https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html Gary J. Wolff's blog keeps you up-to-date with my everyday life in Japan, as well as recent additions/changes to the GaryJWolff.com website. en-us Gary J. Wolff's blog Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:05:05 -0400 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:05:05 -0400 garyjwolff.com https://www.garyjwolff.com/does-the-mt-fuji-summit-post-office-sell-unique-stamps.htmlae8ce2959a4d10ac914fd26580c2bbf6I've researched this question and have been unable to find an answer. I'd like to avoid standing in line to buy stamps for my postcards and will buy the stamps before I climb unless there are stamps at the top that are unique to Mt Fuji and can only be purchased there. I assume it's just the cancellation that's unique. Thanks for your help. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:04:55 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-7-150d8de8d440677c1d71f0111798208b6cOn the morning of July 11, a 54-year-old man from Kobe arrived at the start of the Fujinomiya Trail... The man started hiking and, by around 2 p.m., was getting close to the trail’s 8th station... He’d become so exhausted during the hike, though that he now knew he didn’t have the stamina to make it the rest of the way to the peak, and so he called for an emergency rescue. A team of Shizuoka Prefectural Police was dispatched and transported the man back down to a mountain hut near the trail’s 7th station, where they instructed him to rest, as he hadn’t suffered any injuries during his attempted ascent. The man followed his rescuers’ directions and slept overnight in the hut, spending around 11 hours in the facility. The next morning, at around 6:45 a.m., he began walking back towards the bottom of the mountain, but after an hour or so on the trail, he once again called for a rescue, saying “I was worried this was going to happen” and “I’m too tired to walk any farther.” (click link to learn more) Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:19:41 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-7-149e2cc1440df387915b763025e7d88f09On July 10, Shizuoka Prefecture recorded 1,487 climbers on Mount Fuji's opening day for the Fujinomiya and Gotemba trails. This figure represents an increase of over 550 people compared to the same day last year, which local officials attribute to calm weather and a favorable calendar date. ...International tourists accounted for approximately 28% of the total crowd, with 425 foreign climbers marking a slight increase from the previous year's numbers. (click link to learn more) Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#pan1eecd226c165b9926f340d6d1ce4d0afI guess I’ve been living in a cave, but last week was my first time to ever see an automatic pancake making machine. Just wave your hand over the sensor and in just about a minute later out p​ops a cute little golden brown ready-to-eat, pancake. Wow! At first I was thinking, hey, this is a pretty cool new Japanese invention, but according to Wikipedia, the earliest known pancake machine was invented in the US in 1928. The Popcake-brand machine that I saw was invented by an Australian man and now over 7000 of his machines are used worldwide… (click link to watch video) Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:56:46 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-7-78debf1326188d18ce9c18688e83f180bAs of July 3 bus operator Fujikyu Bus now runs a nightly bus that leaves from Busta Shinjuku, the bus terminal adjacent to Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, and arrives at Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Station the following morning... The bus departs at 11:25 p.m. and goes directly to Mt. Fuji, arriving at 2 a.m. That gives you around one hour to acclimate and take care of any final pre-hike preparations before the Yoshida Trail opens at 3 a.m... The bus fare is 5,800 yen (US$36) if purchased at a convenience store or the bus terminal, or 5,500 yen for those making an online reservation through the highway-buses.jp website... The overnight bus is scheduled to be offered through to the September 9 departure/September 10 arrival, ending on the final day of the 2026 Yoshida Trail hiking season. (click link