The Easy Part

The most memorable thing I did in Japan was climbing Mt Fuji and believe it or not, climbing is the easy part. You have this constant goal of reaching the top of the mountain, and as you ascend, the view becomes more and more amazing. Imagine my disbelief as I gazed upon the mountain from my hostel window. For about an hour all I did was just watch the clouds roll over this ancient volcano; little did I know that I would be reacquainted with those clouds later on.

The Journey Begins

After a long bus ride, you end up here in this massive shopping/tourist centre. I wish I had a better picture, but here's where you can buy any food for the journey and oxygen if you need it.

I accidentally performed a scientific experiment proving how pressure drops as you climb higher above sea level.

Awkward steps and steep inclines are standard on this trail so prepare yourself for aching feet.

I don't think the following picture require any words.

Halfway up and its time to get some food and sleep. Trust me when I say this; it tastes as good as it looks.

Mt Fuji is a dormant volcano, so it has a sizeable caldera at its peak.

Here is a botched panorama of the crater that I took with my phone.

Does anybody know what these are, or to whom they belong?

And there you go, guys. I made it to the top and it was all worthit. 3.78km of unforgettable volcanic Japanese glory.

Earlier on I said that climbing up was the easy part. So what was the hard part?

Well climbing down of course!

Why was it hard climbing down you say? Your bloody feet that's why. As you climb down, your toes will press against the front of your shoes. Step by step, the discomfort rises until you have to sit down to give your toes a break.

But the views on the way down were worth the pain. Check this fellow mountaineer descending alone beside a sea of clouds.

P.S.

Be ready for dust, lots and lots of dust.