Although many people have climbed Fuji-san on a whim with absolutely no preparation the following items have been recommended by professional Mt. Fuji guides for your safety and well being. Please remember this is a mountain in the middle of nowhere and there are several fatalities each year due to rockslides, falls, and sudden changes in the weather (due to extreme cold), however, with enough preparation you should be able to enjoy the climb without any problems.  

   

While climbing Fuji-san is a great experience there are safety precautions which should be taken. 

　

You should climb with at least one other person in case you develop difficulties.  Take your time climbing, setting a slow and steady pace from the beginning; remember, it’s not a race.  Take several short breaks rather than a few long breaks eating and drinking a little (don’t drink too much at a time and definitely don’t drink alcohol) at each stop. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for falling rocks, especially on descent.  If you happen to see any, shout “abunai” (danger) to warn other climbers below.  If there is an electrical storm during your climb, head for the nearest hut, however, if there is no hut nearby stay as low to the ground as possible, never hold onto the chains along the trail during a storm.  Be sure to take the correct trail on descending the mountain, if you are unsure, ask someone.  Don’t assume you are on the correct trail, or you may end up in another prefecture!  Also, never run down the mountain or stray from the climbing path, the trails are marked for your safety.  Don’t feel bad if you are finding it too difficult or are feeling unwell and have to quit before you reach the top.  If you have any problems there is a First Aid Centre at hachi-gō-me (8th station) on the Fujinomiya trail.

If you don’t have a climbing stick (kongo-tsue) you should buy one at go-gō-me (5th station) for about 1,000 Yen.

　

　

Altitude Sickness

Anyone can develop altitude sickness when going to places of high altitude in too short a time.  Generally people will develop difficulty at elevations above 2,400 m.  Should you develop altitude sickness at any time during the climb head back down immediately.  Symptoms of altitude sickness include severe headache, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea and in extreme cases, coordination difficulty.

　

　

Clothing

As weather on the mountain is very unpredictable you should prepare for all temperatures and weather conditions. 

Being mid-summer, some areas of the mountain can reach temperatures as high as 40ºC whilst

the summit averages around 5ºC during the day, and drops below ０ºC at night. 

There are coin lockers at go-gō-me, so you don’t have to carry everything up the mountain.

You should take:

  • Sturdy footwear; preferably hiking boots that are water resistant

  • thick socks; to cushion your feet

  • non-restrictive clothing that is comfortable and lightweight

  • a hat or cap to shade you from the sun; even on a cloudy day you will burn without one

  • cotton gloves to protect your hands and keep your hands warm during night climbing

  • a raincoat or rain jacket and pants in case of rain

  • a change of clothes to change into after the climb along with a plastic bag for the worn item.

　

Food

Be sure to take plenty of water, two litres is recommended. 

There are no natural water sources on the mountain so all the water has to be carried up,

 water on the mountain is not free and can be expensive. 

You should also take high-energy food such as carbohydrates, things such as sandwiches, crackers, hard-boiled eggs,

onigiri, dried fruit etc are recommended.

　

Equipment and other supplies

　

Equipment and supplies are available for purchase at the stations and sub-stations along the way, however, they can be expensive and it’s better to take your own.

  • a torch with new batteries; especially if you are climbing at night

  • sunscreen lotion and sunglasses

  • toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush and soap, toilet paper; at least half a roll

  • band-aids in case you develop blisters and non-aspirin pain medication for slight ailments such as a headache

  • plastic bags for your rubbish and soiled clothing

  • your camera and film; to record the epic event!