Fuji-no-Yama 2016

by kenji SAITO on August 11, 2016

Our fourth pilgrimage to the mountain of the rising sun. We arrived in Japan during the sweltering summer. Hot and humid was an understatement. Stick a chopstick in me, I’m done.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Today was Mountain Day in Japan, to provide “opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains.” With that being said, we packed our bags and left scorching Shinjuku to arrive three hours later in the crisp air of Gotemba New 5th station that used to be the old 2nd station. Must be the new math.

Gotemba Torii

Gotemba Torii

The Gotemba station was a marked contrast to the almost carnival like atmosphere of the more popular Yoshida station where we had started from the previous three years. It barely left a footprint that consists of a small shop, bathrooms, bus stop and an adequate parking lot.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

We pushed off just shy of 10am to begin our hike on the Gotemba trail, which has been described as the most physically hardest route amongst the four trails leading to the summit. The starting elevation is at 1,440 meters (4,724′), which is 2,738′ lower than the more popular Yoshida trail. More elevation to climb. More cardio. Huffing and puffing.

Oishi-chaya

Oishi-chaya

Last chance for refreshments and … hiking sticks. The old shop lady was calculating, probably pegged me as a tourist due to my non-native language skills, 1200 yen … (wait, longer stick) 1900 yen… (wait, stamps ) 2400 yen… (wait, flag) … okay, 2900 yen ($29). Domo arigato gozaimasu.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Leaving the conveniences of civilization behind us.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Japanese knotweeds with their red flowers and green leaves offered a colorful contrast against the volcanic gravel.

Mount Futago

Mount Futago

Mari passing the twin mountains of Futatsuzuka Uezuka and Futatsuzuka Shitazuka. No detour. Stay on the trail.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

The national park covers 474 square miles that includes Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands. No entrance fee. Just a 1,000 yen ($10) donation at the trailhead and you get a shiny button to pin on your backpack.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Clouds rolling down the featureless terrain.

Old 2.5 station

Old 2.5 station

Sitting down at the Jirobo trail marker at an elevation of 1,920 meters (6,300′).

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Starting at a lower altitude than from prior years, helped Mari cope with the transition to thinner air.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

What’s for lunch? Anpan and Pocari Sweat. Tastes better than it sounds.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Hiking in the clouds. The trail had zero shade. Nature provided shade in the form of rolling clouds.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Trail crew passing us on the way down. Hard hats. Safety first.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

On a good day, you can clearly see the summit of Fuji. Cloudy conditions made it less than an ideal day.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Where there are clouds, rain can not be far behind.

6th Station-Goya

6th Station-Goya

Our first hut and it was closed. There are very few huts on this side of the mountain, as compared to the more popular Yoshida trail.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Zig. Zag. Switchback hiking. Zag. Zig.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Hikers were few and far in between on this trail, along with the mountain greetings of “konnichiwa” exchanged between hikers.

Mount Hoei

Mount Hoei

Mari standing in front of Mt. Hoei, a flank volcano, standing at 2,693 meters. In other words, a pimple on Mt. Fuji.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Mari at the 3,000 meter mark (9,842′).

Hinode-kan

Hinode-kan

We arrived at the first open hut at 5pm. No bags of rice for sale here.

Waraji-kan

Waraji-kan

Hey, that flag is bigger than mines.

Yakiin

Yakiin

Every hut has a branding iron specific to them that they will happily impress on your hiking stick. 300 yen ($3) please.

Waraji-kan

Waraji-kan

High above the clouds. Notice the snowboard-turned-seat in the background.

Sunabashiri-kan

Sunabashiri-kan

Another hut. Another stamp. Another 300 yen ($3) shelled out.

Sunabashiri-kan

Sunabashiri-kan

Scenic spot. Once we climbed above the rain clouds and showers, we were blessed with beautiful weather on the mountain.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

I hope that’s our hut. This trail was getting the better of me. Lack of sleep was not helping either. I know. Excuses. Excuses.

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Reservations for Saito? We got to our hut sweet hut for the night at 6:20pm. Prince Naruhito, future Emperor of Japan, stayed in this hut in 2008.