to learn more) Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:41:14 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-reach-the-summit-of-mt-kitadake-from-the-hirogawara-trailhead.htmlb9a7fd1d898bf382ba3b177e252bacc6Hi, can I check how long it takes you to start from Hirogawara (広河原) trailhead to reach summit of Mt. Kita-dake? Sun, 5 Jul 2026 00:39:34 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-7-13d9a44e7d73abe7b7bae2d8eeb8bd12cMount Fuji climbing season opens with 2 trails, new fee kiosks ease crowds Mount Fuji's climbing season commenced Wednesday as two of the four main hiking trails opened, with hikers making their way to the summit greeted by a clear sunrise breaking through clouds around 4:30 a.m. in fair weather. Yamanashi Prefecture has set up two self-service payment kiosks for the 4,000 yen entrance fee at the 5th station on the most popular Yoshida Trail this year, to ease congestion for those who had not preregistered. The Subashiri Trail on the Shizuoka Prefecture side also opened on Wednesday, earlier than in past years. The 2 other trails (Fujinomiya & Gotemba) on the Shizuoka side of the 3,776-meter mountain will open on July 10 as usual... (click link to learn more) Thu, 2 Jul 2026 20:55:36 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#shltr438ba78f2d7d156891955b567c614941As Mt. Fuji prepares for the start of the 2026 climbing season on 1 July, 2 new emergency shelters have been installed on the Yoshida Trail, improving climber safety in the event of a volcanic eruption or other mountain hazards. The reinforced concrete shelters have been built along the Yoshida descent route near the 7th and 8th stations, and are designed to withstand volcanic debris. Inside, rubber flooring has been installed to help reduce the risk of electric shock during lightning strikes. The shelters have been built into the mountainside to minimise their visual impact on the World Heritage-listed site. Each shelter measures around 2 metres (6.6 feet) high, 2.5 metres wide and 5.4 metres deep, and can accommodate up to 135 people during an emergency... (click link to learn more) Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:47:27 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-6-257449a97f434fb276fa78b48e55cbe901A group of 4 cities and 1 town in Shizuoka Prefecture around Mt. Fuji on June 19 asked Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki to create a system to restrict climbing outside the summer season and to require climbers to bear the cost of rescue operations if they get stranded. ...The request called for "strict action against entrants who do not follow the rules," including thorough enforcement of winter traffic restrictions on prefectural roads, and for mechanisms such as an ordinance to regulate winter climbing on Mount Fuji by restricting unauthorized entry. It also urged early consideration of a system requiring stranded climbers to pay the full cost of rescue operations during periods when prefectural roads are closed. Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures are considering charging for disaster-prevention helicopter rescues and restricting entry. ...Charging for rescue helicopter operations would require revisions to laws including the Police Act and the Fire and Disaster Management Organization Act... (click link to learn more) Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:24:02 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#tedca94516a6bdb94e1223c8d87ca5a3bc4A wonderful man reflects back on many heartfelt memories of his twin brother who passed away 18 years ago, in the form of a beautiful, prayerful song. (click link to watch video of very touching song with lyrics) Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:02:21 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-6-952298fc35e356e26b1adaf03ab3a37a2When our reporting team went to the site on June 9th, we found that signs and walls in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Chinese, had been erected at the entrance to the hiking trail, indicating that passage was prohibited, and that a state of high alert was in place. The hiking trail from the 5th station of Mount Fuji to the summit is closed to traffic according to the Road Act. However, on the 9th, while