
 
Permanent Gate Completed at Mt. Fuji's 5th Station Ahead of Climbing Season — Can It Prevent "Reckless Climbs"? Training for "Fuji Rangers" Who Can Turn Away Poorly Equipped Climbers Also Unveiled

On the 13th, a newly installed permanent gate at the Yamanashi Prefecture side entrance to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station was unveiled.
Could this be a breakthrough in tackling the issue of dangerous and reckless climbs?

According to Yamanashi Prefecture, the steel-framed gate measures approximately 8 meters wide and 3.5 meters tall, with an installation cost of around 15 million yen (approx. $95,000 USD).

During the summer climbing season starting July 1, the gate will be open from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outside these hours, it will remain closed.

In addition, the number of climbers per day will be capped at 4,000 people.
Each climber will be required to pay a 4,000 yen (approx. $25 USD) access fee per entry.

Security guards will be stationed at the gate 24 hours a day during the climbing season, and climbers with mountain hut reservations will be allowed to pass through even outside regular hours.

A major concern has been so-called "bullet climbs," where people attempt to reach the summit overnight without proper rest.
When Yamanashi Prefecture installed a temporary gate in 2024, the number of such climbers dropped significantly.

However, climbers attempting the summit in casual clothing — such as T-shirts and sandals — continued to be a problem.

To address this, Yamanashi Prefecture has strengthened the role of their staff known as "Fuji Rangers," tasked with dealing with under-equipped climbers. On the 13th, their training was also showcased.

[Role-playing as a lightly dressed climber]:
"This is how we always do it! Why can't we go? We don't have time — just let us through!"

[Fuji Ranger]:
"We want everyone to enjoy climbing Mt. Fuji, but the most important thing is your safety. With your current clothing, it's extremely dangerous, so we cannot allow you to proceed."

With this new system, prefectural authorities are now allowed to deny access through the gate to climbers who lack proper gear.

A tourist commented on the measures being taken on the Yamanashi side to prevent reckless climbs:
"I think it's necessary to prevent accidents. If you think about the need for rescue helicopters and such, it's better to have restrictions."

Meanwhile, on the Shizuoka Prefecture side — where the climbing route opens on July 10 — officials have said that installing a similar gate would be difficult due to differences in terrain. However, they are rushing to implement other countermeasures, such as setting up temporary shelters near the trailhead to check climbers' gear and attire.

 
*stretches arms a few thousand miles to pat you both on the shoulders

My boys, people are SO stupid.
But you'd think the type of person who decides to holiday in Japan - a cultural and heritage experience - would be better educated and therefore possess better risk assessment capabilities and value their lives more. Or is Japan an 'easy destination' for Americans? Perhaps the confidence they have in knowing they'll be rescued should they get into trouble, emboldens them.
 
But you'd think the type of person who decides to holiday in Japan - a cultural and heritage experience - would be better educated and therefore possess better risk assessment capabilities and value their lives more. Or is Japan an 'easy destination' for Americans? Perhaps the confidence they have in knowing they'll be rescued should they get into trouble, emboldens them.
they were turning away Japanese tourists who were unprepared too

People are SO stupid, EVERYWHERE. It's just cheap to go to Japan right now. Sucks, I know
 
they were turning away Japanese tourists who were unprepared too People are SO stupid, EVERYWHERE. It's just cheap to go to Japan right now. Sucks, I know

That's precisely the point! In the good old expensive days, you had well-prepared tourists coming to experience Japanese culture, not to slurp Instagram ramen, wear ninja costumes and ride silly Super Mario go-karts through Shibuya. The highly cultured visitors still exist, but they drown in a sea of mass tourism.
 
I've hiked in the tateyama area, but it's been 15-20yrs. Then, the word was that a helicopter 'rescue' would set you back about ¥500,000.

I'm surprised that it's apparently different over there.
 
American Man Rescued on Mt. Fuji After Attempting Off-Season Climb in Sandals — Found Naked in Tent (July 5, 2025)

An American man was rescued on Mt. Fuji after attempting a solo climb from the Shizuoka side before the official climbing season had begun.

The 67-year-old man began his ascent on June 26 via the Fujinomiya Trail, which remains closed until the mountain officially opens on July 10. Despite a security gate above the 6th Station, the man managed to reach the New 7th Station before falling ill.

According to authorities, he called for help in Japanese from inside his tent, shouting "Tasukete" (Help me). Rescue teams found him suffering from apparent hypothermia. Though he had warm clothing with him, he was reportedly naked inside the tent, possibly due to overheating.

Shockingly, the man was climbing in sandals and did not have proper hiking boots.

"I saw the gate, but I was too tired to realize what it was," the man told police. "This was my third time climbing Mt. Fuji."

Officials are urging climbers to refrain from ascending the mountain before the official opening date and to avoid climbing even during the season in poor weather or when feeling unwell.

The official climbing season for Mt. Fuji begins on July 1 for the Yamanashi side (Yoshida Trail), while the Shizuoka side (Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba Trails) opens around July 10.
All routes close on the same date—September 10.
 