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Akaiwahachigo-kan

All you can eat curry and hot tea. Free bathrooms. Stacked like sardines horizontally and vertically. Stuffed into musty futons. No prince treatment for us. Mountain hut living at its finest.

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Akaiwahachigo-kan

We left the relative warmth of our shuttered hut at 4:14am to venture outside to a 48 degree morning to wait for the sunrise.

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Akaiwahachigo-kan

The morning glow of the sun breaking through the clouds.

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Akaiwahachigo-kan

Sunrise at 4:59am. Slightly delayed by cloud cover.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Ringing the bell on our way to the summit at 5:33am.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Nothing like cold mountain air to get your blood flowing in the early morning.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Looking back at the sea of clouds.

Miharashi-kan

Miharashi-kan

Multiple choice. Is this hiker a) passed out from the thin air b) shielding his eyes from the unfiltered sun or c) deeply disappointed to find out that the hut is closed?

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Monument to all the fallen hikers that failed to summit. Actually it’s meant to recognize and honor the people that created this rugged trail.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Panoramic view looking down.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

The final push to the summit.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

We summited Mount Fuji around 7:30am.

Mount Fuji Summit

Mount Fuji Summit

Standing on the edge of the crater as wind gusts threatened to blow us into the maw of the active volcano. Active what?

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Neither snow nor rain nor cold nor high altitude will stay your postcard from being slowly delivered from the highest mountain in the land. Summit temperature was a cool 42 degrees. Not counting wind chill.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

We left the summit a little past 8am. No walk around the crater this year. Too cold and tired. Next year.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Hiking back down into the clouds.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

All downhill. Back to zigging and zagging.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Making our way back down to our hut to get Mari’s backpack. Some huts will allow you to leave your backpack to lighten your load as you hike to the summit.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Goodbye Fuji-san. We will see you again next year.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Last chance to use the bathroom. All out of 100 yen coins.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Panoramic view of the trail going down.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

That’s one way of taking the load off your back. Sledding it down the mountain.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

We left the 6th hut and the mind numbing switchbacks for …

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

… the start of the “great sand run.”

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

The trail turned into a bed of thick volcanic ash that goes down for 7 km (4.34 miles).

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

Clouds started to roll up the mountain, blocking the promised panoramic view of the mountains and city below us.

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

It paid to have gaiters or spats to prevent the fine volcanic pebbles from getting into our shoes. I saw several hikers stopped on the sides of the trail emptying out their shoes.

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

While at the hut, we heard that there was an injured hiker on the trail. I met this paramedic who was looking for said hiker. Kept on looking.

Osunabashiri

Osunabashiri

Running down the trail as my feet sank up to my ankles with each stride going down. It was crazy fun.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Mari making her way down, the hiking sticks came in handy to help brake our sometimes rapid descent.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

Still no view as we made our way down, passing hikers going up the mountain.

Gotemba Trail

Gotemba Trail

No stopping at the hut. Don’t want to get trapped into overpriced and unnecessary trinkets again.

All pau

All pau

We got back down around 1pm. Our bus back to the train station was at 3:35pm. So much time on our hands. What to do? Filled out a survey. Japanese language only. Here comes the rain again. Fired up my Jetboil and boiled a bowl of beef pho and a cup of hot chocolate. Chatted with a fellow American named John who was from Virginia. Contemplated sharing a taxi to the train station to cut down on the wait time. But in the end, we boarded the bus along with a dozen other smelly hikers to the train station that took us back to Shinjuku.

GPS Tracks

GPS Tracks

Our fourth and hardest hike up Mount Fuji started off cloudy and rainy and ended up with crisp weather, stunning scenery and another epic sunrise. The hike covered 10.44 miles with an elevation gain slightly over 7,600′. Congrats to Mari for finishing her fourth and hardest hike up Mount Fuji. Post hike meal at Coco’s. I come back every year to this restaurant for their Tomato Seafood Spaghetti. Add hot sauce. Broke da mouth.

