Mount Fuji Climb — August 2006
The Society organised a special August event in 2006: a climb up Mount Fuji (3776m).
The group gathered at the Shinjuku Chūō Bus Terminal shortly before 11:00 a.m. Despite some traffic—especially approaching the mountain—we reached the Yoshidaguchi 5th Station slightly behind schedule at around 1:45 p.m. The weather alternated between sunshine and cloud, but we were able to see high up the mountain during clear intervals.
While waiting for Phil Robertson, who had taken a different route, several of us enjoyed ramen for lunch before beginning our ascent.
We set off from the 5th Station around 3:00 p.m. As we passed the 6th Station the weather deteriorated, visibility dropped to a few feet, and temperature fell sharply. Spirits lifted once the weather cleared, but the trail was crowded and queues in several places slowed the ascent.
After several hours of climbing, rain began again just as we reached our mountain hut — the Fuji-san Hotel between the 8th and 9th Stations — after dark. Accommodation was basic but warm, and after curry rice and a little sake we settled into the communal bunk room.
The hut staff woke everyone before 1:30 a.m. for the final ascent. Despite mist and scattered showers, we joined a huge crowd making its way toward the summit. Eventually the clouds lifted and the peak came into view.
A spectacular sunrise spread across a clear horizon, drawing cheers from the climbers gathered above the sea of clouds.
Some of the group remained at the summit for about an hour. Erek and Heike, pictured above, enjoyed the view before part of the group continued around the crater rim.
We descended via a different route, returning to the Yoshidaguchi 5th Station in bright, clear weather. A final group photo at the bus terminal marked the end of a challenging but unforgettable climb.
Participants
Huw Williams
James Annan
Julia Hargreaves
Nobuko Yamazaki
Julian Culliford
Erek Speckert
Heike Speckert
Bernd Rall
Gritta Rall
Phil Robertson
Rebecca Carter
— Huw Williams, Honorary Secretary