Climbing Mt Fuji

For many months whilst I was living in Tokyo I could see Mt Fuji and always thought it would be a great adventure and achievement to climb Mt Fuji. Standing 3776m above sea level, Mt Fuji is the highest peak in Japan and can be seen from any high point in Tokyo, always drawing attention to its magnificent presence.
During the winter,the dormant volcano is seen as a climb that only very experienced climbers would attempt, however during July and August Fuji-san (as known to the Japanese) is open for anyone who dares.
As the saying goes... "a fool would not climb Fuji-san at least once in their life, however only a fool would try it twice."

I must say that I totally agree with this saying as the only way I can describe climbing this volcano is to imagine working up a gravel mound for 5 hours whilst the air gets colder and the air gets thinner. Even though it is summer and 35 degrees in Tokyo, the peak may still be around 0 degrees and the air is thin and the altitude is high enough to bring on altitude sickness.

I also have a saying of my own.. although its a worthwhile climb, "Fuji-san is better to look at then to look from". On the contrary (and due to luckily experiencing perfect weather) I managed to take some impressive photos from the top of the Fuji 5 lakes area - Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji.

Fuji-san must have to be the most commercialized volcanoes in the world. There are multiple resting stations at various points and there are noodle bars and vending machines at the top ... YES, vending machines!

1. Start from the 5th station - the highest station that you can drive too ;)
2. Climb through the night to reach the top for sunrise - this is when the weather is likely to be best and provides the clearest view
3. Take a couple of oxygen cans as it gives a great boost every now and again and can also prevent headaches due to the thin air
4. Climb as high as you can without stopping as this will give you the best opportunity to reach the top
5. Get yourself some Hiking poles.. these are a God send for climbing big rocky gravel volcanoes
6. Buy a head light as its much easier to climb with you hands free and also gives you ability to use your hiking poles
7. Buy your snickers bars at the lower stations as they get more expensive as you climb ;).. water is also available but make sure you take atleast 2 litres (per person)
8. Don't forget to leave some energy for the climb down and for the trip back down good hiking boots are highly recommended
9. Dress warmly with multiple layers, head cover and take a poncho as the weather can change very fast and will most likely be freezing at the top (no matter how warm it is in Tokyo)
10. Don't forget to have ram-en noodles at the top! Even if they taste a little like 2 minute noodles