Mayor of Fujiyoshida Proposes Introduction of Rescue Fees for Off-Season Climbers on Mt. Fuji (May 13, 2025)

In response to a series of incidents involving climbers who have become stranded while ascending Mt. Fuji outside the official climbing season, the Mayor of Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture has announced his intention to pursue the implementation of a fee-based rescue system for such cases.

Mt. Fuji's designated climbing season spans from early July through mid-September. Nevertheless, an increasing number of individuals have been undertaking climbs during the off-season, frequently resulting in distress situations due to adverse weather conditions and residual snow cover.

At a regular press conference held on May 13, Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi of Fujiyoshida stated:

"Helicopters are dispatched under extremely hazardous air conditions specific to Mt. Fuji, and in many cases, the total cost—including fuel and other related expenses—can range from ¥600,000 to ¥800,000. I believe it is necessary to formally introduce a system in which those who choose to climb during the closed season bear the financial responsibility for their own rescue operations."

The mayor further indicated plans to submit a formal request to the Yamanashi Prefectural Government for the implementation of such a policy, in cooperation with adjacent municipalities, around the time of the mountain's closure in September.

In a related incident, a 27-year-old male university student of Chinese nationality, residing in Tokyo, was rescued twice by law enforcement after making two separate ascent attempts during the off-season last month.

Similarly, the Mayor of Fujinomiya City, located on the southern (Shizuoka) side of Mt. Fuji, remarked during a press conference on May 9 that "those who are rescued as a result of selfish and irresponsible climbing behavior should bear the cost of their own rescue."
 
I agree with the mayor. If people want to take the risk, make sure they have some more skin in the game. It probably won't stop people, but at least it won't hurt the local finances as much.
 
'some more skin in the game'…I don't understand this phrase. Would you mind explaining it to me?
 
More to lose than just their dignity , LOL.
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I'd want their credit card info too. Had a father & daughter die here a few weeks ago because they were not prepared for the weather to turn cold & windy.
 
Oh I see.

If climbers are poorly prepared, how about taking detailed photos of them for the files and make them sign a waiver that excludes them from rescue/body recovery.
 
Foreign Visitors Repeatedly Denied Entry at Mount Fuji Trail Gates — Sandals and Drones at the Climb: Clashes After Gate Closures ["Want to Know More!"] [Good! Morning] (July 6, 2025)


