Mount Fuji: Help and Rescue

Mount Fuji climb is one of the beginner-friendly hikes. More than 200,000 climbers hike Mount Fuji to the summit yearly. 

However, the unpredictably severe midsummer weather makes it physically and mentally challenging. 

The below-freezing temperatures and steep elevation do make your climb difficult.

But studying Mout Fuji’s trails and trail maps and knowing the rules & regulations will smoothen the hike. 

Even then, the Mount Fuji climb is demanding; sometimes things don’t go as planned. 

In that case, knowing the help & rescue options can help avert unfortunate incidents. 

Also, you must know the physical conditioning requirements for climbing Mount Fuji. 

So let’s jump in and take a look at the most crucial information regarding help & rescue and injuries & sickness before you climb Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji: Three Rules for Off-Season Climbers

Casual tourists are prohibited from climbing Mount Fuji beyond the climbing season as weather conditions are more severe.

During spring, the temperature drops suddenly, freezing the snowy surface and increasing the chances of slipping. 

In winter, the temperature drops below -20 ° C (-4 ° F), and wind speed exceeds 30 m/s, making it extremely dangerous and life-threatening for even experienced hikers. 

Off-limits for Off-season Climbers Who Are Not Fully Prepared

Due to severe weather conditions, all four Mount Fuji trails are closed during the off-season. 

However, with sufficient skills, experience, knowledge and proper gear, the ascent is unstoppable. 

On top of this, hikers should have a well-thought-out plan for climbing Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji is also off-limits to skiers and snowboarders who are not fully prepared. 

Always Complete and Submit a Climbing Plan 

During the off-season, basic amenities like first-aid centers and huts are closed. Hikers are responsible for their own safety.

However, to aid in swift rescue in case of an accident or getting lost, always ensure that you have completed and submitted the climbing plan to the designated place.

Your climbing plan should list your schedule, climbing members, gear, and emergency contacts. 

Submit your Mount Fuji climbing plan a week or so before in advance before your ascent.

Inform your family and friends at work or school of your climbing plan in detail so that someone will notice in the event you go missing.

Download the climbing plan form from the official website for Mt. Fuji Climbing. 

Note: Planning methodically is crucial in the off-season and at any time of the year. Learn about the Best time to visit and How long the Mount Fuji hike takes to plan your visit. 

Bring Your Own Portable Toilet

During the off-season, all the amenities are closed, including toilet facilities. 

Mountain huts and public toilets at and above the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji are closed in the off-season. 

If attempting an ascent outside the summer months, remember to prepare fully, including bringing your own portable toilet.

This will help conserve the natural environment of the World Heritage Site. 

Booths in which to use your toilet and exercise collection boxes are not provided.

All climbers must take home their own waste for disposal.

Common Injury and Sickness during Mount Fuji Climb 

Mount Fuji is more than 3,000 m (12,000 ft), and some of the 5th Stations are located at a high altitude.

A steep altitude gain in a short span of time combined with severe weather conditions make for a tricky Mount Fuji hike.

Visitors should physically and mentally prepare themselves against some ailments on their Mount Fuji climb.

Basic knowledge about a few of these common illnesses and injuries can help you in an emergency situation and can make the difference between life and critical injury.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a condition caused by low oxygen level blood, which worsens if you continue climbing.

It is one of the most common reasons behind most people giving up on Mount Fuji climb midway. 

Lack of sleep, poor physical conditions and no acclimatization can worsen it. Look for the following symptoms to recognize altitude sickness.

• Headache, dizziness, feeling faint. 
• Feeling tired and lethargic. 
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. 

Drinking water frequently throughout your Mount Fuji climb is recommended. 

Holding off on going to the toilets should be avoided at all costs as it slows your metabolism.

Hikers can take a few preventive measures to avoid getting altitude sickness. 

