Just over a week ago, 14 of us from Japan and around the world, embarked on a group climb of Japan’s highest mountain, Mt. Fuji. Standing at 3776 meters (12,388 ft) above sea level, Mt. Fuji is as beautiful as she is extreme, bringing us through all the physical and mental highs and lows of a difficult yet worthwhile challenge.
Hai and I are very pleased to announce that this event raised ¥55,000 for It’s Not Just Mud, a non-profit volunteer organization based in Ishinomaki that provides disaster relief and grass-roots support to those affected by the March 11 earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disasters.
Thank you so much to everyone involved. I was inspired by all the participants – ranging from just 11 years old to retirement age – who gave the climb everything they had from start to finish. Your resilience and strength of spirit was certainly uplifting to me when that long and windy descent seemed never ending.
We hope you enjoy this pictorial take on our journey.
The group ready to set out from 5th Station.
A beautiful starry night. We had the best weather for climbing.
Stream of flashlights…
Getting our wooden walking sticks branded…
You can get your wooden walking stick branded old-school style at mountain huts along the way – some indicate the elevation you have reached, while others have different designs. Each stamp costs ¥200.
Some sections were so crowded that it brought mountain traffic to a standstill, slowing the pace down significantly. Avoid climbing on weekends whenever possible.
More flashlights… I think this one is my favorite.
And some more…
The windy trail of flashlights below with the city lights in the background…spectacular.
Taking a break to enjoy the sun starting to rise…
The overnight climb is exhausting – a quick power nap should give you the energy to keep pushing on…
Daylight breaks through the darkness…
The earthy, red volcanic rocks…
Some opted for a longer sleep… 
The upper reaches of the volcano…
After a long night, a station nap above the clouds…
Your volunteer work is truly admirable. Your posts are always interesting reads. Hai your photography is amazing. Well done!
Thank you so much, June. Your ongoing support means a lot to us.
awesome! congrats Jessica! thanks for sharing the wonderful experience
Thanks Raunak and thank you for reading!
Wow! These photos are incredible…love the flashlight ones. What a memorable experience–AND for a good cause…you guys rock!
Thanks so much, Britt!
Well done and fantabuloso with the flashlight photos.
Thank you, Kevin!
Great photos! The starry skies and the flashlight photos… wow!
Thanks so much, Letizia!
Wow this looks so amazing.. it’s definitely spurred me on with climbing Fuji one day
Thank you, Dami! Make it happen! Happy adventuring!
Cheers on you guys! the climb looks fabulous and doing it for a volunteering organization is even better! I’m glad to see you had a great weather and the pics are fabulous!
Rest well now!
Thanks so much, Jul’! Legs have recovered but my big toe nails are a fabulous shade of purple hahaha
what a great effort jess and hai beautiful photo just amazing. very proud well done
Thank you!
Great work!!!keep it up!!!
Beautiful pictures!
Thanks so much, Hassan!
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