Mila kann …

„ … Mila kann lachen wie die Sonne über dem Fujiyama, Mila kann fliegen wie die Schwalben über dem Fujiyama …“

(… Mila can smile like the sun over Mount Fuji, Mila can fly like the sparrows over Mount Fuji …)

Opening score from “Mila Superstar” (Original Title: Attack No. 1)

This title song from the famous anime burned some very stereotypical pictures about Japans highest mountain into my brain, so a visit to the famous volcano was a must on my itinerary. Not sure if I really want to climb it my decision to give it a try was quickly set when I arrived in Fujikawaguchiko at the base of the mountain.

Unlike European mountains of similar height Mount Fuji with its 3.776 meter is a destination for mass tourism. In the peak month July and August, when the summit is snow free, roughly 5.000 people go up a day. Three main approaches to conquer the peak are taken. Climb it during the day. Climb it in the evening, spend one night at one of the accommodations close to the top and see the sunrise between 4 and 5 o’clock in the morning. The third on skips the rest during night and you start your ascent at roughly 10 o’clock in the evening to be on the peak in time when the sun comes up.

I decided to go for the third alternative, so after a relaxed day and some preparation I took the bus to my starting point at Kawaguchi 5th station (2.305 m). Equipped with warm cloth, food and of course a head light, I started to walk around 10 o’clock in the evening. I don’t remember if I have done anything similar (maybe my hiking affectionate parents forced me to it a long time ago 😉 but walking in total dark up the mountain was quite spectacular in the beginning. However after some time, when the tracks narrows down you start to notice how many people have the same aim and you can experience a lot of feelings but loneliness.

The next four hours I slowly made my way up, passing the many stations along the trek and getting closer to the peak. Being used to some hiking in plains I made some good distance in the beginning, however getting higher I started to notice that it was tougher than expected for me. Finally at around 2 o’clock during a rest at the original 8th station (3.360 m) I took the decision to skip the last 400 meters in height and instead rather go for a relaxed descent.

To miss the summit and the sunrise at the top didn’t make me very happy, but on my way down I was rewarded by a quite unique experience at Mount Fuji. As the ascent and descent trails are separated I suddenly was wandering down the lava fields in totally in solitude and able to quietly enjoy the first light of the day coming up on my own.

Around half past five I arrived again at the 5th station where after some waiting I could take the bus again down into the village where a nice shower and my bed was waiting for me. Next time I’ll conquer the mountain 😉