On 25.9.2012, Chin Pooi Li, Kathy Mui, Jenny Lee and myself flew into Haneda Airport, Tokyo to begin our Mt Fuji adventure. By the time we cleared immigration and collected our luggage, it was already past 12.30 a.m. We were thankful that prior arrangement had been made for Airport Transfer Narita to send a driver to receive us at the arrival lobby and transfer us to YMCA, Chiyoda. The standard taxi Toyota Crown boot compartment was large enough to accommodate 4 cabin-size cases. The ride took about an hour costing JPY8,400 (all-in price).
At YMCA, Chiyoda we had to wait for about 2 hours before we were able to check-in. The rooms came with attached bathroom as well as air-conditioner, TV and refrigerator were clean and comfortable. The room price was JPY4,620 ppn.
After a good rest, we decided to take the rest of day easy as not to exhaust ourselves in preparation for Mt Fuji ascent the following day. We merely walk around to familiarize ourselves with the neighbourhood and the public transport system.
On 27.9.2012, we took a taxi at 5.30 a.m. to transport us to Keio Plaza, Shinjuku to meet up with our Mountain Guide, Luke (http://www.fujimountainguides.com) at 6.00 a.m. Price:JPY30,000 pp inclusive of transport to Subashiri 5th station, 2 meals and accommodation at Station 8.5 at Fujisan Hotel. We were joined by an American named Larissa. After the completion of necessary paper works, we proceeded to Shinjuku station to light a Limited Express Odayu Train to Gotemba. The journey took 1 hour 40 minutes. From there, we took another one hour bus ride to the 5th station of Subashiri Trail, one of the five routes to ascend Mt Fuji. Another hiker Joshua joined us here.
We started at 10.24 a.m. from an elevation of 2000m asl and reached our destination of the day, Fujisan Hotel at the original 8th station of 3400m asl at 5.23 p.m. – about 7 hours of leisurely walk with several long stopovers along the way. The weather was good and the trail was safe. Initial part of the trail was easy and we were protected against the harsh sun by the alpine tree canopy. After the original 6th station, there were only sparse shrubs and there was no vegetation after the 7th station.
On arrival at Fujisan Hotel at the original 8th station, we did a quick repack to carry the essential items to the summit the following morning. It was safe to keep the remaining items at our respective bunker beds. Dinner was a simple affair and we retired by 7.30 p.m. to catch some sleep in order to prepare for an early morning hike to the summit.
For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/15.
Next http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2012/09/mt-fuji-part-2-25812-to-3912_10.html
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