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Mount Fuji's World Heritage status worries some

13 Comments
By ELAINE KURTENBACH

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This is a curious article because just recently it was announced that there were FEWER climbers this year than usual, after the World Heritage designation. So, are these "worrying" people not aware of that? Is there really going to be this huge increase in people in following years, if we didn't see that happening this year?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This year I climbed on August 31 from the bottom and it was a great experience compared to last year, which I climbed from the 5th station. Although I never really had the chance to enjoy much of what the trail has to offer, since I had to reach the fifth station before it got dark. Took me 3 hours and 45 minutes from the Sengen Shrine (Yoshida trail) to the fifth station. There were not much people climbing that day so I was able to climb at my own pace, but I started climbing from the 5th station at 1am, September 1, because of the strong winds (30m/s). We were advised to think twice about climbing that night because the winds were really strong. I had to wait 7 hours until I started climbing at 1 am, but some took the risk and climbed ahead of me. On the way down there were rolling rocks so it was kind of scary, and everyone descending had to watch out and look upward at times. I climbed the mountain wearing clothes that I feel comfortable wearing. I wore running shoes rather than climbing shoes, and I did not use a climbing stick. It was the challenge I put up to myself, and I am happy to have accomplised it. But I would not recommend it to everyone. I feel I was just lucky to have climbed and descended without a scratch. Climbing the mountain is really not dangerous, but careful planning should be done beforehand. I brought with me a liter of water and would only drink a few when my throat dries. I did not have to use the toilets above the 5th station, and have picked up hats and gloves lost by other climbers on the way down.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Be careful of Mt. Fuji's climbing. A moment of carelessness by a mountain climber can cause a disaster!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

being on top of Mt Fuji is definitely a life time achievement for every person who dream about it. but yes when we talked about the natural beauty, its really heart you while climbing atop Mt Fuji when you see so many man made artefacts, hotels, and other thing, so when you start climbing Mt Fuji you will not see any kind of challenge in it. When I reached atop Mt Fuji, it was a frustrating moment for me, when I saw thousands of climber there.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Will there really be an increase in foreign climbers due to the World Heritage designation?

Japan is obsessed with World Heritage designations, but is it so big in other countries? My father in the U.S. had never even heard of "World Heritage", and didn't know that UNESCO had such a thing. Does the media carry news like that to other countries? If not, we may not see any specific rise in climbers from abroad.

Unless people decide to climb Mt. Fuji in 2020, when they're here for they Olympics. But that would have nothing to do with UNESCO.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I am curious about the cause of injuries or worse...hypothermia? fall? Also are these older climbers, younger climbers or some of each. Does anyone know?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

going to have to cut the number of people climbing every year. It's as simple as that. Like most population problems

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I just went last Sunday and it was perfect. I go every year in the first week in September to avoid the huge crowds of August.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

At least 7 people died and 70 were injured in 2012 ... isn't that actually a lot of people? If I were to climb Fuji, it would require some serious thought beforehand.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Right. Seventy out of 300,000 is nothing. How many people die anyway each year in a city with a 300,000 population?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I feel enough respect and satisfaction when viewing the mountain from a distance, something I have enjoyed many times. I don't have the urge to scale a mountain to 'conquer' it or 'defile' it with footsteps on what is a holy mountain for many and leave trash behind that needs to be cleaned away by huge numbers of volunteers. To many pseudo climbers Mt Fuji is an extension of a theme park. It's there to have fun and create memories. And the garbage? There aren't too many trash collecting containers, so, OK, just leave it on the slopes.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It is time for virtual reality high tech climbing to provide climbers with the difficulty of higher altitude climbing and risk so that the number of climbers can be reduced on Mt Fuji and meet the needs of climbers. As in amusement parks, climbers fitted with 360 degree helmets, adjustable walking paths for steepness, temperature control. and a reduction of the atmosphere all provide a virtual climbing experience. Any mistake results in disaster, but the restart button allows the climber to continue from the disaster point, which life will not allow. Japan can be first. Build it, and they will come!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Its basic marketing.. supply and demand.. charge more money.. why would people liter.. must not be Japanese.. there is no need for so many to make the climb... Japan sells its soul for a tourist attraction.. it will be karma.. the god of the mountain takes lives to feed its spirit.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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