Comments on: Is Climbing Mount Fuji Worth It?

By: spamfromjapan

spamfromjapan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:12:30 +0000

I never once thought about turning back, although we did meet some people who’d done just that. They’d done it because of the queues, though!

Thanks for reading. Glad you liked it! :)

By: susperia

susperia — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:26:58 +0000

love the post! omg that sounds like some adventure, definitely like something from lord of the rings lol! but it seems very tiring though i’m not sure i would be able to survive going up, i have to try and get all fit if i want to climb up! love the photos

By: spamfromjapan

spamfromjapan — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:20:33 +0000

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it! Make sure you get there before 8.00pm in order to use the restaurants. And use the toilets lower down, if you can. :)

I definitely recommend it. Hope to read your account next year.

By: The Tokyo Otaku

The Tokyo Otaku — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:59:06 +0000

This is a great read. I think it prepares you for the reality of climbing Mt Fuji and not just what the tourist pamphlet that tries to rope you into going wants you to believe. I’ll probably still go, but I’ll just be better prepared. Thanks.

By: spamfromjapan

spamfromjapan — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:17:29 +0000

Thank you for reading. I saw a few of the diggers myself and were amazed at what they could do.

By: spamfromjapan

spamfromjapan — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:05:25 +0000

Yep, you could definitely fall in, although I never felt in any danger of doing so. I think you really have to go there to appreciate the size of the thing though.

I think the comment below answers your question. We saw a digger going up and also at the top (there was also no way for the driver to see where he was going there!) and we were amazed at the level of steepness it could handle.

By: Taro 3Yen.com

Taro 3Yen.com — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:18:01 +0000

Q: “How does the cottage industry at the top get up there every morning?”

The is small caterpillar tractors hauls beer and cigarettes up a zigzig road most people don’t see on the backside of Japan’s Mount Tashmore aka Fuji-san. Draft horses also are available for the ride down (or up).

Mount Fuji — Just say no
http://news.3yen.com/2005-07-29/mount-fuji-just-say-no/

By: golden_bastet

golden_bastet — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:01:38 +0000

Steep crater looks STEEP.

…But how does the cottage industry at the top get up there every morning?

By: spamfromjapan

spamfromjapan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:44:08 +0000

Thanks! I think definitely it’s worth it, depending on your stamina and level of stubbornness. The moment we all saw the first rays of sunlight over the top of the clouds was incredible. It’s tough though and I’ve read few accounts online that really get that across.

Best views of Mt Fuji? It depends. Hakone has a reputation for great views, although the one time I went there it was in the midst of a full-blown storm. I’d recommend that place on its own merits though. You can also see Mt Fuji from the harbour in Shizuoka, which is a nice place to walk around. Finally, on a clear day you can see it from Takao (a great daytrip from Tokyo!), but that’s not always guaranteed.

By: Diego

Diego — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:32:26 +0000

Great post. I’ve read one other account of a Mount Fuji expedition and the chap’s experience seems to have been just as miserable as yours.

The closest I’ve ever gotten to Mount Fuji is a very distant drive-by on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Judging from your experience, it might be wise not to get any closer.

On the other hand, where might one get the best views of Fuji without having to risk life and limb and sanity by attempting a climb?