Gary J. Wolff's Blog

Apr 12, Japan’s Shizuoka Govt Sees Positive Results from Mt. Fuji Restriction Measures

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:35:32 -0400

Japan’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)

Apr 8, Polish Man Falls on Mount Fuji During Off-Season Climb

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A 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.

Apr 7, God's magic colorful paintbrush

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 01:28:00 -0400

It'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)

Apr 6, The Freedom CD #2 by Big Bears

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 07:55:00 -0400

This 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)

Mar 23, List of Mt. Fuji Mountain Huts (富士山の山小屋)

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:34:10 -0400

Listing 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.

Mar 18, 2026 Yoshida Trail Regulations

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:35:38 -0400

Today 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)

Mar 13, Foreign climbers in critical condition after 400m fall in climbing closed Mt. Fuji

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:47:00 -0400

Two 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.

Mar 5, 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 08:07:17 -0500

Cherry 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)

Mar 2, Mt. Fuji’s Shizuoka-side Subashiri Trail Mulls July 1 Opening to Align with Yamanashi Side

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 19:36:11 -0500

The 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.

Feb 22, Where can I read some personal stories and opinions, both pro and con, by hikers who've actually climbed up Mt. Fuji?

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:56:18 -0500

- On Mount Fuji, summit udon is a lifesaver
- Fuji Climbing Tour 2025: Spectacular View and Excitement of Adventure at the Summit
- Climbing Mount Fuji at 80: Martyn Bould's Fundraising Ascent
- Climbing Mt. Fuji: How I planned to summit Japan’s highest mountain
(many more stories continued at link)

Feb 17, Amazing Projection Mapping at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:15:18 -0500

One 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)

Feb 13, Mt. Fuji cherry blossom festival canceled over fears of visitors behaving badly

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:59:08 -0500

Authorities 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)

Feb 5, Police rescue Chinese student who ignored ban to climb Mt. Fuji

Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:06:00 -0500

A 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)

Feb 5, U.S. flips food pyramid upside down. Yay!

Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:04:00 -0500

The 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)

Feb 5, Elvis songs sung by Japanese pro singers

Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:02:00 -0500

These 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?')

Jan 10, Beautiful Mt. Fuji in winter

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 02:12:41 -0500

I 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)

Jan 8, US cuts the number of vaccines recommended for every child

Thu, 8 Jan 2026 07:13:04 -0500

Federal 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)

Jan 4, Tokyo New Year Countdown to 2026

Sun, 4 Jan 2026 01:48:45 -0500

2026 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)

Dec 30, Mt. Fuji Climber Dies After Slipping, Falling; Police Responded to Call Stating ‘I Can’t Move’

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:25:12 -0500

A 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.

Dec 22, Don't ever stop working!

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 07:17:57 -0500

"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)

Dec 12, CDC Vaccine Panel Votes to End Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine for All Newborns

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Advisers 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)

Dec 12, The 2025 Fall Colors (紅葉) season...

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

...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)

Dec 12, A Japanese monkey waitress?! Really?!

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500

All 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)

Dec 12, Climbing Mt. Fuji - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:44:44 -0500

The most frequently asked questions about climbing Mt. Fuji, including info on routes, maps, videos, transport access, traffic stats, weather, and climber stories.

Oct 31, 79% of Studies on Childhood Vaccination and Autism Found a Link

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 02:32:33 -0400

Integrating 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)

Oct 21, 56% suspect Covid-19 vaccines caused deaths and one-in-four know one of the victims

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:05:10 -0400

More 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)

Oct 10, "An Inconvenient Study" film

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:03:45 -0400

An 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
Global Online Premiere Event
October 12th at 5pm PT (8pm ET)
(click link lo view trailer)

Oct 8, Total number of 2025 Mt. Fuji climbers

Wed, 8 Oct 2025 05:25:01 -0400

The 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)

Oct 5, Texas Bull Riding Champion

Sun, 5 Oct 2025 07:10:38 -0400

Yee hah! "Foat Wuth, aw luv yew!" :-) Competing in the Texas all-state bull riding championship in Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest country and western honky-tonk in Ft. Worth, Texas! And if you believe THAT, I'd like to talk to you about some prime Florida real estate I have for sale, ha-ha! :-) (Click link to see hilarious photo of the bull-riding champion & learn more about my spiritual connection to Billy Bob's Texas, going all the way back to the early 80s.)