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{ 136 comments… read them below or add one }

Tim Memea September 17, 2016 at 7:50 pm

It must’ve been an awesome experience every step of the way. The view above the clouds gives you the feeling that this is what the God’s must feel like surveying all from up high. We are grateful to see the beauty of the world through your eyes. Thank you!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:00 pm

Aloha Tiny,
Thanks. Yes it was, puts you that much closer! Makes you appreciate life even more. Hope life and Island Movers are treating you well!
Mahalo

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Scott Bowling September 17, 2016 at 7:53 pm

Super cool trip. I like your tradition of going back every year. I would like to hike Mt. Fuji. Very impressive that your wife went with you on this hike, especially since it was the hardest so far. Why don’t you take her on some of your other hikes? Maybe a waterfall hike?

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:01 pm

Aloha Scott,
Thanks! It’s actually her idea and not mines. I’m just along for the ride and being a Sherpa. Haha, no we don’t want to get lost!
Mahalo

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Diamond Head September 17, 2016 at 7:57 pm

Wow such a beautiful hike….and is dat da Mrs….looks like she can tackle any of da hikes here…if she can reach da clouds, she can do da Ko’olaus…thanks for sharing..

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:04 pm

Aloha Hiram,
You can’t hide behind a keyboard! I know you! haha. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Mahalo

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Anites September 17, 2016 at 7:57 pm

Awesome job to you and your wife. Beatiful pics and awesome descriptions. Would like to climb Mt. Fuji one day, but I want to see the summit views even though the clouds look cool on the summit. The sunrise is beautiful on the summit. Well done and congratulations to Mari!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:05 pm

Aloha Ani,
Thanks! If you really want to see the sunrise, you would have to do this trail and you can see it from basically the entire trail so if the summit is socked in, you still get the sunrise.
Mahalo

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Jessica Tan September 17, 2016 at 7:58 pm

SO AWESOME!!! I am in awe and so inspired to do this! Being above the clouds is amazing!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:06 pm

Aloha Jessica,
Thanks! Yes it was amazing and felt so good to be away from the heat down in the city. Hope you climb it one day!
Mahalo

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George Vuong September 17, 2016 at 8:06 pm

4th time around is the longest and most miserable one? Good Job Saito team!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:08 pm

Aloha George,
Thanks! Yup and we still got two more different trails to go up!
Mahalo

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Ethan September 17, 2016 at 8:08 pm

Great write-up and awesome pictures. This hike has been on my list for a while now. Slightly more motivated to get it done after reading this.

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm

Aloha Ethan,
Thanks. Hope you get to do it soon! Before it erupts or so the rumor goes. :)
Mahalo

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Pip September 17, 2016 at 8:11 pm

What’s up Kenji!
This place looks amazing! My gf would love the clouds up there. Hopefully we can try one day..if she can handle it too. And those are awesome shots!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:22 pm

Aloha Pip,
Thanks. She can handle, I’ve seen hikers ranging from 8yo to 80yo. We should hike again!
Mahalo

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Pip September 18, 2016 at 4:50 pm

Thanks for the info kenji!.well,the only problem now is trip money lol.gotta save money now.and yea I would like to hike with you guys again you guys are awesome!

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Dale Yoshizu September 17, 2016 at 8:14 pm

Wow! What an adventure you guys had! Amazing that your wife was able to hike up that high elevation. Don?t think I could do that. But I do want to go to Japan one day to hike up there or at least get a view from the distance. Think your wife would be able to do your hard weekend hikes.

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:24 pm

Aloha Dale,
Thanks. I know you can do this hike! You hike like almost everyday! Yup, you should go soon!
Mahalo

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Shirley September 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm

Amazing hike! Love those photos above the clouds! This just made me put Mount Fuji on my bucket list.

