[donB]

Hi all!

I'm planning to fly to Tokyo to climb the Fuji on the very first days (or nights ) of July, right after the season's opening.

So this is my situation: (i) I have never been to Japan, (ii) of course I don't speak japanese, (iii) I'll be there just for 3 days, (iv) I don't think I have ever gone above 3500m even while skiing but (v) I can climb pretty well.
(ahah, it the way I present it overdramatic???)

If anyone knows about this hike please let me know: is it a tough hike? is there a risk of altitude sickness? what kind of equipment do I need? Also, I'm pretty sure it's very well organized (hey, it's Japan!) but could you just confirm that foreigners can find their way? I heard of busses bringing you directly to the mountain from Tokyo.

Also, I found a round trip ticket HKG-NRT for about 3k$, is this an okay price?

Thanks for your help!!!

b.

[opps]

no direct answers about fuji-san, but you may find these sites about their train network useful

http://www.japanrailpass.net/
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

$3k sounds ok , which airline is that? and where did you find it?

[ayukobaby]

hey b, i'll call my agent tomorrow and ask the ticket price for u. she always have good deal on plane ticket. i dunno anything abt climbing, so i cant give u any advice on that. but hey i can teach u some simple japanese that u might need in japan haha

[donB]

Ahah, Ayu, I knew I was gonna find you on a thread talking about Japan!
Thanks for investigating!

arigato gosaymas!

b.

[thetokyoproject]

yeah, i never did the hike in the end cos it didn't have great reviews from foreigners and locals in japan so i gave it a miss instead.

in hindsight i will prob do it though.
there's supposed to be litter everywhere and very touristy.

i think that most people with reasonable health can manage it since i know of senior citizens and young children who have done it. it's very well catered for locals and tourists and in japan, esp in tokyo, japanese language is not required by tourists.

think the highest level by car/bus is go go mei, the 5th level. buses go and return from shinjuku - think it;s got a trip time of between 1hr 15 and 1 hr 30.

they also have people selling oxygen (allegedly) if required.


$3k is a good price imho, but you may be able to get slightly cheaper, though not much more i suspect. i think dragon air do some of the cheaper fligths but this may have changed.

one more thing. make sure you set off at the right time since i know that sun rise is prob the most worthwhile reason for doing fuji san.

ganbarre ne.

Originally Posted by donB

Hi all!

I'm planning to fly to Tokyo to climb the Fuji on the very first days (or nights ) of July, right after the season's opening.

So this is my situation: (i) I have never been to Japan, (ii) of course I don't speak japanese, (iii) I'll be there just for 3 days, (iv) I don't think I have ever gone above 3500m even while skiing but (v) I can climb pretty well.
(ahah, it the way I present it overdramatic???)

If anyone knows about this hike please let me know: is it a tough hike? is there a risk of altitude sickness? what kind of equipment do I need? Also, I'm pretty sure it's very well organized (hey, it's Japan!) but could you just confirm that foreigners can find their way? I heard of busses bringing you directly to the mountain from Tokyo.

Also, I found a round trip ticket HKG-NRT for about 3k$, is this an okay price?

Thanks for your help!!!

b.

[donB]

Hey! Thanks for the advice
I was just told that early July is still the rain season in Tokyo... might be foggy and all but in fact I have no other choice as I am going there for a special occasion.
Of course I didnt expect the trail to be tourist-free. Walking in the crowd isnt the exact idea I have of hiking but I guess it is just going to be like Notre Dame or the Grand Canyon: when the site is grandiose even the biggest bunch of tourist cant really prevent you from enjoying it, right?
Regarding the flights, I've checked dragonair but the cheapest prices remain with UA or NW as I assume they try to fill up their planes on the way to their Tokyo hub.

Thx a lot anyway! If I ever come back (lol) I'll send you my pix

b.

[skier]

we climbed mt fuji last yr. you need a headlamp, oxygen, small bags for garbage, tissues, small bottles of water - or you can buy it at the half way houses - more expensive, energy bars, and a good "walking stick" don't know what those are called. send me an email if you need more info.

[HSKF]

Hi,

You can get to the 5th station by bus or car, and climb the mountain by yourself from the 5th station to 8th station (the top of the mountain). I have only got to the the 5th station by car. There are lots of people at the 5th station and started climbing to the top. If your stay is not long enough, you better shortcut to the 5th station by bus.

Hope the following site will be of help. JTB is the one of biggest travel agencies in Japan. Many foreing tourist use it.

http://www.jtbgmt.com/sunrisetour/igo/F800.html

Good luck