Many climbers are reportedly being turned away at the entry gates to Mount Fuji. On the first weekend since the mountain officially opened for the season, foreign tourists have been repeatedly denied entry due to inappropriate attire, such as sandals and shorts, under newly enforced safety rules.
]■ First Weekend After the Official Opening
Rule violations among climbers continue to occur at Mount Fuji. Some foreign visitors are being denied entry. What exactly is happening on Japan's highest peak?
At the 5th Station of Mount Fuji—the crowded gateway for climbers seeking the summit—visitors from around the world have gathered.
Tourist from Canada
"Here we go, FUJI!"
In the past, dangerous "bullet climbs" (overnight ascents without rest) became a problem. In response, Yamanashi Prefecture strengthened regulations this season, allowing officials to refuse entry to ill-prepared climbers.
Staff Member
"You need rain gear."
One such case involved a group of 13 Indian tourists, who were stopped by staff while attempting to start their climb.
Indian Tourist
"We just wanted to go to the 6th station, but they told us we need rain gear."
"We didn't even know there was an entry fee."
This season, the entry fee has doubled—from 2,000 yen to 4,000 yen per person. For a group of 13, that adds up to 52,000 yen. Equipping everyone with proper rain gear would cost even more.
Indian Tourist
"We weren't planning to stay long—just a short trip up and back—so we're still thinking about what to do."
Elsewhere…
Mount Fuji Ranger
"Without rain pants, it's too dangerous today due to the weather."
Two women, whose rain gear didn't meet the required standards, were denied entry and went to the shop.
Woman
"I was able to buy them."
■ Challenging the Grueling Ascent for a Spectacular View
One of the most cherished experiences of climbing Mount Fuji is...
Yuji Yamashita (24):
"I'm hoping to see the sunrise from the summit."
Masami Abe (24):
"This is tough…"
This working couple is attempting their very first climb, aiming to witness the "Goraikō"—the sunrise from the summit. But their hopes are clouded by the overcast skies.
Yamashita:
"So for the sunrise... does this mean it'll be clear?"
Mountain Staff:
"It should be clear in the morning."
Yamashita:
"Ohh!"
Abe:
"That's great. Let's keep going!"
Will the couple be able to witness the sunrise?
Meanwhile, another group—a father, his child, and his boss—also sets out for the summit. The team leader is 9-year-old fourth-grader Sosuke, attempting the climb for the first time.
Sosuke:
(Q: Why did you want to climb the mountain?)
"Because I wanted to."
Using his soccer-trained legs, the "young team leader" takes the lead. About 30 minutes into the hike, they stop for a break near the 6th station. Sosuke is fascinated by a puffed-up snack bag.
Staff:
"Why did it expand like this?"
Father, Yosuke Shimizu:
"Is it because of the elevation?"
Sosuke:
"Volume...?"
Father, Yosuke Shimizu:
"So it expands, huh."
This brief "field lesson" on Mount Fuji soon ends as they continue their climb. But as they ascend, Sosuke becomes less talkative.
Father:
"You okay?"
Sosuke:
"Just barely."
Father:
"Barely? Really?"
To lift his spirits, they slow their pace and start playing a word game ("shiritori").
Father's Boss, Hideki Kobayashi:
"Trumpet (rappa)"
Father:
"Panda"
Sosuke:
"…"
Father:
"Brain freeze?"
Finally, Sosuke manages to say something:
Sosuke:
"Carry me (dakko)…"
Father:
"Carry you? Is that allowed?"
Later, they stay overnight in a mountain hut to prepare for the sunrise the next morning.
■ Foreign Tourists Repeatedly Denied Entry — Some Wearing Sandals
While many climbers follow the rules, not everyone does.
Some foreign visitors were spotted flying what appeared to be drones.
Drones pose a risk of injuring other climbers and are considered a violation of etiquette. The Ministry of the Environment has urged people not to use them.
Yamanashi Prefectural Staff:
"You're wearing sandals, so we need you to turn back."
The patrol spotted a foreign tourist wearing sandals, who said their shoes had broken and they changed footwear. Still…
Yamanashi Prefectural Staff:
"Please buy proper hiking boots. You can't go to the summit like that."
Even though they had made it to around the 7th station, they had to return to the 5th station, where the shops are located.
After 2 p.m., entry gates at the 5th station were closed, leading to some heated discussions.
Staff:
"Only people with mountain hut reservations can pass."
Climber from the UK:
"Can I make a hut reservation here?"
Staff:
"You need to make that reservation on your own."
The man searched for a place to stay but appeared unable to find availability. He tried again to plead:
Climber from the UK:
"I promise I'll be back in time."
Staff:
"It's not a question of your physical ability. These are the rules."
In the end, he gave up and abandoned the climb.
■ Crowds Flock to Summit for Sunrise — "It Was Worth the Climb"
Meanwhile, those who followed the rules continued their ascent toward the summit—including the couple and the young "team leader." Were they able to witness the sunrise?
Around 4:30 a.m. on July 5th, the summit was filled with climbers. Though the sunrise was hidden by clouds, they were treated to a breathtaking sea of clouds lit by the orange hues of dawn.
Yamashita:
"We didn't get to see the sunrise, but it still felt amazing."
As for our young team leader Sosuke, he climbed all the way to the "original 8th station" at 3,400 meters and welcomed the new day.
Sosuke:
(Q: How was it?)
"It was totally worth the climb. It's so beautiful."

(From Good! Morning, broadcast on July 6, 2025)
 
I came across a video about essential gear for climbing Mount Fuji, and I would like to share it with you.
The following is the content of the video.


This video presents an overview of the appropriate gear and clothing for climbing Mount Fuji.

As someone with ten years of hiking experience, I am preparing for my third ascent of Mount Fuji. Despite my experience, I must admit that I feel some apprehension about this climb. In this video, I will provide a detailed introduction to the equipment and clothing I plan to use.

A key consideration is that your attire must be suitable for a wide range of conditions—from intense midsummer heat during the day to cold, rainy nights that resemble midwinter weather.
Please do not underestimate the challenges of climbing Mount Fuji.

All of the items I will discuss are packed into a 30-liter backpack. I hope this gives viewers a clear idea of both the quantity of gear required and how much such a pack can hold.

I personally aim to follow the principles of ultralight hiking, and therefore, I have selected compact and lightweight gear wherever possible. Please take this into account as you watch.

Regarding total pack weight:
The gear I introduce in this video weighs approximately 6 kilograms.

For an average adult male, a pack weight of up to 10 kilograms is advisable.

For an average adult female, 8 kilograms is a reasonable limit.

Exceeding these weight guidelines can significantly increase the difficulty of the climb, so caution is strongly recommended.
The lighter your load, the more comfortable your ascent will be.

For this reason, I choose to purchase water at the mountain huts rather than carrying it from the start.
The same applies to snacks and lunch—I plan to supplement these as needed at the huts along the route.
 
It's not worse than what you experience every summer in the European Alps: flatlanders in shorts, T-shirts, or high-heels utterly oblivious to the dangers mountains can pose.
I am not used to people from other regions using the term flatlander, are you from a mountainous area Thomas? We say that here all the time I live at the base of a Rocky Mountain foothill. Pretty nice as I can bike from my house up over a foothill and start training on little mountain roads we have without driving or anything. We get people who die here regularly. Had one recently who fell one day recently after retirement and died. We get flatlanders who die. Our mountains are taller than Fuji like 4,346 m for Longs where people know nothing about changing weather or anything and are unprepared. A doctor heli base is also not far from my house so I hear it and can often see it when it goes up so I know here we go again. I have seen flip flops!
 
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