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:44 pm

Aloha Shirley,
Thanks! Yes, you got to get out there one day! Make sure you do the Gotemba trail (hardest) since you’re a beast! LOL.
Mahalo

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Clayton Takemoto, Jr. September 17, 2016 at 8:27 pm

Wow, amazing write-up of your guys return trip to conquer Mt. Fuji!! I loved reading this blog since I felt as if I’m there and also one day I do hope to scratch Mt. Fuji off of my bucket list but know that a lot of prepping, planning, conditioning and more must be done. It was interesting to read that they have bathrooms and huts along the way up; very helpful. Also congratulations to you both again, Kenji! Keep on trekking and I do hope to one day join you on a hike again. Take care and keep on blogging as I enjoy reading them and looking at the great pics you capture. Plus the captions are my my favorite. Lol

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:30 pm

Aloha Clayton,
Thanks. Yup, the hike itself is not really technical, I think the biggest thing most people have to deal with is hiking at high altitude. And be prepared for cold weather as you near the summit. One trip and the temp was near freezing as the storm raged around us.
Mahalo

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Nani DeFelice September 17, 2016 at 8:31 pm

Congratulations on summiting! It’s neat how each hut will stamp your stick on this trail. Kinda like a pilgrimage! Do the other trails offer huts that stamp your stick as well? What’s the altitude on Mt Fuji?

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:33 pm

Aloha Nani,
Thanks! Yes all huts on all four different trails will stamp your stick. They gotta make yen somehow! Fuji tops out at 12,388′. Looks like you are having a good time in Colorado!
Mahalo

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Freddie September 17, 2016 at 8:35 pm

Wow! You hiked Mount Fuji!! That’s one of my dream hikes! Even where that scary movie was made… I like the branding iron thing and that snowboard seat… You had some great pics! Keep up the great work and keep adventuring!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Aloha Freddie,
Thanks. It was actually our 4th time doing it. My wife wants to keep on doing it every year. So I guess we’ll be back next year.
Mahalo

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Masako September 17, 2016 at 8:46 pm

Wooooow!!! This reminds me that I really have to go back to climb Mt. Fuji again! It is not required technical skill for climbing, but long, high and climate changes surprisingly! And!!! It was the most beautiful and amazing sunrise I have ever seen in my life, it looked like we won’t get to watch sunrise when I wan waiting sunrise from the summit because of clouds, but it pops up from the cloud because of the summit is way higher than the cloud, it was amazing and huge rewards after long and high altitude climbing! looks like you did new route to climb up this time, which route you like? You chose new route because is regular route to busy? I so loved staying the hut to drink hot sake and talk to people from all over the world and crushed in Futon, people at Hut are so nice!!! Thank you so much for shearing your experience again!!! We should get together to climb Mt. Fuji next summer and Onsen and great food, it will be so much fun!!!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 8:52 pm

Aloha Masako-san,
Thanks. Like you said, it’s not technical climbing, just have to be prepared for the thinner air and colder temperatures. Gotemba was nice as it had less people and seemed more of a “real” trail than the more commonly trafficked Yoshida trail. Very interesting to meet all the different people that come to climb Fuji. We chose this route because we have done Yoshida 3 times and it was time to do a new one. Still got two more different trails we have to check out to Fuji. Yup that sounds like a plan for next year!
Mahalo

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cisco September 17, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Wow! Awesome Trip and Awesome Pics…I’m gonna put this on my to do list

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 9:09 pm

Aloha Cisco,
Thanks. Yup, gotta do it at least once.
Mahalo

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Kirk Taniguchi September 17, 2016 at 9:06 pm

Congrats to you and the missus for completing the fourth and most difficult of your hikes up Mount Fuji! Have you completed all of the different trails to the summit? I didn’t see Kikaida in any of your pics. Hope he has able to make the trip as well. Maybe he the one taking the pictures… :-P

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 9:11 pm

Aloha Kirk,
Thanks. We still got two more trails to hike up to the summit. Kikaida was with me and he was taking the pics. Took some time though, what with his stubby vinyl hands.
Mahalo

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Wayne kahana September 17, 2016 at 9:09 pm

WOW THAT LOOK LIKE A AWESOME HIKE. BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!! THAT PLACE LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL.

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 9:13 pm

Aloha Wayne,
Thanks. Yup, it was an awesome hike with an awesome sunrise at the end of the rainbow so to speak. Maybe you can drive a crane up there one day! LOL
Mahalo

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Zack September 17, 2016 at 9:38 pm

That looks awesome! Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to hike there next year when I visit… Can’t wait!!!

