Mount Fuji taken from Kawaguchiko 5th station, 2300m.Mount Fuji, with the height of 3776m, is the highest and most beloved iconic mountain in Japan. Climbing the mountain itself can make lifelong memories, both in terms of physical challenges and the panoramic view of the surrounding areas below. Mount Fuji climbing is very popular, and it is crowded during climbing season, July and August.
I had longed for reaching Japan's highest point before leaving. As an inexperienced climber, I chose the easiest trail, starting from Kawaguchiko 5th station (2300m). It's supposed to take between 4-7h to ascend to the top, but it takes me about 8h. There are many huts for overnight stay, selling foods and drinks along the trail; the price becomes more expensive with altitude.
Climbing Mount Fuji is the most exhausting and challenging experience I ever made. I had to endure strong and cold wind during the night due to poor preparation. I almost gave up the original plan to get to top. One lady felt unconscious, falling down and crashing her head cus of extreme exhaustion, but I was determined to move on cus I saw some old people and small children (who know how experienced they are)!
It was not really climbing anyway. I don have to climb the cliff like the professional ones, but it's not really hiking too because the volcanic mountain has long and steep slops from its foot to the top (it looks much easier and shorter to climb in the above pic, but don be fooled!). I reached 1oth station, the top, around 5:30 am. There is nothing much to see on the summit besides the crater, but the below scenery is so breathtaking that I felt most rewarding like being on the heaven.
It was not really climbing anyway. I don have to climb the cliff like the professional ones, but it's not really hiking too because the volcanic mountain has long and steep slops from its foot to the top (it looks much easier and shorter to climb in the above pic, but don be fooled!). I reached 1oth station, the top, around 5:30 am. There is nothing much to see on the summit besides the crater, but the below scenery is so breathtaking that I felt most rewarding like being on the heaven.
The ascending trail I take. Some people were climbing at day time while I was descending.
It was supposed to post no more physical challenge after I reached the summit. I, however, didn't notice the sign and took the wrong descending trail which is more difficult and sleepy. That is the most terrible road on earth with its endless slop and rocks. I had to hold my heels constantly and felt like skiing rather than walking all the way down from the top to 2000m. Worse, I had to trek one more hour in the jungle to get to the bus stop. My legs were killing me. I would call it Mount Fuji adventure than climbing or hiking. The author said don be petrified by the saying that a wise man climbs Mount Fuji only once in a life time. I say it is too enough to climb Mount Fuji once in a life time.
Sunrise on Mount Fuji, taken from 9th station overlooking mountains and Fuji 5 lakes.
Two hikers are sleeping soundly by the cliff of the ascending trail as if they don love their lives. 
Mount Fuji crater. The building behind is the highest point in Japan. 
Kawaguchiko 5th station, 2300m. Mount Fuji is scenic and forested till this station.
On the top of Japan World. I did it at lasttt!
Look fresher at a viewing platform of the 5th station before climbing.
More on Mount Fuji: http://www.mt-fuji.co.jp/index-e.html
At last, the day I had been waiting anxiously has come: Sucessful thesis defense. That is the end of my student life in Japan. Will have to face a new life when going back to Cambodia. For the time being just enjoy my last two months sightseeing. Feel like missing the spring and fall here before going. 
