When planning my trip to Japan, there was one thing I knew I couldn’t miss—Mount Fuji. Towering at 3,776 meters, this iconic peak is not only Japan’s tallest mountain but also a symbol deeply rooted in the nation’s culture and history. I pictured myself standing on the summit, watching the sunrise light up the horizon. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how tough that dream would be to achieve.
Like many travelers, I read dozens of blogs beforehand. Almost every source made it sound like thousands of people climb Fuji every year without much difficulty. That lulled me into thinking it wouldn’t be too hard. I was very wrong. The climb was grueling, terrifying, and easily one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it was also unforgettable.
Is Mount Fuji Really That Difficult?
Before our climb, my husband and I had never attempted any mountain in our lives. We prepared by walking daily and eating healthier, hoping it would be enough. Every blog seemed to suggest the ascent was manageable, but let me tell you—it’s not a walk in the park. If you’re thinking of attempting it, you’ll need determination, patience, and the right mindset.
Pro tip: Don’t attempt the climb unless you’re reasonably fit, properly equipped, and ready to face altitude sickness.
Preparing for the Climb
Mount Fuji isn’t about technical skills—it’s about endurance. We quickly learned that slow, steady progress and regular breaks are essential. Acclimatizing at the 5th Station before starting the trek helped a bit, but altitude sickness still crept in. Carrying your own oxygen supplies is highly recommended since the cans sold on the mountain are overpriced.
Gear is another important factor. Waterproof jackets and pants are lifesavers since the weather changes abruptly. Hiking boots with good ankle support are a must, especially on the descent where the gravel slope can send you slipping. A headlamp is essential for climbing in the dark, and a walking stick will save your knees on the way down.
Choosing a Trail
Most beginners take the Yoshida Trail. It’s crowded but has the most mountain huts and facilities along the way. The climb can take anywhere between 6–10 hours depending on your pace. Booking a mountain hut for the night is highly recommended—you’ll need the rest before tackling the summit push.
Our Journey Up Fuji
We started our climb at the 5th Station. The initial stretch was gentle, passing through lush forests and misty paths. But things changed quickly. By the time we reached the 7th Station, Daniel was already suffering from altitude sickness. The air was thin, the path turned rocky, and the climb became much steeper.
From there, the ascent felt like something out of another world. Red volcanic rocks and jagged terrain made every step a challenge. The higher we went, the more dangerous it became—one wrong step and you could easily tumble down the slopes. By sunset, we were scrambling up steep rocks, desperate to reach our mountain hut before nightfall.
When darkness set in, things turned terrifying. The narrow paths, strong winds, and sudden snow made the climb to our hut one of the scariest experiences of my life. With nothing but thin ropes separating us from sheer drops, I couldn’t look anywhere but at my own feet. Finally reaching the Fujisan Hotel at 3,400 meters felt like survival.
A Hard but Beautiful Reward
Despite the exhaustion and fear, the views were unlike anything I’d ever seen. From the hut, the cities below looked like clusters of glowing stars, while the sky above was lit with constellations. It was silent, surreal, and worth every struggle to get there.
The next morning, Daniel was still battling altitude sickness, so we chose a quiet spot below the summit to watch the sunrise. It turned out to be the best decision. With no crowds around, we witnessed the sky transform into brilliant shades of orange and pink over the clouds and lakes below. That moment alone made the hardship worthwhile.
Reaching the Summit
Even though we were exhausted, we pushed on to the summit. The terrain grew harsher, winds stronger, and our bodies weaker. Yet, step by step, we made it. Passing through torii gates near the top, I finally understood what determination really feels like. The crater itself wasn’t particularly impressive, but standing at Japan’s highest point was an achievement we’ll never forget.
The Descent: The True Test
If I thought going up was difficult, going down was pure misery. The long, steep gravel paths seemed endless, with every step sliding backward. It was hot, dusty, and punishing on the knees. Four hours of grueling downhill later, I was utterly broken. Honestly, I didn’t care about the views anymore—I just wanted off that mountain.
Looking Back
In the days right after the climb, I swore I’d never do something like that again. But time has a way of softening the pain and amplifying the joy. Now, I look back with pride at what we accomplished. It was dangerous, exhausting, and humbling, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Mount Fuji taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of respecting nature. Climbing it was hard—much harder than I ever expected—but it was worth every moment.
