Summary
This was one of those unique, momentous events that I’ll never forget. A very long climb through the night, first on our own then with a cast of thousands! We were rewarded with spectacular views at dawn, as we descended. A day of effort, exhaustion and elation!
- The best bit for me was when the clouds opened up to give us a wonderful view just after dawn..
- The worst bit was feeling cold and exhausted, queuing to get to the summit in the dark.
- The funniest bit was the zig-zag line of tired multicoloured walkers descending.
- A word of warning for other walkers would be to take enough warm clothing even if hiking during the day, and enough torch batteries if hiking at night.
- Scary bits? The pitch blackness of the forests was a bit unnerving.
- I didn’t expect to be eating chicken curry on the summit at 4 a.m.!
Read the full story with lots of photos
Contributed by: Andrew Llanwarne
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The uplifting view over the clouds, just after dawn
Key Facts
| Location |
Climbed from Fujiyoshida, one of several starting points |
| When it was walked |
July 2003 |
| Walk type |
High hills and mountains |
| Difficulty |
Path all the way, but it is a long climb requiring plenty of stamina |
| Distance approx |
27 km (17 miles) |
| Height climbed approx |
3000 m (10,000 ft) |
| Time taken approx |
11 hrs up, 3 hrs down (to 5th stage) |
| Map used if any |
Free maps from Tourist Office |
| Source of info on walk |
Fujiyoshida tourist guide map, Guide map of Mt Fuji, Lonely Planet guide |
| Getting there |
Bus from Shinjuku bus station in Tokyo, 21/2 hours to Fujiyoshida |
| Places to stay |
Huts along the route, or towns at the base. |
| Places to eat/ buy food |
Shops and restaurants in Fujiyoshida |
| Any other local attractions or facilities |
The Fuji Five Lakes around the northern side of the mountain, for views and walking |
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