Oct 4, Samm Bennett & Darryl Baker Live at the Grand Arbre French bistro

Sat, 4 Oct 2025 10:01:28 -0400

A special evening of 60s & 70s songs from Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 3, 2025 0:00 Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
1:54 Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
6:28 Back in the U.S.S.R. by The Beatles
10:00 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams
13:44 Come Together by The Beatles
17:21 Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival (click link to view video)

Sep 28, Americans' brains being fried by cell towers: New scientific evidence reveals shocking extent of electropollution damage

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 09:52:27 -0400

Exposure to cell phone towers alters brain function in alarming ways, causing a lack of concentration, irritability, difficulty sleeping and lack of appetite. That's the conclusion of a study published by the British Medical Journal. Many scientists have long suspected that chronic exposure to low levels of EMF pollution (electropollution) may interfere with healthy functioning of the brain and body. This latest research adds yet more support to that alarming idea. There are currently over 190,000 cell phone towers across the United States. From another news source, according to Cory Hillis, president of EMF Solutions, "The amount of DNA damage you get from a cell phone will blow people’s minds away. 24 hours on a cell phone is equal to 1600 chest x-rays, according to a study paid for by the European Union & based on participation by 12 institutions across Europe... and that was not even today’s phone… that was a 3G phone... before 4G and 5G." (click link to read more)

Sep 26, Japan Press Conference - Evidence of mRNA Vaccine Harm, Demands Immediate Recall!

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:40:04 -0400

On September 18, 2025, The Japan Vaccine Issues Research Association (JVIRA), a general incorporated association dedicated to scrutinizing vaccine-related concerns, hosted a press conference. For the first time ever, officials from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) attended a gathering focused on the potential harms of these novel injections. This wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it signaled a newfound willingness from the government to engage, listen, and potentially collaborate on addressing what many see as a public health crisis. Led by the formidable Professor Masanori Fukushima—an oncologist, pharmacoepidemiologist, and pioneer in Japan's drug safety education—the event centered on a bold demand: the immediate cancellation of approval and market recall of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and their lipid nanoparticle formulations. Drawing from a freshly published peer-reviewed paper in English, the association presented compelling evidence that these vaccines were mishandled during approval, treated as conventional shots when they are, in essence, groundbreaking gene therapies with unpredictable consequences. As an oncologist, Prof. Fukushima expressed deep concern: "In cancer patients’ tissues, it gets incorporated, or it may even promote cancer growth or carcinogenesis—we don’t know. There are so many unknowns, and now with this disease, I strongly emphasized to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officials that this is new. If things we’ve never seen before are happening now, we must face them properly and shine the light of science on them." Indeed, doctors and scientists worldwide are alarmed by DNA contamination in mRNA vaccines, which may lead to cancer. (click link to learn more & view video)

Sep 21, Number of people involved in mountaineering accidents this summer hits new high

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:18:54 -0400

"Japan's National Police Agency says a total of 917 people were involved in mountaineering accidents across the nation in July and August, renewing a record for the summer climbing season. The agency says the figure was up by 181 from the same period last year, and the highest since record-keeping began in 1968. Of the total, 48 people died, and 6 remain missing. By age, 190 people were in their 50s, 199 were in their 60s, and 166 were in their 70s. These age groups accounted for about 60 percent of the total." (click link to learn more)

Sep 21, Climbers on Mt. Fuji’s Gotemba Trail Decrease by 30%; Drop Is Attributed to New Entrance Fee, Regulations for Safer Trekking