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 9:41 pm

Aloha Zack,
Thanks. Yup make sure you hike it, but sorry you can’t take Koa! LOL.
Mahalo

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Sheldon September 17, 2016 at 9:50 pm

Awesome. Job to both of you !!!!! Those hikes look insane …. ???? Congrats to you guys

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kenji SAITO September 17, 2016 at 9:55 pm

Aloha Sheldon,
Thanks! It’s not insane, just gotta get used to the higher altitude and colder temps. You can do it. Spartan beast!
Mahalo

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Troy September 17, 2016 at 10:23 pm

Wow 4th time. I gotta go one day

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 5:50 am

Aloha Troy,
Thanks. Yup, my wife had made it an annual tradition now. You gotta go at least.
Mahalo

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Matt Vidaurri September 17, 2016 at 10:24 pm

Good job you guys. You guys are amazing. 4th time up Mt Fuji, wow! We always see it from the shinkasen from tokyo to osaka. Would love to do that hike too some day but im out numbered by shoppers and Japanese fine diners. Lol way to go and domo arigatoo gozaimashita for sharing

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 5:51 am

Aloha Matt,
Thanks! You just have to bring more hikers with you to equalize the situation or just convert them!
Mahalo

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David Lindenberg September 17, 2016 at 10:54 pm

This is an outstanding pictorial record of your hike up and down Mt. Fuji. Kenji and Mari, I admire both of you for completing such a difficult task! You both are to be commended! Absolutely Well Done!!!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 5:53 am

Aloha Dave,
Thanks. All the credit goes to Mari, once was enough for me, she is the one that wants to keep on doing it. It’s her “hike.” LOL.
Mahalo

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Pat September 17, 2016 at 11:16 pm

What an awesome adventure!! What do you think you spent total for your trip? I’ve always wanted to hike Mt. Fuji! … But I’d need the easier route! Hahaha! Congrats to the two of you!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 5:55 am

Aloha Pat,
Thanks. We dropped a pretty penny on this trip. They even offer guides up the mountain if you want to just let somebody else handle all the arrangements, but IMO that’s not really needed.
Mahalo

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Sailing September 17, 2016 at 11:38 pm

Waw omg!! Super amazing pictures and super awesome Kenji and your wonderful wife did that hike!
I knew a lot of people who when there said it was not easy trail because very cold ….!
I am definitely so admired both of you super wonderful and so inspired me ! Definitely hiking masters….!
????????????????

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 5:57 am

Aloha Sailing,
Thanks. Yup, for some the altitude and cold makes it a somewhat harder hike. For others, it’s just a stroll in the park. Just depends on the person. You should try it one day! You’d do fine!
Mahalo

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Menchie Bautista September 18, 2016 at 12:03 am

What a great experience & pictures Kenji & Mari. By the way, Kenji your wife is beautiful. “Happy wife, happy life”, always remember lol! This is a big accomplishment, and it’s wonderful coz you guys do it together every year. Amazing! The good thing about your trip is, it made it much better & romantic because your wife always go with you in Mt. Fuji trip :) Hardwork & planning is also involved as well. The view is magnificent. Everytime I go up the mountain, it always remind me of how wonderful God creations. He is not selfish to show us the natural beauty of what he made for his people. This is definitely on my list. I was planning to do Mt. Fuji first before Machu Pichuu last August, but since I planned to go Colombia, I was thinking I’m already close in Peru :) so I went. I will definitely ask your advice when I’m ready to go to Mt. Fuji. Thank you very much for sharing.God bless you Kenji & Mari. You’re a good writer, you always make a link or a blog on the hikes that you do. Keep it up!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 6:01 am

Aloha Menchie,
Thanks! Okay I’ll try to remember that advice. LOL. Yes Mari did all the planning for this hike as it’s her “mountain.” She is already looking forward to next year! Machu Pichuu is on my bucket list as well. From your photos, looks like a splendid place to visit and soak in. Let me know when you plan on doing Fuji, I’ll turn you over to my Fuji “expert” Mari.
Mahalo

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Tammie L R Kurizaki September 18, 2016 at 6:30 am

I’m beyond envious! What an amazing hike for you and your wife. You’re so lucky that your wife went with you, she must be a hiking beast like you.

