Conquering Mount Fuji at 3,776 Meters

Diary of Climbing Mount Fuji: July 25-26, 2025

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters above sea level.
⛰️ We took the Yoshida Trail, starting from the 5th station.
🥾 From the 5th station (elevation 2,390 meters), we hiked to the 8th station (elevation 3,400 meters) and rested there. At 2 AM, we resumed the climb for another kilometer with a 300-meter elevation gain to reach the peak and watch the sunrise.
🛏 We booked a mountain hut with dinner and breakfast included (no shower facilities).
🎒 Packed snacks, water, and energy gels. Supplies were available at rest stops but became more expensive with altitude. Also packed warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing, along with a headlamp for night hiking.
- Tested the backpack's weight after packing—quite heavy! 🤣

- Based on reviews, the hike takes a long time, especially from the 7th to the 8th station. This turned out to be true. It felt more like scrambling than walking, as the path was rocky and uneven. Falling would definitely result in scraped knees.
- The trail from the 5th to the 6th station was relatively flat and easy to walk quickly.
- From the 6th to the 7th station, the trail became steeper with some switchbacks, but it wasn’t too challenging yet. We took breaks along the way, while the tour group moved ahead. We were slower, almost crawling.
- From the 7th to the 8th station, it was a real struggle. The rocky path required scrambling, and the trail was crowded, causing delays. Finding footholds was tricky, especially for those with shorter legs. 🦵 I didn’t take many photos because my hands were busy holding on for dear life.
- After reaching the 8th station, we had to climb a bit further to our hut. It was exhausting.

- 🛖 Reached the hut in 4 hours and 23 minutes, faster than expected (I had anticipated 5-6 hours).
- Checked in and got a private sleeping space (more like a sleeping bag). Dinner at the hut wasn’t filling, so I bought an extra cup of instant noodles. Watched the sunset and enjoyed the breeze.
- Went to bed early but didn’t sleep well. From the hut, it was just 1 km with a 300-meter elevation gain to the summit. We planned to leave at 2 AM to catch the sunrise around 4 AM. If we arrived early, we’d just wait in the cold.
- At 2 AM, we gathered, but some hikers had already left earlier. The trail was crowded with people heading to the summit.
- The final stretch from the 8th station to the summit was tough—cold, steep, and dark. The narrow path forced us to walk in a line, with headlamps creating a trail of lights. Despite the crowd, we made it in time to see the sunrise. 🌤 It was breathtaking.
- After reaching the summit, we took a short break and then circled the crater to the highest point at 3,776 meters.

The descent was a different challenge. The loose gravel made it feel like walking on the edge of the horizon. I meditated as I walked down. By the time I reached the base, I had consumed all my supplies. My legs were exhausted, but I made it. Mission accomplished!

Leg pain 🚫
Shoulder pain ✅ (new backpack straps chafed my neck).