It’s only a few days into the trip and already I’m getting tired of listening to ex-Marine’s reminiscenses. Even more intense today because we’re on the way to Fuji Five Lakes, the same Mt. Fuji that he had to climb in the Marines. Yadda, yadda… Mt Fuji (Fuji-San) is Japan’s highest mountain, 3,776m/ 12,388′. Worshiped as a sacred mountain, Fuji-San is a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1708.

Depending on the weather, Kate will lead anyone who is up for it on an ascent of the peak but with very stringent parameters. A mini-bus would take us to Fuji’s Kawaguchiko 5th station, which is where the paved road ends. The 5th Station is at an altitude of about 2,300m/7,545′ above sea level. That still leaves quite a few hours and meters to ascend into the thin air. The two choices were – head for the top or stay on a path circling the fifth station. IF, very big IF, you wanted to make it to Station 10, the top, you had to be at a certain point at a certain time or go down. Kate was adamant about that. The majority of Japanese climb Mt. Fuji by staying overnight at Stations 7 or 8 rather than a straight climb up.

Kawaguchi welcome, Japan

Chicago-style hot dogs in Kawaguchi, Japan
There was more. The upper part of the mountain is volcanic ash or scree. The type of “stuff” that you take one step forward, and slide two steps back. I detest volcanic climbs and wasn’t particularly worried about the up, it was the down that frightens me. I absolutely cannot run downhill in scree, the recommended method. Being out of control scares the bejesus out of me. And ex-Marine was already of the opinion…been there, done it…with a full pack no less…yadda…yadda. Only a few brave souls (2) in the group opted to give it a try. ex-Marine and I were just going to wander around the area.

Kawaguchi area map in Japan
Also a possibility that we wouldn’t even be able to see Mt. Fuji. Clouds and poor visibility often block the views, and you have to consider yourself lucky. We only had a “hazy” view but I guess we were lucky.

Mt. Fuji through the Japanese haze 

Travels With Sheila in the Mount Fuji area, Japan
By first, we had to get there. A private bus arrived at the Metropolitan Hotel, bags loaded and the first leg of the Kita Alp experience began.