JAPAN SKI, SNOWBOARD & OUTDOOR CLUB

Mt Fuji Climb 2012

Climb Mt Fuji! - August 25~26 2012

  • Mt Fuji Sunrise We are going up there?!
  • Mt Fuji Sunrise Mt Fuji Sunrise
  • Mt Fuji Sunrise Mt Fuji Sunrise
  • Mt Fuji Sunrise Views from above
  • Mt Fuji Sunrise The 9th station rest area

A weekend trip to climb the mighty Mt. Fuji - the tallest and most iconic mountain in Japan!

The official climbing season for Mt Fuji lasts for only two months, from July to August. The trek to the summit is extremely popular and is completed annually by around 250,000 people! Reaching the summit of this incredible mountain leaves an unbeatable feeling of achievement and the spectacular views are well worth the hike. Our hike will be timed so that we will reach the summit before the sunrise, catching the first rays of sunlight from the highest point in Japan while the rest of the country sleeps!

There are several different approaches to climb Mt. Fuji. We will be taking the Kawaguchiko trail starting at the 5th station (2305m). It is an intermediate level climb to the summit, which depending on your pace, will take 5 to 8 hours. The trail is approximately 6km long with an elevation change of around 1500m. While it is considered an intermediate level course, the Kawaguchiko trail is a suitable trail for all ages and all levels of experience. There is no actual climbing required, just hiking, but there are some steep parts where you need to use your hands. We will be taking the hike nice and easy to allow us to aclimatize to the alititude and reserve our energy. There are 5 'stations' along the trail with rest areas, toilets and places to buy basic food and drinks

We plan to reach the summit around 3:30am, where we can rest and get a good spot to view the sunrise. There are a few huts at the summit that serve some hot dishes and are open from around 3:30am. A good chance to enjoy breakfast on top of the world! There is also an optional hike all the way around the crater at the summit of Mt. Fuji that takes around 1hr to complete. At the summit, you can send a postcard with a postmark from the highest post office in Japan (international ok).

The descent from the summit takes a slightly different trail for some of the way and is quicker than the climb up, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

You will never look at Mt. Fuji the same way again after having climbed to the top. This is definitely a 'must do' for anyone living in or visiting Japan. Hope you can join us!

The Plan

Sat August 25 ~ Sun August 26
Saturday
14:00pm		 Meet in Shinjuku. All aboard the TSC Bus! Watch movies, chat with old and new friends and get excited! Stop for snacks / rest along the way
17:00pm approx. Arrive at Mt. Fuji 5th Station (2305m).
17:00pm ~ 18:00pm Buy extra water/snacks etc if needed. Place uneeded luggage in lockers. Warm up stretches. Get used to the altitude. Meet at the start of the trail.
18:00pm~19:00pm Hike to the 6th station safety guidance centre. Re-group. Get used to the altitude.
19:00pm Start the Mt Fuji Climb! Take it easy to get used to the change in altitude. Stop for rests / toilet / snack breaks at stations along the way.
Sunday
01:00am~02:00am		 Arrive at the 8th station.
02:00am ~ 04:00am Hike to the Summit and rest at the top. Re-group to watch the sunrise.
04:00am~05:00am Watch the sun rise above the clouds from the tallest spot in Japan!
05:00am~07:00am Optional 1~1.5hr hike around the crater at the top. Breakfast at one of the huts at the summit. Send a post card from the Summit.
07:00am~11:00am Descend from the summit back to the 5th station using a different route to the way up
11:00am~12:00pm Re-group. Rest / Lunch at the 5th Station
12:00pm~15:00pm Bus back to Shinjuku stopping once for rest/snack break on the way.

The Price

This Club Trip Includes:
Round Trip Private Bus from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi
Experienced Guides and Trail Maps
Oxygen Canister
- 5 litres (very light and only about 25cm long)
- helps with aclimatizing to the altitude.
Basic LED torch and batteries
- Yours to keep
Energy Snacks and Water (500ml)
Travel and accident insurance for the whole weekend
Chance to challenge yourself with a fun group of folks!
Total Cost : 9800 yen - 2 spaces left! - Email trips@tokyosnowclub.com to sign up

Reserve a Space

Reservations are for Club Members only but if you have a friend who wants to come theres no worries just get them to join up as a member for free on the website first
Earlybird Discount - Please deduct 500yen from the trip price for if you book and pay before July 20.
This trip will be cancelled/postponed if the minumum number of participants is not met or if there is bad weather. If this is the case we will let you know asap and refund 100% of the cost of the trip by bank transfer.

Notes on Climbing Mt. Fuji

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING:
* sturdy hiking boots/shoes
* warm layered clothing, sweater/windbreaker (ski/snowboard jacket is ideal), gloves, sunglasses, hat
- while it may be nearly 40deg at the base of the mountain it can get to below freezing at the summit.
* effective rain wear
* plastic bag to carry out your trash
* small first-aid kit
* toilet paper or tissues
* hand towel
* 1~2 litres of drinking water
* 100yen coins for the pay toilets on the way up the mountain.
* high-energy snacks (e.g. CalorieMate, sweets, nuts, chocolate)
* a change of clothing (can be left in the locker at the 5th station)
* sunscreen
OPTIONAL
* headlamp (w/ spare batteries) - (not compulsory as small basic torch is provided but recommended!)
* hiking stick (pole) - can be bought for approx. 1500yen at the 5th station.
* camera (w/ extra battery & memory card)

Mt Fuji Sunrise