• Drinking water frequently throughout your Mount Fuji climb. 
• Holding off on going to the toilets should be avoided at all costs as it slows your metabolism.
• Do not fall asleep right after getting to your hut.
• Take a 1-2 hour halt or rest at the 5th Station before climbing Mount Fuji to get acclimatized. 
• Keep a slow and steady pace. 
• Take a deep breath and exhale firmly from your stomach.
• Keep your periodic breaks short to prevent lowering your body temperature. 

Besides this, every group should have a pulse oximeter to measure their blood oxygen. Record and manage the blood oxygen levels of the member regularly. 

If your altitude sickness symptoms are getting severe, descend the mountain. Keep warm and rest. If you feel the symptoms are getting worse, go to a first aid station. 

Hypothermia 

Hypothermia is when the body temperature of vital organs, such as the brain and heart, falls below 35°C.

Mount Fuji Climbing Season coincides with the Japanese summer. So, people might think hypothermia in midsummer is not possible.

However, the elevation of Mount Fuji is such that the temperatures can go below freezing even during early July and late August.

Hypothermia may develop even in the middle of summer if your body is exposed to the wind for a long time while being wet (rain or sweat).

Look for the following symptoms to recognize hypothermia. 

• Shivering, chills, drowsiness, staggered walking. 

If the condition persists, it can lead to loss of consciousness, cessation of shaking and inability to stand. 

Finally, in the progressed and severe case of hypothermia, it can lead to come and cardiopulmonary arrest.

There are a few preventive measures Mount Fuji climbers can take to avoid hypothermia. 

• Keep your body warm and dry by wearing quick-drying underwear made from synthetic material. Avoid cotton clothes as they don’t dry fast. 
• Wear warm clothes such as fleece. 
• Wear windproof and waterproof rainwear. 
• Frequent intake of high-calorie food such as chocolate, nuts, and warm sweet drinks is advisable. 

Note: Generally, the temperature drops by 0.6° C (1.1° F for every 100 m in altitude. On top of this, as the wind speed increases by 1 m/s (22 mph), the wind chill temperature drops by 1.0° C (1.8° F) 
Learn about the weather at Mount Fuji in detail before your visit. 

Heat Strokes 

When climbing Mount Fuji, People worry about altitude sickness and hypothermia.

However, heat stroke is one of the most unsuspecting ailments that can sour your Mount Fuji hike. 

No shade or tree cover can block the direct sun on the trails of Mount Fuji. 

Overexposure to the sun, particularly on the back of your head, can also cause a heat stroke

Look for the following symptoms to recognize if you have been a heat stroke victim. 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, profuse sweating, muscle cramps. 
• Headache, nausea, fatigue, poor concentration an21qd judgment. 
• Impaired consciousness, convulsions/seizure, the body becomes hot, staggered walking. 

You can easily prevent a Heat stroke by taking just a few preventive measures. And these helpful hacks will help you. 

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that also covers the back of the head. (Get one with a fastenable chin strap to prevent it from blowing away by the wind).
• Dress cool when descending the mountain. Adjust your clothes as per the temperature and drink sufficient water. 
• If you are outdoors, you can remove your mask to stop hyperventilating. 
• Sports drinks and rehydration fluids are effective. 1.2 liters per day is a guideline.

Applying a wet towel, moving to a shaded area, and removing a few layers of clothes to cool down your body are good countermeasures. 

If you have a coddle bottle, apply that to arteries, such as the neck, armpits and groin, to efficiently lower core body temperature. 

Carrying electrolytes is one of the most vital things. So, ensure you have the necessary things in your gear. Read Tips for Visiting for more detailed information. 

Fatigue Distress

Fatigue simply means you are too tired to walk. Whoever wants to climb Mount Fuji should remember that it is a physically demanding hike.

Lack of preparation and underestimating the climb are two leading reasons for the increasing number of fatigue victims. 

You can take some preventive measures to avoid fatigue and distress and enjoy the achievement and satisfaction of completing the Mount Fuji hike. 

• Strengthen your physical conditioning and focus on endurance training. Build your legs by climbing near mountains to prepare. 
• Choose a mountain climbing plan that fits your current physical strength.