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

The number of people climbing Mt. Fuji via the Gotemba Trail, on the mountain’s Shizuoka Prefecture side, dropped more than 30% year-on-year as of the end of August, according to sources. This change comes in the wake of the implementation this summer of new rules on entering the mountain. The Shizuoka prefectural government assumes that the fall in visitors to the Gotemba Trail is partly because of a decrease in the number of people coming to use it for trail running. This summer season, after the prefectural government established an entrance fee of ¥4,000 yen per person, many of these runners have cut down on their number of visits or stayed away from the mountain. Masao Kishi, 56, head of the secretariat of the Japan Trail Running Association, said, “Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan, and runners visit it from all over the nation. Shouldn’t we start thinking about how to balance preserving the natural environment with keeping it accessible to climbers?” (click link to learn more)

Sep 21, ‘Bullet climbers’ disappear from Mt. Fuji in year 2 of restrictions

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:50:00 -0400

As Mount Fuji officially closed its summer climbing season on Sept. 10, authorities declared a landmark success in curbing “bullet climbing,” the dangerous practice of ascending the mountain overnight without rest or accommodations. “Overnight climbers are now virtually zero. It’s a groundbreaking achievement,” said Masatoshi Hada, head of Mount Fuji operations in Fujiyoshida city. Yoshikage Inoue, who runs a mountain hut at the eighth station and holds a leadership role in a local lodge organization, echoed the sentiment. “Last year, we had exhausted climbers collapsing in front of our huts after racing to beat the gate closure. But this year, we had none,” he said. He added that the issue of bullet climbing has been eliminated. (click link to learn more)

Sep 21, Gary J. Wolff's Blog Archives, April-June, 2025

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:44:21 -0400

This page shows archived posts for Gary J. Wolff's blog from April-June, 2025.

Sep 11, If I make it to the top of Mt. Fuji, can I get a certificate for my accomplishment?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:04:12 -0400

Yes, you can get a personalized certificate for ¥1,080 or a commemoration letter for visiting Mt. Fuji for ¥500 from the Japan Mt. Fuji Association. It was also reported that in 2025 a non-personalized certificate was available from Mt. Fuji's summit post office for ¥700. (click link for more details)

Sep 11, The 2025 Mt. Fuji climbing season has ended. All 4 mountain trails are now closed.

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:22:14 -0400

After the mountain closes, the mountain huts also close, and the harsh weather conditions of Mt. Fuji often bring with them violent gusts of wind and snowstorms, making the risk of mountain accidents extremely high and extremely dangerous. There is a risk of falling due to gusts of wind or slipping on ice. The causes of accidents are varied and fatal accidents have also occurred, involving even experienced climbers who were knowledgeable and well-equipped. There are serious legal and financial ramifications from attempting to climb Mt. Fuji in the off-season. Unauthorized off-season hiking is a criminal offense. Violators can be punished by a fine of up to 300,000 yen (approximately US$2,000) and up to 6 months in jail.

Sep 4, Climbing Mount Fuji at 80: Martyn Bould's Fundraising Ascent

Thu, 4 Sep 2025 06:36:53 -0400

At nearly 80 years old, Martyn Bould MBE set his sights on Japan's most iconic peak: Mount Fuji. This wasn't just another tick off a bucket list. It was a personal and physical challenge tied to a powerful purpose: raising funds for the Cayman Islands Red Cross. With previous summits of Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua behind him, Martyn turned to Explore-Share to find the right certified local guide for this adventure. On August 28, 2025, he reached the 3,776-meter summit of Mount Fuji with the expert guidance of Chikako ("Chika"), and with a message of resilience, generosity, and inspiration for generations to come. (click link to read more...)

Sep 1, Yamanashi Officials Authorized to Deny Lightly Equipped Mt. Fuji Climbers Entry

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 07:18:06 -0400

Yamanashi prefectural officials have been given the authority to turn away hikers wearing sandals or other inappropriate gear on Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail, in a bid to reduce possible injuries. An ordinance on such regulations has been revised to allow officials to deny entry to climbers who do not follow instructions on gear. There were still many climbers attempting the summit in attire that included sandals, T-shirts, and shorts. Even when prefectural officials warned them at the trailhead, some foreign tourists reportedly argued with the officials or ignored the warnings, according to the prefecture.

