Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hou2g.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!hou2g!rbose From: rbose@hou2g.UUCP (R.BOSE) Newsgroups: net.travel Subject: Japan Message-ID: <159@hou2g.UUCP> Date: Fri, 3-Feb-84 10:51:25 EST Article-I.D.: hou2g.159 Posted: Fri Feb 3 10:51:25 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 8-Feb-84 03:54:02 EST Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ Lines: 46 For anyone planning a trip to Japan this summer, and who likes the outdoors, try a hike to the top of Mt. Fuji (or Fuji-san). I went on the hike this past summer, and it was a memorable experience. The Fuji climbing season extends for about 6 weeks, from early July to mid-August. We took a bus to about the mid-point (6500 ft) and started on the ascent at about 10 pm (with flashlights). There is a fairly well defined walking path for the trip. We got to the summit (12385 ft) at about 4:15 am, just in time to see a gorgeous sunrise. After all Japan is "The Land of the Rising Sun", and I saw the real thing ! The descent was a lot harder for me than the ascent. The downward path is along switchbacks covered with loose gravel. A lot of people (including me) seem to hurt their knees on the way down, so be careful. Shortly after we got to the bus station at 6500 ft (Stage 5) we were hit by a small earthquake (5.8 Richter). That really "shook" me up. For all the effort and pain, it was well worth it. Some important points to remember:- 1. At the bus stop (stage 5) buy a stick (that may be your only souvenir of the ascent). At each intermediate stage in the ascent, you can get the stick branded with the seal of that stage. This verifies that you actually got that far. The summit is stage 10. You may also need the stick (as I did) as a crutch on the way down ! 2. Take a heavy sweater. It can get very cold at 12000 ft. Also carry some rain gear. 3. Wear good hiking boots. I did it on a pair of Nike sneakers that certainly aggravated my knee problems. 4. Carrry drinking water. Canned drinks are available at the rest stations at each stage, but they roughly increase in price price by 50% for every 1000 ft of altitude. 5. If you can get to stage 8 you will easily make it to the summit. Stage 7 to 8 is a real bear, some parts actually involved climbing over rocks on hands and knees. Good luck ! Ron Bose (AT&T-BL Holmdel) hou2g!rbose (201) 949-1453