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by samepenny
West, Texas
July 27, 2004
There are both inn and restaurant facilities. The shops were open and praying for customers. I paid 50Yen to use the toilet. The only time I encountered such a fee in Japan, but understandable and all the 'residue' has to be taken down the mountain in barrels. I had a cup of very hot tea and a package of dumplings for a snack and went out to see what I could of this famous location. I was well dressed in rain jacket, 2 shirts, heavy pants, proper walking shoes, a hat and a very often used Leki walking stick. Also I had an umbrella. Still I got very wet, but I feel my photos are worth it.
A Shinto shrine is a stopping off place for all those who try to climb Mt. Fuji. If I had seen the view, I might have been a bit frightened, but I could see very little. At least I have the photos.
This isn't easy going and the altitude is not recommended for those with breathing problems. The footing is slippery even in the parking lot. There was snow and ice on 31 May! The trails up the mountain were entirely closed due to dangerous conditions.
The trails up from the 5th Station are made so that just about any one can make the climb, but there are still dangers. During the climbing season there are many vendors and official guides along the easier trails to make sure it is as safe as possible.
In season you begin your climb in total darkness as the universal goal is to be on the mountain when the sun rises. That means you either drive that road in the black dark, stay overnight at an inn at the 5th Station or ride a bus. I took a bus and let the driver sweat it out. I noticed many visitors getting off the bus wearing t-shirts and short pants. Not a good idea! I'm used to finding my way in fog and wind and enjoyed my walk about. The others ran into the shops and stayed there until the bus departed. Sad! A woman in a shop gave me 'lucky' bells for my walking stick. Lucky for finding a lost person I guess.
From journal Hakone -- Seeking Mt. Fuji And A Bath