I climbed with friends. Had never climbed anything before, and went from the highest up point. It was ok. Bring lots of snacks and a raincoat, because when a cloud passes over you at the top (it will) you’ll be soaked. We climbed overnight to see the sunrise, and I stayed at the top approx. 30 minutes before I went back down to eat udon and leave. Probably wouldn’t do it again. Coolest part was seeing a thunderstorm happen below me.
There’s no reason to hire a guide unless you have special needs (e.g., vision problems). You’re going to encounter so many other people ascending the well-marked trails that you’d have to make a particular effort to get lost. Put everything you bring in separate plastic bags, and get a waterproof or -repallent hat. If you’re not in shape, expect to have sore calves and shins for a couple of days.
You don’t need a guide. That’s a waste of money. Just follow the crowd and the marked trail.
Be careful not to get dehydrated. Bring sports drinks instead of water. Layer your clothes. Everything, EVERYTHING will be covered in black dust after.
When do you plan on going? What time do you plan on starting? Are you going to spend the night on the mountain? Do you live in Japan or are you visiting?
If you don’t live in Japan, you can rent mountain gear from [yamarent](https://www.yamarent.com/sp/shopinfo.html). They have locations you pick up your stuff, or you can have it sent to your location. Then they have a place to drop off your equipment at the 5th station.
You do not need a guide. Make sure you wear gloves, hiking boots, layers, good socks, and a windbreaker/rain jacket. The gloves are more for grabbing the rocks when you climb up, because they can get pretty sharp. You’ll also need a backpack to carry food and water. Make sure the straps are comfortable for your back. Bring lots of 100 yen coins to use the bathrooms and to buy things as you go up. I recommend purchasing the walking stick at the 5th station, and you can get it branded at each station along the way.
Although you don’t need to “train” before you go, I always suggest you do. At least have good stamina by the time you go. It’s a lot more mental than it is physical tbh. When I went, the mountain was covered in a giant rain cloud, and it downpoured the entire time—which made climbing much more difficult.
The air starts to get thin after the 6th station. Move at a snails pace, or you’ll get winded fast. There’s no shame in taking breaks. Altitude sickness is common. The way down is like a steep gravel path that zigzags down the mountain, it can be tough on the shins and calves. Make sure you’re careful going up as well as down.
5 comments
I climbed with friends. Had never climbed anything before, and went from the highest up point. It was ok. Bring lots of snacks and a raincoat, because when a cloud passes over you at the top (it will) you’ll be soaked. We climbed overnight to see the sunrise, and I stayed at the top approx. 30 minutes before I went back down to eat udon and leave. Probably wouldn’t do it again. Coolest part was seeing a thunderstorm happen below me.
There’s no reason to hire a guide unless you have special needs (e.g., vision problems). You’re going to encounter so many other people ascending the well-marked trails that you’d have to make a particular effort to get lost. Put everything you bring in separate plastic bags, and get a waterproof or -repallent hat. If you’re not in shape, expect to have sore calves and shins for a couple of days.
You don’t need a guide. That’s a waste of money. Just follow the crowd and the marked trail.
Be careful not to get dehydrated. Bring sports drinks instead of water. Layer your clothes. Everything, EVERYTHING will be covered in black dust after.
When do you plan on going? What time do you plan on starting? Are you going to spend the night on the mountain? Do you live in Japan or are you visiting?
If you don’t live in Japan, you can rent mountain gear from [yamarent](https://www.yamarent.com/sp/shopinfo.html). They have locations you pick up your stuff, or you can have it sent to your location. Then they have a place to drop off your equipment at the 5th station.
You do not need a guide. Make sure you wear gloves, hiking boots, layers, good socks, and a windbreaker/rain jacket. The gloves are more for grabbing the rocks when you climb up, because they can get pretty sharp. You’ll also need a backpack to carry food and water. Make sure the straps are comfortable for your back. Bring lots of 100 yen coins to use the bathrooms and to buy things as you go up. I recommend purchasing the walking stick at the 5th station, and you can get it branded at each station along the way.
Although you don’t need to “train” before you go, I always suggest you do. At least have good stamina by the time you go. It’s a lot more mental than it is physical tbh. When I went, the mountain was covered in a giant rain cloud, and it downpoured the entire time—which made climbing much more difficult.
The air starts to get thin after the 6th station. Move at a snails pace, or you’ll get winded fast. There’s no shame in taking breaks. Altitude sickness is common. The way down is like a steep gravel path that zigzags down the mountain, it can be tough on the shins and calves. Make sure you’re careful going up as well as down.