Aug 28, Torches illuminate skies near Mt. Fuji at festival

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:20:28 -0400

Burning torches have lightened up the skies during a festival to bid farewell to Mount Fuji's summer climbing season. The annual Yoshida Fire Festival was held on Tuesday in Fujiyoshida City at the foot of Japan's highest mountain. The event dates back more than 400 years. 110 big torches standing about 3 meters tall lined a road toward the mountain, along with smaller ones brought by households. They were set ablaze in the evening, creating a spectacular scene. (click link to read full article)

Aug 24, Climbing Mt. Fuji: How I planned to summit Japan’s highest mountain

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 07:32:16 -0400

Climbing Mt. Fuji has always been on my Japan bucket list. And finally, on August 8 this year (about 2 weeks ago), I made that dream happen. But how did I do it? The planning? The preparation? Was the climb hard? Well, unlike many climbers who prefer to join a group tour, I went for a “DIY plan” to hike Japan’s 3,776-meter highest mountain. One of the most important parts of your climbing plan is securing a mountain hut reservation. You need to book this months before the season actually starts. Usually, reservations open around May, and it’s first come, first served, because climbers from Japan and all over the world rush to secure their slots. The hut I booked (located at the 7th station, called Fujiichikan) cost me around 12,500 yen (₱4,830) a night. That included dinner and breakfast, which are both served early in the evening, as most hikers would leave the hut before dawn the next day... (click link to read more...)

Aug 22, Are the Mt. Fuji Yoshida trails one way?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:27:10 -0400

I wish to stay in a mountain hut (there's space at Ganso Muro) after climbing to the summit. Would it be permissible to descend the ascending Yoshida trail to Ganso Muro from the summit? I am finding it hard to tell on the maps if there are any connecting routes between the ascending and descending Yoshida Trails. Are you able to advise please? I need to catch the first bus from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station at 8am to Kawaguchiko Station. Thank you in advance for your advice and help. Thank you too for your detailed study and resource available here on climbing the mountain. It's really exciting. (click link to read answer)

Aug 10, Man Dies on Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail; 1st Death on Yamanashi Pref. Side This Season

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:31:00 -0400

A 75-year-old man died Friday while climbing Mt. Fuji on a tour, the season’s first fatality to occur on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of the mountain, according to police. The company employee from Kizugawa, Kyoto Prefecture, lost consciousness at around 6:30 p.m. and went into cardiac arrest at the 7th Station of the Yoshida Trail. He was taken to a hospital in Fuji-Yoshida in the prefecture where he was pronounced dead. The man started climbing from the 5th Station at around 4:40 p.m. with other participants of the tour and was heading toward a mountain lodge when the incident occurred, according to the police.

Aug 9, Is it possible to mail a letter or postcard from the summit of Mt. Fuji?

Sat, 9 Aug 2025 01:29:58 -0400

Yes, by all means don't miss the chance to mail a letter or postcard to your family or friends back home from the highest post office in Japan. The Mt. Fuji summit post office (富士山頂郵便局, Fujisan-cho Yuubin Kyoku) will be open this season from 6 am to 2 pm daily from Thursday, July 10, 2025 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025, including weekends and holidays except on days with inclement weather. It's located at the top of the Fujinomiya Trail, between the Fujikan summit mountain hut (頂上富士館) and the Sengentaisha-Okumiya shrine (浅間大社奥宮), about a 30-40 min. hike clockwise around the summit crater from the top of the main Yoshida trail. (Click link for more info on Japan's highest post office, including photos & link to map.)