I was covering the event, foreign tourists climbing the mountain kept appearing one after another. Mayor Sudo of Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has raised his voice in anger over the recent string of mountain accidents on Mt. Fuji in winter. "I would like the penalties to be made stricter. I would like the law to be changed so that rescue is entirely at the individual's expense." (click link to learn more) Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:32:19 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#tom2f14a45dfe8b29377cb45459cbe50017...thrilled his fans at Kento's Shinjuku on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (click link to watch Tom's video) Wed, 3 Jun 2026 07:35:59 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-6-30fde8ed2a69348e198db9c6c5d720090The desire to avoid the crowds has been driving many people to climb Mt. Fuji during the offseason. Analysis of human traffic conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun and Location AI using data from smartphones of Japanese residents showed a minimum of around 10,000 people climbed Mt. Fuji outside the designated climbing season every year from 2019 to 2025. The climbing season in those years ran from early July to Sept. 10, with the remainder of September totaling the highest monthly number of offseason climbers... (click link to view photo & learn more) Wed, 3 Jun 2026 06:45:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#venus23d9d3c89d8de2179c9a03b5c48308efTo all my fellow passionate stargazers in the northern hemisphere... as you know, Venus is our brightest planet and Jupiter is 2nd-brightest. You can’t miss them... they outshine ALL the stars! About every 3-5 years, these 2 blazing worlds come together in a way that’s truly spectacular. They’re gearing up to do that RIGHT now. Their conjunction will be around June 8 and 9. In Tokyo our 2 brightest planets are now already clearly visible every night in the western sky after dark (Venus the brighter one on the lower right) & on May 12, they were about 30 degrees apart... (click link to read more & view star chart) Wed, 27 May 2026 10:24:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#human79701d5810a952fd3244ef98e7c5c6a4A police officer discovered the lower half of a human body near Sengen Toge pass in the Nippara district of Western Tokyo’s Okutama on Tuesday. ...The droppings and footprints of a large animal were found in the vicinity, and police are working to identify the body. They believe it is possible the person died as the result of a bear attack or a mountain accident. ...Starting on Tuesday morning, a team of about 30 people — including police officers and members of a local hunting club — searched the area, as a result of which they found the body at the bottom of a cliff about 100 meters from the hiking trail... (click link to learn more) Wed, 27 May 2026 10:23:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#26-5-1357897860c86d92fb473818d3e8ae539dAmazing! I don't recall ever seeing anything like this before... (click link to see mind-blowing video of Japanese woman performing beautiful aerial silks act) Wed, 27 May 2026 10:22:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-kita-dake.html5e9e593246b662bab0cd000a64b80273Pics, maps, and trail description of my Oct. 1993 hike to the top of the easily accessible Mt. Kita-dake, elev. 3193m, Japan's 2nd highest mountain.
Wed, 27 May 2026 10:21:17 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-notori-dake-and-the-shiranesanzan.html4b23e6d038c7221f091fa7036c8b2fc6Pics, maps, and trail description of my Aug. 2011 climb of Mt. Notori-dake and the Shiranesanzan in the Southern Japan Alps.
Wed, 27 May 2026 10:20:30 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-ai-no-dake-and-mt-shiomi-dake.html7ee52abbc42d380d97e32d63237eab9ePics, maps, and trail description of my Sept. 1996 climb of Mt. Ai-no-dake (3189m) and Mt. Shiomi-dake, 3047m, Japan's 4th & 16th highest mountains.
Wed, 27 May 2026 10:20:30 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-senjo-ga-take-and-mt-kai-koma-ga-dake.html9b489251157718be08e6964522dadc57Pics, maps, and trail description of my Aug. 1997 climb of Mt. Senjo-ga-take and Mt. Kai-koma-ga-dake in the Southern Japan Alps.
