YAMANASHI –
Large numbers of climbers headed to Mount Fuji on July 22 regardless of disaster-level warmth that pushed temperatures to 40 levels Celsius or increased in components of Japan, whereas a sequence of rescues highlighted the dangers of exhaustion, insufficient footwear and hypothermia in the course of the peak summer season climbing season.
Near the sixth station, one international climber eliminated his shirt due to the warmth. “It’s hot. I’ll put it back on in 20 minutes,” he stated.
Entry checks have been performed since 2025 to discourage climbers from making an attempt the mountain with out adequate tools. The man was carrying required gear in his bag, together with a two-piece rain swimsuit.
Another international climber encountered hassle when his sneakers broke in the course of the ascent and made emergency repairs utilizing a bandage and a plastic purchasing bag.
More than 200,000 persons are anticipated to climb Mount Fuji in the summertime of 2026, much like the quantity recorded in 2025.
Rescue incidents have continued, nevertheless. A 75-year-old man turned unable to stroll due to exhaustion on July 22 and was rescued by a mountain rescue workforce.
Climbers additionally should be ready for the sharp distinction in temperature between the mountain and decrease elevations, even throughout summer season.
Footage filmed close to the ninth station two summers in the past confirmed a bunch of Indonesian climbers curled up in opposition to the chilly whereas making an attempt an in a single day ascent with out staying at a mountain hut. One member of the group later misplaced consciousness from hypothermia. The climber recovered after receiving therapy from a mountain rescue workforce, and all the group descended safely.
Temperatures are usually believed to fall by about 0.6 diploma Celsius for each 100 meters of elevation gained. The distinction between Mount Fuji’s fifth station and the summit is about 9 levels in the course of the day and almost 13 levels at evening.
“At the summit, temperatures will probably fall below 10 degrees, and around dawn they can reach 4 or 5 degrees, which is like winter,” stated Toru Saegusa of Yamanashi Prefecture’s Mount Fuji Tourism Promotion Group. “The wind is also strong, so warm clothing is essential.”
Attention can also be turning to the rising variety of older individuals climbing Mount Fuji.
One 72-year-old climber stated, “Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, so I thought I should climb it at least once.” An 81-year-old stated he started climbing after retiring at age 60 and hoped to proceed till he was 85.
Rescue instances involving aged climbers have elevated.
At round midday on July 20, a Shizuoka Prefectural Police mountain rescue workforce discovered an 84-year-old man immobilized by exhaustion close to the brand new seventh station on the Fujinomiya route. Rescuers carried him on their backs to the fifth station.
A 99-year-old lady was additionally rescued on July 17 after falling and struggling an harm. She rested at a mountain hut however deserted her try to proceed climbing.
According to the National Police Agency, about half of all individuals concerned in mountain accidents in 2025 have been climbers aged 60 or older. The variety of climbers of their 80s who turned concerned in accidents was about 1.4 occasions increased than 5 years earlier.
Older climbers aiming for the summit stated they have been taking precautions primarily based on their age and bodily situation.
A 69-year-old man stated he had introduced two bottles of water however believed that may nonetheless be inadequate. “You climb differently from when you were young,” he stated. “I used to be able to carry a heavy load, but I can’t anymore. It will probably be below 10 degrees near the summit, so I brought a down jacket.”
A 76-year-old man stated he was carrying salted candy bean jelly as a result of climbers have to replenish salt.
An 81-year-old man who has reached the summit 11 occasions since turning 60 urged climbers to acknowledge their bodily limits. “There is less oxygen higher up, so you can suffer from oxygen deprivation,” he stated. “If you feel your physical strength is not enough, I want you to stop climbing.”
Source: FNN