Information for Mt. Fuji climbers in Summer from Shizuoka Prefectural Police
The climbing season in Japan is from the beginning of July to the end of August.
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan [3,776 meter], and more than 300,000 people climb every year.
But many accidents also happen on Mt. Fuji every year, including the dead and the missing cases.
These days, the number of accidents of foreign tourists who are not familiar with the area around Mt. Fuji is increasing.
Please obey the following 5 precautions and enjoy safe climbing.
1. Have a reasonable plan and know physical condition.
If you are making plans for climbing, please consider unskilled or physically weak members. Climbing at night-time is highly dangerous. And if you are suffering from chronic illness, please make sure you can really climb.
2. Do not climb Mt. Fuji alone.
Many people climbing Mt. Fuji alone died because they were not able to call for help.
3. Carry a cell phone or radio.
A cell phone is one of the most useful means of getting help. If you have an emergency, call the police. It will help us to locate you and send help. And do not forget to carry extra batteries.
4. Pay attention to the climate
In summer the climate in mountain is uncertain. If it thunders, please descend immediately or go to the nearest lodge. And because the temperature is unpredictable, please carry warm clothes. It can be very cold at the top.
5. Carry a lighter on an on-day climb.
We do not know what kind of accidents happen on the mountain. Please wear a headlight or carry a good flashlight and take a rain gear.
For more details, please check the website of Shizuoka Prefectural Police.
P.S. The climbing routes in Mt. Fuji are closed from the beginning of September to the beginning of next July. In September the temperature near the top of Mt. Fuji drops to freezing. It becomes very dangerous to climb even if you carry tools, such as crampon or ice ax.
In the past many people have died after getting lost. Do not attempt to climb when Mt. Fuji is closed.