Climbing Mt. Fuji - Unforgettable Experience One Will Never Find in North America or Europe
Japan's highest and most prominent mountain, Mt. Fuji at 3,776 m (12,389 ft) makes for an incredible experience. This active volcano lies about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south-west of Tokyo, and can be seen from there on a clear day. This mythical place has been an inspiration to many artist and is inseparably linked with Japanese symbolism. You can see it in art and photographs. But apart from artists and sightseers, other visitors include adventurers. No wonder, Japanese pilgrims have climbed to the summit as part of a spiritual journey. And you can too, one of the mountain guiding companies, Fuji Mountain Guides can help you meet the incredible challenge of Mt. Fuji and appreciate the deep history and culture that has made it the icon of Japan.
Since its inception in 2007, Fuji Mountain Guides (FMG) has guided over 1,500 clients successfully and safely to the summit of Mount Fuji. Becoming the first English/Japanese speaking tour guide company that aimed at providing not only great service but bridging the gap between foreigners and the local Japanese, the FMG even got featured in the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Guide to Japan.
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
Did you know that:"Mt. Fuji's summit is privately owned land. To this day, from station 8 up to the summit, the land is private property, owned by the Sengen Grand Shrine"
At the moment FMG offer three distinct types of trips:
The 2-day Summer Fuji Climbing Trips
These are summit climbs of Mt. Fuji during the on-season, that is to say that these are non-technical climbs that don't involve crampons, ropes, etc. These take place from the end of June to mid October. Although Mt. Fuji can get very crowded in its peak season (Jul 1-Aug 31), guides at FMG know lesser known routes climbed mostly by locals so you don't have to worry about being 'squeezed'.
Mt. Fuji Winter Ascent Trips
These trips are summit climbs of Mt. Fuji in technical winter conditions. They involves ropes, harnesses, helmets and other climbing equipment and are also attempted over 2 days. These take place from mid-April to late May. If you have no experience with any climbing equipment or just need a reminder, the climb includes one Mountaineering School Day to prepare designed to familiarize everyone in the art of basic mountaineering.
Japan Ski Tours
FMG's Japan Ski tours are the most new and exciting of their offerings at the moment. They combine sight-seeing with skiing the best snow in the world on any one of their 7, 10, or 13 day ski trips. This is probably an option for skiers or snowboarders rather than climbers or trekkers but worth mentioning as these trips are very unique and have been making the press recently. You can see further information on them at FMG website.
Pow riding in Niseko
Needles to say that Mt. Fuji is serious alpine terrain and is not to be underestimated. Although it might seem as an easy climb for some and even those with minimal experience can have the thrill, the climb up is characterized by serious elevation gain, rapidly changing extreme weather, steep inclines, and long switchbacks so you should be prepared.
More information on tours and scheduling can be found via FMG's website
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
