climbing mount fuji in June, any advice?

Question

I will be be going to Japan between the 2nd and 26th of June. I would like to climb mount fuji, but they say its recommended to climb in July or August, does anyone have any advice climbing mount Fuji in June? or is it not recommended?

Answer 1

It will be ok. Don't worry. Bring a flashlight, some food and water and bring your camera.

I went in August and had no problems. I think June will be ok.

Answer 2

Good choice. Climbing Mt. Fuji is a tiring but fulfilling experience and I strongly encourage it, you'll remember it for the rest of your life. You usually start very early in the AM so that you can reach the summit at sunrise. Bring your camera and wear warm clothing because it is cold. The bus will drop you off halfway to the summit so the several hour climb is really the top half of the mountain. Watch out the tough part is the climb down, it's hard on the feet and the muscles of the calves and ankles so wear hiking boots. Any reputable travel agency should be able to book the trip. You should also look up the Japan Times on the web, it's an English language newspaper and may have some advertisements for the Fuji trip. The Fuji stop is around an hour from Tokyo by bullet train.

Answer 3

Your main problem is going to be exactly when "climbing season" starts. During this time (usually July and August) the mountain huts at each stage are open. Outside the season, most of them are closed, maybe some will be open(ing) in June. I think it depends on the weather each year.

The main advantage of open huts is that you can shelter in them (paying 4000 yen for the privilege) in case of rain, or weariness. Also, you can buy possibly the most over-priced food in the world. A steaming hot Cup O' Noodles for 500 yen, or a can of sports drink for 500 yen.

Anyway, bring at least 2 liters of water/sports drink, (i brought 4)and some energy bars, and 500 yen coins ;). Definitely need winter gear and rain gear, hat, gloves, flashlight, a camera, a bit of toilet paper, good broken-in hiking shoes/boots and a walking stick. Temperature at the summit in June will defintely be freezing, plus wind.

Hang out in Tokyo or near Fuji and pay attention to the weather. When there's a clear forecast for the next 24-48 hours, go for it.
DO NOT GO DURING BAD WEATHER! Many people do, but at best it will be miserable, wet, unpleasant and icy at the top, and no good photo opportunities either. At worst it could actually be dangerous. People DO die every year.
I am a total cheapskate, but I would defeintely hole up in a hotel for a day near the mountain and put off climbing until there is clearer weather.

If you can do it on a weekday, even better. Weekends get crowded (but maybe not a problem in June)

Get advice from locals whereever you are staying about how to get to the 5th stage by bus. It's not considered cheating, almost nobody actually starts from the 1st stage.

Many people go on Fuji-climbing group tours. I think they are insane, and I only hear bad stories. You are slowed down by the group, the whole experience takes twice as much time and money as going alone, and you have to book in advance, so if it happens to rain on your climbing days, you get wet, and maybe even have to turn back, no summit, no refund.

I did the whole expereince alone in about 24 hours from Tokyo and back. Took a bus there (about 2.5 hours). I climbed all night, starting at the 5th stage, where the main lodge is and bus road ends. I watched the sunrise from the 8th stage, where there were no clouds, pushed on to the top (10th stage) where there were some clouds, hung out, looked inside the crater called home on the pay phone there, and walked down. 8 hours up (not pushing myself at all, and I am NOT in shape) 4 hours down. Ate lunch at the lodge then took the bus back to Tokyo, carrying my walking stick branded at the summit, which gives us a visible excuse for smelling really bad. I probably should have visited a hot spring after climbing down.

Don't plan on doing anything the day after you get back, except maybe visiting a hot spring! ;)

Answer 4

Go to Zushi, or Chigasaki, lie on the beach, drink a beer, be surrounded by babes, and gaze zen-like at the peak in the distance - or, climb the mount, suffer, and wish you were relaxing on that beautiful looking beach in the distance.

Answer 5

Keep in mind that June is the rainy season. I'd go sooner than later as sometimes the season begins in mid to late June.

---------the kids are playing with the thumbs down button again. Sigh! Grow up, kids!