Wed, 27 May 2026 10:20:30 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-5-9d7df8388bab9e2a20527fa56e07ebbbbFrom May 8 for the 3 Shizuoka trails. From April 17 for the Yoshida trail. (click link to learn more) Mon, 11 May 2026 10:15:45 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-5-13130c76fa7c4c3ba596e5779dd6f303aHikers who aspire to summit Mount Fuji on its most popular trail can expect a “strict” inspection of their clothing and gear at the entry gate for the Yoshida trail, according to Yamanashi prefecture. Inspectors from the prefecture will conduct “3-set gear checks” for hikers on the trail, according to a prefectural news release April 27. Light clothing, such as T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are significant safety concerns. The 3 items required are hiking boots or appropriate mountain footwear, 2-piece rainwear consisting of jacket and pants, and clothing appropriate for cold weather, such as a fleece or warm jacket. Improperly dressed hikers will not be allowed past the gate. However, stores at the 5th station sell approved items... (learn more at link above) Tue, 5 May 2026 06:42:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-4-26bf888301d2719266074134b47df03ea3A 51-year-old Dutch national fell while descending Mt. Fuji between the 7th and 8th stations on Saturday, sustaining injuries including a fractured right ankle, police said. The Yoshida Route, the climbing path he took, was closed for the winter season from the 5th station to the summit. According to the Fujiyoshida Police Station, the man began climbing alone at around 6 a.m. on Saturday and reached the summit about 5 hours later. However, he lost his balance while descending. A friend of his in Japan whom he contacted reported the event to the police, which dispatched a rescue team. The team found and rescued the man by around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. On April 22, 2 American nationals, a man and a woman who entered the Yoshida Route to ski, were injured on the mountain. They were subsequently rescued. Mon, 4 May 2026 08:53:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/route-map-from-mt-yarigatake-to-kamikochi.htmlcca9175e6e5a1358e684ca8504be6b2cHello Gary, I plan to hike Mt. Oku-hotaka-dake & Mt. Yarigatake in August this year. Maybe I go alone. Can you give some advice what I should prepare for Sun, 3 May 2026 20:32:05 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-4-247a4f5c147f353d78ba9e39064c9ad002A male U.S. national fell while climbing and skiing on a Mt. Fuji trail on Wednesday, dislocating and fracturing his left ankle, while a woman accompanying him broke her nose, police said. According to the police, the injured pair are a 26-year-old American male photographer and a woman. The woman said she is a 27-year-old American ski instructor, but her age and other details have yet to be confirmed. One of the man’s friends in Japan received a call from the injured man’s cell phone and contacted the police at around 5:45 p.m. The fire department and police station’s mountain rescue team began a search early Thursday morning, rescuing them by Thursday evening. According to the police, the 2 began climbing Mt. Fuji on the Yoshida Route in Yamanashi Prefecture at around 9 a.m. Wednesday. At around 2 p.m. the man was caught in strong winds near the 9th station and fell, becoming separated from the woman. The section of the route from the 5th station to the summit is off-limits, as it is closed for the season. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:51:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji-page2.html#346b30034c1db6488e26cf78287f987964A: There are several, in a constant state of flux from year to year, but here are just a few examples I've run across in the past year or so... (click link to view short list of Mt. Fuji climbing guides) Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:49:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/Gary-J.-Wolff-blog-archives-oct-dec-2025.html522112ce9aab6b165734857bebc9fbe4This page shows archived posts for Gary J. Wolff's blog from October-December, 2025. Enjoy! Cheers, Gary
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:47:20 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.htmla8243190e3400119fbd96b696c9667daThe most frequently asked questions about climbing Mt. Fuji, including info on routes, maps, videos, transport access, traffic stats, weather, and climber stories.