Middle-aged and older adults must be cautious when planning their Mount Fuji hike. Plan to arrive at the hit before sunset to avoid cold temperatures. 

If you are a day climber using a bus, be mindful to descend in time to catch the last bus.

 But you can also avoid it by booking a  Mount Fuji trekking tour.

Mount Fuji Trekking One Day Tour Up to The Summit 

Mount Fuji Rescue Request

You can call a rescue request if you cannot descend Mount Fuji on your own due to any injury, sickness, or other emergency reasons.

Distress incidents and requests are handled differently based on the Mount Fuji trail. 

In the case of Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi Prefecture, Mt. Fuji General Management Center serves as a control center for information aggregators.

Rescue teams are organized by huts in cooperation with firefighters, etc. To contact Mount Fuji 5th Station General Management Center, hikers can call  0555-72-1477. 

A crawler transport vehicle brings the injured and sick to the 5th Station. At the 5th Station, the injured or sick person is taken by an ambulance to a local hospital or clinic. 

In the case of the Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Summit trails, there is no crawler transport system.

The rescue and transportation are done by manpower available to the police. Hikers can call 110 or 109 for rescue requests.

110 will connect you to the police, while 109 is for fire and ambulance. Hikers can also ask huts to call for rescue requests. 

Remember that the crawler vehicle used by rescue teams also transports goods to huts and is operated by a private enterprise. 

Thus, victims must pay for the transportation fee. In the case of the use of transport by a crawler, the severity of the victim’s injury must require professional medical treatment. 

Note: Crawler operations incur various costs and the number of vehicles and drivers is limited. Vehicles must be diverted to more serious life-threatening cases. 
Thus, a crawler is not a taxi service that you can ride casually just because you are tired. And it is not just about paying the money. It is reserved for actual cases of emergency only. 

Top Mount Fuji Tickets 

Besides climbing Mount Fuji, more than 5 million people visit Mount Fuji annually to witness a glimpse of the picturesque Mount Fuji peak. 

The Fuji area is a hidden gem of numerous activities and attractions, which make it an even more rewarding Mount Fuji Tour. 

Visitors can buy the Combo Mount Fuji tours, allowing travelers to explore multiple things with just one ticket. 

If you want to delve deep into the rich history of majestic Fuji, then the guided Mount Fuji tour is the right one for you. 

Private Mount Fuji tours make your transfer from Tokyo and other places comfortable, enjoyable, and scenic. 

Check out the list of our top five recommended Mount Fuji tickets to include and make an exciting itinerary. 

Mount Fuji Tickets	Features	Price
#Mt Fuji, Hakone Lake Cruise from Bullet Train	– Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise.  – Hakone Ropeway tickets.  – One-way vehicle ride.  – One-way bullet train (Shinkansen) ride to Tokyo Station.  – Lunch optional upgrade available.	¥22,000 (US $156)/Adult ticket
#Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise Bus trip from Tokyo	– Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise.  – Hakone Komagatake Ropeway tickets. – An expert professional English-speaking guide.  – Lunch optional upgrade available.	¥19,500 (US $138)/Adult ticket
#Scenic Spots of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Bus Tour	– A ten-hour long day trip to the Fuji area in an air-conditioned vehicle.  – Visit Chureito Pagoda to catch the iconic view of Mount Fuji in the background.  – A visit to Lake Kawaguchiko and Oishi Park.  – A visit to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba on the banks of Lake Saiko.	¥12,300 (US $89)/Adult ticket
#Hakone Fuji Day Tour with Cruise, Cable Car, Volcano	– A comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned bus.  – An expert bilingual guide in English and Chinese.  – Tickets for the sightseeing cruise in Lake Ashi.  – Tickets for the Hakone ropeway up to Mount Hakone.  – Visit Owakudani Valley.	¥14,159 (US $98)/Adult ticket
#Mount Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English	– Start from Kawaguchiko station or Fujikawaguchiko area hotels.  – A private tour of the Mount Fuji area at your own pace.  – An expert native English-speaking guide/driver.	¥47,138 (US $320)/Guest

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