Japan - Day 18 - Sunrise on Mount Fuji

Woke up on Wednesday at around 4am for the sunrise. It was so cool to see it rise above the clouds. And the warmth it brought to my frozen body was very welcome. Intended to maybe get a disposable camera but it costs 2500 yen! The guy reminded me that I could take pictures with my cell phone so I did. Don't expect any fantastic shots.

Prices rise as you climb further up the mountain. Decided to forgo the oxygen canister and settle for some pills that are supposed to increase your oxygen intake. I bought a cup of hot cocoa for the exorbitant price of 400yen (4usd) and enjoyed it while talking to some Canadians and the guy who worked at the rest hut. The Canadians, Anya and Jason, took some pictures for me which they're supposed to send me once they get back to Canada next week. Looking forward to that! And turns out that Isao, the guy who works there, also went on student exchange to North Carolina. I never thought there'd be so many exchange students everywhere.

Climbed from the 8th station to the peak (3776m) by myself. Told myself to keep going cos I knew I'd be very irritated with myself if I gave up halfway. I got so breathless cos the air was thin. It felt great to finally reach the top! Rewarded myself with a bowl of gyu-don (beef with rice) and a steaming bowl of miso soup. Hot food is such a blessing when you're cold!

We would have wanted to walk 1 round around the crater but the wind was way too strong. The stall owners advised us not to do it. Probably get blown into the crater, or off the mountain hehe. So we started back down. It was such a long way! Cos it was a different route from the way up. If you think about it it makes sense. On the way up, you can more or less take a direct route cos you're climbing up. On the other hand, walking down requires that you take a meandering, winding route. Going down sometimes felt more challenging than going up. It was all gravel and rocks, and the wind kept blowing rocks and sand at us so we got pelted painfully. I had a black face by the time I reached the bottom! And sand in my nose, ears and mouth. But it was all worth it in the end. I strongly recommend climbing Mt Fuji to everyone. Though its definitely tiring, I believe its do-able for everyone as long as you're in a reasonable state of health. The peak awaits you!


The glow from the rising sun.


Looking at the brightening sky over the rooftop. The lava stones on top help to keep it from being blown away by the strong winds.


Sunrise.


Above the clouds.


One of the rest houses along the way up.


Valerie, mountain climber! This should be somewhere between the 8th and 9th station.


Rocky terrain.


Looking up.


Almost there! This is the last gate before the summit.


Finally arrived at the peak. The guy I climbed with helped me take this picture. Never caught his name but he told me he's 34 years old. It was nice cause we were encouraging each other along the way up.


Sign I saw at a eatery at the top of the mountain. We appliciate your behavior. Hahaha. Well this marked the end of our ascent. Only one way to go - down! And home.


My climbing partner Yosuke! Thanks for keeping me company, and stopping me from getting blown off the mountain.


My squished mineral water bottles. The thin air at the top, coupled with the increased air pressure at sea level, squeezed all the air out of them.