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:13:01 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-4-101c3e768bc89e6fc78eabbc4be2fb104cJapan’s Shizuoka Govt Sees Positive Results from Mt. Fuji Restriction Measures; Aims to Continue to Refine Measures Shizuoka Prefecture made entrance fees mandatory and imposed nighttime climbing restrictions on three of Mt. Fuji’s trails — Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba — for the first time last climbing season, aligning with the measures introduced by Yamanashi Prefecture for the Yoshida trail the year before... ...According to a report by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police, the number of hikers involved in accidents on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mt. Fuji during the climbing season (July 10 to Sept. 10) was 36, a decrease of 28 from the previous year, while the number of fatalities and missing persons was 0, compared to 6 during the last season. The police thinks the awareness of climbing safety may have increased due to the restrictions and the requirement to study the rules in advance... (click link to learn more) Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:35:32 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#26-4-7d126b4f7eed55c80766a6e8fd3cc1da5A 31-year-old Polish man was rescued by helicopter after falling near the New 7th Station of Mount Fuji at around 11 a.m. on April 6th during an off-season solo climb, after calling emergency services to report that he believed he had broken his leg. According to police, the caller was the injured man himself, who had been climbing alone and is believed to have fallen approximately 200 meters. Rescue teams, including the Shizuoka Prefectural Police mountain rescue unit, were dispatched to the scene, and the man was airlifted by a prefectural disaster prevention helicopter about two hours after the call. Although the man sustained injuries, he remained conscious and is not in life-threatening condition. Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#color52d5573ea2febb363dc5760f22297b15It's that gorgeous colorful season again, taking me back to that old Chicago tune, "Colour My World." 😉 And it never gets old, even after 35 years. 😲 Cheers & thanks always to the guy upstairs with the magical paintbrush... 🥰👏🙏 (click link to view beautiful colorful spring flowers) Tue, 7 Apr 2026 01:28:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#freeeed27f0b96170cd964be1cb5fe7e5269This amazing group, one of the hottest rock bands in Katsushika, Tokyo, just released their latest album on March 27, 2026. Band leader and lead guitarist/soloist Hidekazu Okuma is nicknamed "Big Bear" because Okuma means "big bear" in Japanese. (click link to listen to the new CD) Mon, 6 Apr 2026 07:55:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/mt-fuji-mountain-huts.htmlb7d677193bd958a27afff240bda9a044Listing of Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail mountain huts, including website URLs, phone numbers, elevations, and sleeping capacities, as well as links to the Fujinomiya trail hut sites.
Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:34:10 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#2026regsb9d87dd6ea6efa4b97987ed07dd3f6feToday it was reported that the same Yoshida Trail regulations from last year will be in effect again in 2026, namely a toll fee of 4,000 yen per person per entry, a gate closing time of 14:00 pm to 3:00 am the following day (excluding those staying at mountain huts), & a 4000 maximum number of climbers per day (excluding those staying overnight in mountain huts). Also, new this year at the 5th station there will be a check of climbers' necessary equipment (warm clothing, 2-piece rain gear, and appropriate hiking boots), and only those who have all 3 of these items will be allowed to pass through the gate. (click link to view official flyer for 2026 regulations) Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:35:38 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#foreign2d36564319a20f0b9f9b5bd9751dcf09Two foreign nationals fell down 400 meters and were found in critical condition after they went climbing Mt. Fuji that was closed for the winter season. Police received a report around 3 PM on March 9 that the 2 appeared to have fallen and gone missing near the new 7th station of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. A rescue team of 25 police and fire personnel launched a search operation. The search was hampered by poor weather, but rescuers were able to find them around 10:40 PM. A 23-year-old Swedish woman was in critical condition, and a 51-year-old New Zealand man was reported to have suffered serious injuries. Mount Fuji is currently closed for the winter season, and the hiking trails are blocked off. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:47:00 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#cherry2046b6a3f609e98d62d11737db488b73Cherry blossoms can be viewed virtually everywhere in Japan, but the secret of catching them at full bloom is surfing the cherry blossom front, as it progresses from southwest to northeast across the archipelago, as seen in the map below. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 6th cherry blossom prediction on Feb. 26, 2026, providing updated blooming dates for approximately 1,000 viewing locations across Japan. Due to warmer-than-expected temperatures throughout February, this forecast shows cherry blossoms arriving earlier than previously predicted across most of Japan. This year in Tokyo the cherry blossoms are expected to begin opening up on Mar. 18, 6 days earlier than average, with full bloom expected 8 days later on Mar. 26 (5 days earlier than usual). Can't wait! :-) (click link to view 2026 cherry blossom forecast map) Thu, 5 Mar 2026 08:07:17 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#subashiri3cc632c95986a12a315a8ac48a9c5330The opening date for the Subashiri Trail on Mt. Fuji is being coordinated for July 1st, aligning with the Yamanashi side, Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki revealed during the prefectural assembly plenary session on Friday. While Yamanashi has set its Yoshida Trail opening date as July 1, Shizuoka had maintained the July 10 date due to lingering snow on all trails — Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya. However, since the Subashiri Trail, accessed from Oyama Town, converges with the Yoshida Trail near the 8th station, local stakeholders had been calling for a unified opening date. Regarding the other 2 trails, Suzuki said, “Given the differing geographical conditions and weather patterns, it is difficult to achieve uniformity across all trails.” He also indicated consideration of reduced or waived entrance fees for kindergarten and nursery school nature observation events, as well as educational activities for elementary, junior high, and high school students. “We will explore how to create opportunities for children, who represent the next generation, to experience the value of World Heritage site Mt. Fuji more often,” said Suzuki. Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:36:11 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji-page2.html#239f82f6133aba5805f020461a19751914- On Mount Fuji, summit udon is a lifesaver<br> - Fuji Climbing Tour 2025: Spectacular View and Excitement of Adventure at the Summit<br> - Climbing Mount Fuji at 80: Martyn Bould's Fundraising Ascent<br> - Climbing Mt. Fuji: How I planned to summit Japan’s highest mountain<br> (many more stories continued at link) Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:56:18 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#snow1d90b1d88d2f231ac40c711275f5dc68One of the most impressive things I think I've ever seen... 0:00 "A Thoroughbred Crowned with Glory" brought to you by JRA (Japan (horse)Racing Association). Hokkaido is a major thoroughbred breeding region with a long history dating back to the Meiji period. Approximately 98% of thoroughbreds produced in Japan are born in Hokkaido, with over 7,000 being born each year. 2:26 The Aizu Tsurugajo Castle was a symbol of the Aizu Domain, a clan ruled by many famous generals and maintaining samurai pride until the end of the Edo period. The 2026 giant snow sculpture was produced jointly by Hokkaido Television Network (HTB) and the 18th Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. A total of 3,800 members of the Self-Defense Forces worked on the snow sculpture over a 30-day period, from January 5th - February 3rd, 2026. (click link to view video) Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:15:18 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#cherry2046b6a3f609e98d62d11737db488b73-cpAuthorities in Fujiyoshida in central Japan have canceled a spring cherry blossom festival at a popular Mt. Fuji viewing spot, citing residents’ concerns over congestion and nuisance behavior. The city in Yamanashi Prefecture on Tuesday announced its decision not to go ahead with the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, an event it has held for the past 10 years, attracting around 200,000 visitors each year with its views to Mt. Fuji. With the weak Japanese yen and social media content driving a rapid increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, however, the city is struggling to handle an influx of more than 10,000 visitors a day during the peak cherry blossom season. Incidents of bad behavior, the city said, have become commonplace and pose a threat to the livelihoods of residents... (click link to learn more) Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:59:08 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#chinesed832259f38d75eef90b545c9864cbfb7A 20-year-old Chinese student who ignored a winter climbing ban on Mt. Fuji had to be rescued by police after injuring himself, sparking debate in Japan about charging for such rescues. The student, enrolled at a vocational school in Shinjuku, Tokyo, illegally ascended the mountain via the Fujinomiya trail on January 18. While descending, he fell and fractured his right leg at the eighth station, prompting an emergency call at midday. Shizuoka prefectural police dispatched a 10-11 member mountain rescue team. They located him around 8:30 pm in severe weather with strong winds and poor visibility. The team sheltered overnight in a mountain facility before carrying him down on foot the next day... (click link to learn more) Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:06:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#food0b94665fbe3e7ba7bc9f85bff6b5c482The U.S. Health and Human Services has unveiled a new U.S. food pyramid, with officials calling it the "most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in history." The new dietary guidelines emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing protein, dairy, and healthy fats while discouraging highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. This updated pyramid aims to guide Americans towards healthier eating habits based on modern nutrition science. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a simple, clear message: "Just eat real food." (click link to view image of new food pyramid) Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:04:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#elvis92dec6c50ad65ee6d00165c0f27d2ee8These amazing guys shared their vocal talents at a special singing party in Tokyo on Jan. 12, 2026 in celebration of Elvis' 91st birthday! I loved listening to these guys & hope to hear them again in the future... 🎵🎶🎼🎹🎤🎸🪕🎻 (click link to watch 2 great singers singing 'Unchained Melody' & 'What'd I say?') Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:02:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#fujid35ffb058bc75dd2c4e750b03c211f39I just love it when Fujisan puts on her beautiful winter white coat, as I offer prayers in advance for any idiots (as in years past who sadly met their maker) who might consider attempting to scale her in winter. 😉🙏 Taken by good friend Rob from the train while passing over the Tama River, Fri. 1/9 at 10 a.m. (click link to view striking photo of beautiful Mt. Fuji) Sat, 10 Jan 2026 02:12:41 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#vaccinesad2b2e9787cdb72f96273e4934c68c67Federal health officials today outlined sweeping changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. The changes create a new framework that keeps all currently recommended vaccines available and fully covered while moving several vaccines into a category designed to emphasize shared decision-making between families and clinicians. The new recommendations reduce the number of vaccines recommended as routine for all children to 11 from 17, a move The New York Times called a “seismic shift” in federal vaccine policy. Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense, called the change “the most significant change in U.S. vaccination policy in recent history.” HHS said the change follows a directive from President Donald Trump, who issued a presidential memorandum on Dec. 5, 2025, instructing the agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to review whether other developed nations protect children more effectively. After what HHS described as a “comprehensive, evidence-based assessment,” the department concluded that the U.S. recommends more routine childhood vaccine doses than peer countries without achieving higher vaccination rates or greater public trust... (click link to learn more & view photo) Thu, 8 Jan 2026 07:13:04 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#2026d57377d4ab04381764277aff143af80c2026 in Tokyo arrived 14 hours before the east coast of the United States!! Here's how they celebrated the New Year countdown with colorful projection mapping against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building (Tochō, 都庁), featuring Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (小池 百合子) (in her long white coat). And may 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse bring you good health, happiness, & prosperity!! 🎊🎆🧨🎍🎎🥂🗻🎉🍾⛩ (click link to view countdown video & pic of 2026 Fire Horse) Sun, 4 Jan 2026 01:48:45 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#44d0895d2400f1296459863d42acc74568A 44-year-old mountain climber died after slipping and falling while descending from Mt. Fuji on Monday, Shizuoka prefectural police said. According to the police, the man made an emergency call to the local fire department and asked to be rescued, saying, “My right leg hurts so much I can’t move.” The police’s mountain rescue team searched for the man in response to the call and found him in cardiac arrest. He was taken to a hospital but later confirmed dead. The man began climbing Mt. Fuji with two friends on Sunday. He slipped and fell at 11 a.m. on Monday. The rescue team found him about 200 meters southeast of Goraiko-sanso mountain lodge at the seventh station at 4:15 p.m. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:25:12 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#workb9e4d2e673503406e829c666d6e9b40c"Most of us spend our entire lives chasing the dream of having enough. What happens when that goal is met? Do we stop or is there reason to keep working anyway? If you have more to look back on than you have to look forward to, then you're telling your mind, body, and spirit to shut down... that they're no longer needed. We see this a lot after people retire when they immediately suffer health problems or even die. Don't ever stop working. If you stop the flow of money through you, your life will deteriorate." —Dan Miller, author of "48 Days to the Work You Love" and founder of 48days.com— (click link to learn more) Mon, 22 Dec 2025 07:17:57 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#hepbad0d57fd7011f7aeca89bef91484fb4fAdvisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this morning voted to end a decades-long recommendation that all infants born in the U.S. receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 12-24 hours of birth. Instead, for babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B, the committee recommends that families determine whether to give their child the Hep B shot at birth through individual decision-making with their physician. For infants who don’t get the birth dose, the committee recommends the initial dose of the vaccine