Mt. Fuji

We did it (at least part of it)! Daniel and I did the trek from the 5th to the 6th Station and slightly beyond. The first two photos above show "Fuji San" - the affectionate name for Mt. Fuji -- from the Visitor's Center. The next couple of photos show the stores/restaurants at the 5th Station (the last station to which you can drive). The final two photos show Daniel and I at the 6th Station and on our way to the 7th Station. Since we were on an organized tour, we did not have the time to make it to the 7th Station (or beyond) and left that for another day. We were, however, satisfied with what we accomplished!

Fuji Facts

Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, rising 3776 metres (12,000+ ft.) above sea level (you'll see many souvenir T-shirts and hats with "3776" on them). Its summit is circular and is about 500 metres across.

According to Wikipedia, scientists have identified four distinct phases of volcanic activity in the formation of Mt. Fuji. The first phase, called Sen-komitake, is composed of an andesite core recently discovered deep within the mountain. Sen-komitake was followed by the "Komitake Fuji," a basalt layer believed to be formed several hundred thousand years ago. Approximately 100,000 years ago, "Old Fuji" was formed over the top of Komitake Fuji. The modern, "New Fuji" is believed to have formed over the top of Old Fuji around 10,000 years ago.

Fuji last erupted on December 16, 1707. They say that Fuji erupts about every 300 years....

Official climbing season: July 1 - Aug. 26th. Climbing is restricted to this season because (1) most of the rest huts and other climber services are available only during this season; (2) the temperature at the top is the warmest of the year (about 40 deg. F/ 5 deg C); and (3) climbing in the off-season is dangerous.

The hike from the foot of the mountain is divided into 10 stations. There are paved roads up to the fifth station, which is about 2,300 metres (7,683 ft.) above sea level.

Hundreds of thousands of people climb Mt. Fuji every year. This popularity has caused a pollution problem so severe that it has prevented Mt. Fuji from being a candidate for nomination as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site. Significant educational and clean-up efforts are underway to change this.