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 9:51 pm

Aloha Tammie,
Thanks. Yes, Fuji is my wife’s “hike.” You guys should go hike it one day!
Mahalo

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Echo Papa September 18, 2016 at 6:45 am

Did you see anyone flying drones along the way? Glad to see the summit was clear. Mauna Kea next?

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 9:53 pm

Aloha Ev,
Thanks. You would think there would be drones, but none that we saw. Been there, done that son! LOL. Well actually only drove up there, still gotta hike up there. Haha.
Mahalo

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Charles Moanalihaikawaokele Akana III September 18, 2016 at 9:31 am

Ohayo!! Aloha!! Mabuhay!! Thank you for sharing you photos….. Fuji San is a beast… I hope to get to see it one day in the flesh…. To old and to fat to make the pilgrimage myself…. So, looking at picture is the next best thing!

Domou!! Mahalo!! Salamat po!!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 9:55 pm

Aloha Charlie,
Thanks. You should go, never too old to try! I have seen 80+ year old guys making it up there! Just try!
Mahalo

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Sandra Chun September 18, 2016 at 9:50 am

Hi,
Love the scenic pictures!!! You both are so brave and strong to do this hike!!!!

sANDRA

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 9:56 pm

Aloha Sandra,
Thanks. I don’t know about brave, maybe just foolish to do it four times in a row and keep counting!
Mahalo

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Johnny Kenneth Garrity September 18, 2016 at 10:45 am

Right on bro…that’s some serious hiking your wife and you did in the land of Nippon. She and through her you must have seriousfly felt that warm rush of tip-top culture all through the veins. Climbing to the top was and is one of the best experiences bar non during my 16 years living in Japan. Hopefully someday she can not only guide you to the peak, but me as well again!!!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 9:59 pm

Aloha Johnny,
Thanks! Yup she loves to go back to Fuji every year to climb that mountain. She looks forward to the next hike as soon as we are done with the current one! Maybe one day we can hook up and hike in Vietnam, unless you change your residence again!
Mahalo

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Danny September 18, 2016 at 10:56 am

Kenji and Mari,
Wonderful experience you both partook in. I could literally feel, smell, touch the environment. Thank you both for bringing this wonderful personal experience to us. Pictures gave us an in depth personal view on Mt Fuji and her followers. This hike is meant to be experienced up close and personal, thank you both for sharing with us. I like that there is a hut up there, branding the walking stick, great idea, what exactly do they brand on it, elevation, year? Great idea for other locations. Awesome hike, bucket list!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 10:02 pm

Aloha Danny,
Thanks. The brand depends on the hut, but in general it states their name and sometimes the elevation and date. They gotta make some yen somehow!
Mahalo

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Ben Benito September 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

Hey Mari, so excited for you. What a great accomplishment ????

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Ben Benito September 18, 2016 at 1:59 pm

Sorry those questions are supposed to be a “thumbs up” emoji

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 10:22 pm

Aloha BJ,
Thanks! Haha, sometimes things get lost in the electronic translation. But Mari got the message!
Mahalo

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Dave Palombo September 18, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Wow, what an epic hike! I would love to be able to do that– amazing! Carrying my camera gear would kill me. I wonder how bad the light pollution would be from the summit of the mountain (photographing the stars). What a great adventure, and to imagine the history of that place, the people who have viewed it, the spirituality of the mountain. Great blog post!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing and I will look forward to reading more of your adventures.

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 10:25 pm

Aloha Dave,
Thanks! I’m not a pro photographer, but I believe light pollution is not that bad. You would get some sick shots up there, as long as the weather cooperates! It’s so unpredictable at times, sometimes it’s clear as a bell and othertimes storms are raging at the summit. Keep on sharing your awesome photos! I wish I could take photos like you guys!
Mahalo

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Lonnie Hammack September 18, 2016 at 7:12 pm

Awesome! Great run down of the hike. I want to do this hike next year and your step by step description really helps. Also, love the pictures. Four times…..that’s a significant achievement!

