Mount Fuji

3,776 meters to the top of this active volcano. The first summit by a foreigner is believed to have taken place in September of 1860 though today an estimated 200,000 people lay their sights on the highest peak in Japan. 30% of which are believed to be foreigners, and I don't know what percentage of those foreigners have done it more than once...but I did.

Setting off at around 0700 from the fifth station on the popular Kawaguchiko Route we had sunny skies and warm weather. A far cry from the conditions I endured last year. We bought our hiking sticks for ¥1,000 each which includes the 5th station stamp, a flag, and an annoying bell then set off down the trail to begin our hike. About midway through our ascent clouds began to form quickly, pressure dropped significantly, and the wind started whipping up the side of the mountain. This actually became a welcome change as the days sun was finally blocked and allowed us to conserve water and lighten up on the sunblock.

This being my 2nd time up Fuji I knew how much it really sucked. It's neat to stand around and say "I climbed Fuji" or "I can't wait to climb Fuji" but the realty is that it flat sucks. Sure it's pretty and all, but the weather changes on a dime, the water and snacks on the mountain are expensive as all get out, it's 5 hours of stair stepping, and after it all you have to endure the worst part of it all...the decent. By simply looking at Sandy's expressions on the way up you can get a pretty good idea of what kind of hike Fuji is.

Great, I'm happy to be here can't wait smile.

Neat a Torri Gate smile.

Fake smile's begin.

Just over 500 meters to the top and we are no longer amused.

This quickly changes as the final stretch is in sight.

Then finally the picture that makes pleasure out of pain, we reached the top of Mt Fuji 4 hours and 40 minutes after we set off from the 5th station. Above you'll notice people with numbers beside us...yes the Mt Fuji race was the same day as our climb. The winner took less than 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top. Sick.

So the first day of our trip to Tokyo was over after the long grueling walk down the mountain. With our branded climbing sticks in hand, pictures to remember the hike by, and a long bus ride back to the hotel to lay around in pain and soreness...but it was well worth it for sure.

As the saying goes, "A wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once. Only a fool climbs it twice."
I've been called worse.