not be administered until infants are at least 2 months old. For mothers whose hepatitis B status is unknown or who test positive, the birth dose recommendation remains in place. Dr. Monique Yohanan, senior fellow for health policy at Independent Women, told The Defender there was never “a good science-based reason to have a universal vaccination that 99% of babies born in the United States are not at any risk,” and that the vote was “good news for babies.” FINALLY! Praise the Lord! (click link to view photo) Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#fall438e89386d10d56930189c2567af8706...in Tokyo has finally arrived in earnest. This kind of beautiful scenery brings a lot of childhood joy to folks like myself, even after 3 decades here, as there is nothing even close to this in my home state of Texas. Japan is indeed one beautiful country. Our Creator has a pretty magnificent paintbrush, doesn't he? :-) (click link to see stunning fall colors in Tokyo) Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#monkey9cf4975a18bf42cd71de6cf8bfe347bcAll those new Japanese robot waiters popular these days in restaurants like Gusto & Saizeriya have become commonplace. So how 'bout being served by a MONKEY instead? :-) (click link to view funny video) Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#autismfd18f656e2e9153b8782e02ea7ff4932Integrating over 300 scientific communications across epidemiologic, clinical, and mechanistic domains, the landmark McCullough Foundation Report, Determinants of Autism Spectrum Disorder, has delivered the most authoritative, comprehensive, and extensively referenced synthesis to date on risk factors for autism. Among 136 studies evaluating childhood vaccines or their components, 107 (79%) found associations between immunization and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders, and 12 studies comparing routinely immunized versus completely unvaccinated children or young adults consistently demonstrated superior overall health outcomes among the unvaccinated, including significantly lower risks of chronic medical problems and neuropsychiatric disorders such as ASD. The report concludes that autism arises from the intersection of genetic, environmental, and iatrogenic factors — but notably combination routine childhood vaccination early in life constitutes the most significant modifiable risk factor, supported by convergent clinical, mechanistic, and epidemiologic evidence. As autism prevalence climbs to more than 1 in 31 U.S. children, understanding and mitigating preventable contributors has become a pressing public health priority. (click link to view autism graphic) Fri, 31 Oct 2025 02:32:33 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#569db84175348d4882947061b48a9f9d57More than half of likely US voters say they believe Covid-19 vaccines may have caused a significant number of unexplained deaths. According to a new Rasmussen Reports poll, 56% say it’s at least somewhat likely that vaccine side effects led to such deaths, including 32% who say it’s very likely and nearly one-in-four say someone they know could be among the victims. Thirty-five percent (35%) say it’s not likely, including 17% who believe it’s not at all likely. These numbers are nearly unchanged from a year ago. The survey also shows strong support for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been openly critical of the government’s handling of the pandemic. Half (50%) of voters say government health officials deserve criticism for their Covid-19 response, while 37% say Kennedy’s criticism is unfair. Forty-two percent (42%) say some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees involved in the government’s Covid-19 response should be fired. That view rises to 71% among those who believe vaccine side effects likely caused deaths... (click link to learn more) Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:05:10 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/gary-j-wolff-blog.html#filmfa517066e2c5f353a3f37bf8f9c2d1e6An ICAN and Del Bigtree Film THIS COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING In 2016, journalist Del Bigtree issued a challenge to the head of infectious disease at one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world: conduct the most thorough vaxxed vs. unvaxxed study that has ever been done. The expert took up the challenge and ran the study to prove Del wrong. That study never saw the light of day... until now. Join us at the Malibu Film Festival<br> Global Online Premiere Event<br> October 12th at 5pm PT (8pm ET)<br> (click link lo view trailer) Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:03:45 -0400 https://www.garyjwolff.com/climbing-mt-fuji.html#33867fe5cd3fab49ca6e1fa7c4ea76ebc2The total number of Mt. Fuji climbers on all 4 trails in 2025 was 205,100. This compares to 204,316 people in 2024 and a pre-pandemic figure of 235,646 people in 2019. None of the last 5 climbing seasons have surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers. The Yoshida Trail was the busiest with 59% of the 2025 total, and August was the busiest month, accounting for 51% of the total number of climbers. (click link for more details) Wed, 8 Oct 2025 05:25:01 -0400