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kenji SAITO September 18, 2016 at 10:27 pm

Aloha Lonnie,
Thanks. Glad that it might help, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Yup, four times and still going until we can!
Mahalo

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Will September 19, 2016 at 10:26 am

This looks so awesome and is on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I want that post-summit ramen at one of the vendors there. That would be so satisfying. I also look forward to meeting Kenji-san’s wife one day. I have to pay my respects to such a liberal spouse who lets her husband spend every weekend on the mountains.

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kenji SAITO September 19, 2016 at 11:35 am

Aloha Will,
Thanks. I think you would find better ramen and sushi in the city. Haha, yes you will have to meet as her, or as she calls herself “the hiking widow.” I told her I have to do all these hikes before I get old and decrepit.
Mahalo

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Robert September 19, 2016 at 11:58 am

Excellent adventure once again with good narration. You guys are becoming old pros at this and for retirement you guys can start a guided tour business up Mt Fuji seriously. Look forward to seeing you two soon once again. Take care.

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kenji SAITO September 19, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Aloha Robert,
Thanks. Haha, they couldn’t afford our services, just kidding. Say hello to Rena and the kids! Yup, hope to see you guys again soon.
Mahalo

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Glenn Toyama September 19, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Really amazing!
Not much mountains on earth are as majestic as Mt. Fuji.
Fortunate.
And you two get to hike it every year.
Beautiful.
Only us “peoples” can appreciate the grand things of this world. Yeah? What a waste of space if we weren’t around to see and experience them – contemplate it.

Great pics!

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kenji SAITO September 19, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Aloha Glenn,
Thank you! We contemplate it all the time when we are huffing and puffing our way up the mountain and hopefully rewarded with splendid views and sunrise, sometimes offset by storms and clouds. Take the good with the bad. Glad you’re back hiking! Maybe you can go do Fuji soon!
Mahalo

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Rena September 19, 2016 at 7:14 pm

Congratulations, Mari chan & Kenji-san. It looks like much harder trail than before.
Thanks for putting up the rising sun flag. YAMATO DAMASHI~I.

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kenji SAITO September 19, 2016 at 9:00 pm

Aloha Rena,
Thanks. Yes this trail is touted as the hardest trail up to Fuji. Longer, no shade, less huts = no frills hiking. You should take your whole family and do it one year!
Mahalo

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Tess Cochran September 19, 2016 at 7:25 pm

I really enjoyed reading this Kenji and looking at you guys pics! One day, I’ll hike there too. On my bucket list!

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kenji SAITO September 19, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Aloha Tess,
Thanks! Yes, I’m sure you can run up and down the trail!
Mahalo

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Brenda Trice September 19, 2016 at 10:45 pm

Friends every time I see your beautiful pics I am struck with awe at the beauty and stamina climbing in which you have achieved to get them???????? Thank for taking me to Japan????????????????????????

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kenji SAITO September 20, 2016 at 10:23 pm

Aloha Steve & Brenda,
Thanks! Glad to hear you folks are enjoying the retired life. It’s still not too late to make it up to Fuji!
Mahalo

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Dirt_ninja September 20, 2016 at 11:10 am

Nice write up! Finally caught sunrise! Awesome job guys! I’ve gotta get up there one day!

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kenji SAITO September 20, 2016 at 10:25 pm

Aloha Chris,
Thanks. Yup, actually it was the second time in four years that we got a good glimpse of the sun. Go next year and take the dreamer, Chance, with you!
Mahalo

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Todd Moore September 20, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Great pictures of the hike! Didn’t know Kengi had such a pretty wife.Congrats on making the top,10 plus miles is quite a trek and at over 7,000 ft. Very impressive .

