Conquering Fuji

ATSUGI, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

07.01.2017

Story by Courtney Pollock 

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Mt. Fuji, or Fujisan as the Japanese refer to it, protrudes from the surrounding plains to an elevation of 12,390 feet. For most of the year the mountain is covered in snow but during the months of July and August, thousands of hikers climb Fuji daily.
Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should experience while stationed in Japan. Being prepared, both physically and equipment-wise, will make for a pleasant experience that will become the highlight of your time in Japan.
The annual number of climbers is more than 300,000 each year during the short two-month climbing season, which can lead to one underestimating the trek.
Every year, there are injuries and sometimes deaths on Mt. Fuji due to lack of preparation and planning.
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Community Recreation program holds mandatory Mt. Fuji briefs for all patrons on their tours. The brief is also open to anyone in the community who plans to hike Fuji.
“The goal is to help the hiker know what to anticipate, resources that are available, and how to prepare for the hike,” said Thomas Durning, MWR director at NAF Atsugi. “Our staff is always there to answer questions about climbing Fuji and we send along experienced guides to assist with issues on the trail.”
Weather on the mountain is severe and changes quickly. Hikers should bring a sun hat, cold weather beanie, gloves, rain jacket, and warmth layering clothes. Durning explains that essentially hikers need to plan for both hot and cold weather on Fuji.
Footwear is also an important concern on Fuji. The terrain is rocky with sharp volcanic rocks so boots or sturdy-soled shoes are necessary to protect your feet.
Some unique “only on Fuji” preparations are bringing yen change for food and toilets at the service huts. Food and drink is available on the mountain but the price seems to correlate with the elevation. Also if you also plan to purchase the ultimate souvenir, a Fuji stick, bring plenty of yen for the brands at each hut along the trail.
Another misconception is that a person does not need to be physically fit or train to climb Mt. Fuji because young and old are seen climbing the mountain each year.
“It does not require a specific training plan but a few key additions to your regular fitness plan can make it a lot easier,” said Durning speaking from experience as an avid hiker who has summited Mt. Fuji 10 times. “Focus on endurance and distance training. For strength, focus on your legs with lunges and squats.”
A concern on any mountain adventure is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a condition that most casual and avid hikers have never experienced unless they frequently hike high-altitude mountains.
Most hikers on Mt. Fuji experience a mild form of altitude sickness called acute mountain sickness (AMS) when reaching elevations of 8,000 feet and above. Common characteristics would be headache, nausea, and fatigue. AMS can be remedied by resting and allowing yourself to acclimatize to the current elevation, drinking plenty of water, and taking aspirin or ibuprofen.
As altitude sickness progresses, the person may begin to experience breathlessness even when sitting, fever, disorientation and uncharacteristic behaviors such as laziness or anger. These symptoms could be lethal if not treated immediately. If you begin to recognize or experience these symptoms, descend as quickly and safely as possible. There are first aid centers on Mt. Fuji that you can contact if you feel you are unable to safely descend or require medical attention.
Many hikers will experience a mild form of altitude sickness but with taking the precautions mentioned above, you should be able to safely reach the summit.
With a little planning and training, hiking this popular and spiritual mountain can be one of the highlights of your time in Japan.

• Date Taken: 07.01.2017
• Date Posted: 12.27.2017 19:15
• Story ID: 260375
• Location: ATSUGI, KANAGAWA, JP