Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Missihippi]

I'm thinking way in advance here, but i'd like to consider climbing fuji in summer 2010. Anyone done it? How long did it take you? (i've read 2-10 hours) What supplies were a must? etc..

[timolein23]

I did it in August. We started out from the fifth station at maybe 3pm and climbed for 3 hrs to a mountain hut. Stayed there and tried to sleep without success. In our room was a Japanese guy who was snoring ridiculously loudly. We left at 1am trying to reach the summit for sunrise. The weather however was atrocious. The wind was so bitter and cold and the rain was heavy. Most people abandoned their attempts because of the weather and decided to stay in the hut. I didnt have waterproof trousers which was a big mistake! I was so cold and wet by the time we reached the top. Physically I was fine, didnt think the climb was that difficult but my dad got quite bad altitude sickness and struggled to the top. We reached the summit at maybe 5 with absolutely no view, just lots of cloud! There are a few huts at the top serving hot food and coffee.

must have items:

good waterproof jacket and trousers
headlamps if climbing at night

maybe:
oxygen bottle (didnt have one but these can be bought on the mountain if needed)

When we went we had to book a mountain hut as they were nearly all booked up. You can either book a room or just turn up and shelter in the lobby. I was suprised at how cold it was up there. I would defintely be prepared although we were pretty unlucky with the weather

[Missihippi]

[timolein23]

Yeh the whole 3 days I was in the area it was in cloud for all but 2 minutes. Yeh I would do it again only because I completely missed the view from the top.

I dont know about camping. I really doubt its allowed but I'm not totally sure. Go for it but if possible choose a day to go up with a good weather forecast.

[Enigma]

I've done it twice, both times at the end of August and both times on the Yoshidaguchi Trail starting at the 5th station (coming in from Kawaguchiko). The first time we started around 8pm and got to the top about 3 or 3:30am, in time for the sunrise.
The second time the weather was really bad so we ended up starting first thing in the morning.
Once was enough for me. The only reason I went a second time was that my buddy came to Japan to visit me and he really wanted to climb Fuji.
One thing I will stress is that if you do it overnight, it is really cold at the top when it's dark. The wind comes up the mountain and we were freezing. I'm Canadian, and I've never felt colder in my life. Bring lots of layers.
If you have any more questions, let me know and I'll try and answer them.