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kenji SAITO September 20, 2016 at 10:27 pm

Aloha Todd,
Thanks! Now you know … the rest of the story. You guys can do it, but let’s start small with Koko Crater!
Mahalo

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Leigh-lu Prasse September 20, 2016 at 3:17 pm

Hi Kenji & Mari! Wow – a huge congratulations on your 4th climb up Mount Fuji!!! Now is the time to write a book on hiking Mount Fuji or leading others on the hike (for money of course!) The scree looked like hiking the black sand beach on the Big Island! I’m sure it must have made the hike all the more difficult on the way up but fun sliding on the way down. I really am in awe of you two doing this most difficult hike, and not just summiting once but four times now. So I end where I started – Wow!
Cheers,
LL

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kenji SAITO September 20, 2016 at 10:30 pm

Aloha Leigh-lu,
Thank you. No book writing, my brain gets cramped enough from writing this blog! Yes the volcanic gravel made it a tad harder climbing up but a whole mess of fun coming back down. Thank you.
Mahalo

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Steven R. Trice September 22, 2016 at 11:54 am

Never in my wildest dreams have I experienced such boundless beauty. Mount Fuji is tall and majestic. Both of you have done the leg-work and allowed us to enjoy the fruits of that labor. The view from the top is spectacular. The clouds add to the mystique. It feels like a religious experience; nearly heavenly.

Arigatou gozaimasu

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kenji SAITO September 23, 2016 at 9:47 am

Aloha Steve,
Thanks. Yes it was quite a mystical experience being up in the clouds and experiencing the sunrise from that high altitude. You gotta try it at least once!
Mahalo

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John and Carol Hanlin September 22, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Kenji and Mari. Thanks for our vicarious hike up Mt. Fuji. It was thrilling! We’re arm-chair hikers now but through you we feel like we’ve been to Japan and have climbed through the clouds into the upper reaches of our planet. If you were to add up the vertical distances of your climbs up the slopes of Mt. Fuji, they would be more than your having climbed Mt. Everest! That’s world class mountaineering! Take care.

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kenji SAITO September 23, 2016 at 9:50 am

Aloha Carol and John,
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Wish we had Carol’s famous lemon bars with us on our hike. Everest is always on my mind, who knows?
Mahalo

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Susan Takeda September 23, 2016 at 6:00 pm

Wow- what an achievement! Most of us will not ever make it even once up to the top and you two did it FOUR times! Congratulations.

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kenji SAITO September 23, 2016 at 7:18 pm

Aloha Susan,
Thanks. You can make it up at least once! Ganbatte!
Mahalo

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Katie September 23, 2016 at 6:13 pm

What an awesome adventure! Thank you for documenting your hike. This gives me inspiration to challenge the climb one day too! Congratulations on your 4th climb!

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kenji SAITO September 23, 2016 at 7:21 pm

Aloha Katie,
Thanks! Yes, Fuji is calling for you.
Mahalo

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Pat Ashley September 23, 2016 at 6:27 pm

Kenji and Mari, Omedetougozaimashita! Subarashii desu! Loved the photos, especially those above the clouds. Loved reading your stories and enjoyed following along every step of the way. Rainen, gambatte kudasai!

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kenji SAITO September 23, 2016 at 7:24 pm

Aloha Pat,
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the photos and the running commentary.
Mahalo

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Brenda September 26, 2016 at 7:19 am

Fabulous pics and love the captions. Very, very hard and rewarding.
Wow 4th year, you really need to be in condition and then some.
Congratulations !

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kenji SAITO September 26, 2016 at 6:29 pm

Aloha Brenda,
Thanks. Yes it was the hardest trail by far up to Fuji and we were rewarded with an epic sunrise.
Mahalo

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Vasi Penisini September 26, 2016 at 9:20 am

Thank you for sharing your exciting adventures. I can’t imagine hiking for that long hours, not to mention the very high and cold climate. I give you two credit, there’s no way I would be able to do that. You two must be very healthy and well physically fit, and that’s a blessing. Looking forward to see more pictures in the future. Thank you…

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kenji SAITO September 26, 2016 at 6:32 pm

Aloha Vasi,
Thanks! Time passes by quickly in good company and when you have nothing to stare at but the unending volcanic switchbacks. Anybody in reasonable shape can do this trail. Just pace yourself and listen to your body.
Mahalo

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