Jul 29, Can I leave my large backpack in a locker at the train station and take only a smaller pack with me to climb Mt. Fuji?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:27:00 -0400

The availability of coin lockers depends on a number of factors, including the trail you take, day of week, and time of day of your climb, all of which will affect how crowded it is at the time. You should be aware, though, that the number of coin lockers large enough for backpacks is usually quite limited, and may be all filled during peak times. According to the City of Fujiyoshida, some coin lockers for large luggage are available at both Mt. Fuji Station and Kawaguchiko Station (operated by the Fuji Kyuko Line) and at the Fuji Subaru 5th Station. Although, they warn that sometimes people have had problems storing large hard-shelled luggage. The starting cost is ¥300/day. It may also be possible for arrangements to be made at either the Mt. Fuji or Kawaguchiko Tourist Information Centers. (click link to read more)

Jul 29, Where can I read some personal stories and opinions, both pro and con, by hikers who've actually climbed up Mt. Fuji?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:25:00 -0400

Click link to read Mt. Fuji climber stories going all the way back to 1996.

Jul 29, Burger King's new Baby Body Burger!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:23:00 -0400

This new heart-attack-waiting-to-happen from Burger King Japan has FIVE beef patties, weighs 668 grams (23.6 ounces), & has a total calorie count of 1,876. The huge burger alone will dent your pocketbook ¥2590 (~$17), or a set with fries & a drink runs ¥2890 (~$19). WOW! :-) (click link to see photo of the amazingly HUGE burger)

Jul 29, Gary J. Wolff's Blog Archives, January-March, 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:21:47 -0400

This page shows archived posts for Gary J. Wolff's blog from January-March, 2025.

Jul 9, Can you do nothing for 2 minutes? Don't think so! :-)

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 08:16:13 -0400

Need to slow down today? Apparently a lot of people do. In 2011 Alex Tew introduced a “fun side project” called "Do nothing for 2 minutes." When users clicked on the site, it immediately began a 2-minute countdown while encouraging them to... do nothing. smiley If the mouse or keyboard is touched, a red FAIL message flashes and the timer resets. In the first week, the site had over 2 million visitors. Check it out – it’s a hoot. (Click link to see if you can do nothing for 2 minutes.)

Jul 6, American man rescued on Mt. Fuji trail before it opens; camping from June 26th

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 01:00:41 -0400

An American male tourist (67) who had climbed Mt. Fuji's Fujinomiya trail alone before it opened on June 26th and was camping in a tent near the new 7th station was rescued on the morning of the 4th and taken to a hospital with suspected hypothermia. The man reportedly became unwell in the morning of the 4th and asked other climbers for help. He was transported by mountain hut staff to the Fujinomiyaguchi 5th Station using heavy machinery, and was taken to the hospital around 12:00 pm on the 4th. Although he is suspected to have hypothermia, he is able to talk and is not in any danger to his life. (click link to learn more)

Jun 30, What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 22:21:30 -0400

In 2024, there were 2,946 mountain distress incidents reported nationwide, according to the National Police Agency — a decrease of 180 from the previous year. However, trouble on popular tourist peaks like Mount Fuji and Mount Takao rose sharply. On Mount Fuji, 83 people required rescue, a roughly 60% increase compared to the five-year average. Mount Takao, which stands 599 meters high in western Tokyo, recorded 131 incidents, up about 50% compared with the previous year. Of those involved in mountain accidents, 79.8% were aged 40 or older, and 50% were 60 or older. Among fatalities and missing persons, 91.7% were aged 40 or older, and 64% were 60 or older. Meanwhile, 135 foreign visitors were involved in mountain incidents, the second-highest number on record, following a peak of 145 the previous year. (click link to read full excellent article)

Jun 24, SoftBank Corp. Providing 5G Connectivity on Mt. Fuji Summit for Summer Climbing Season

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:35:16 -0400

Every year SoftBank Corp. takes measures to enhance communication services for climbers on Mt. Fuji, including setting up base stations at the summit during the summer climbing season. In 2025, SoftBank is installing “SoftBank 5G” and “SoftBank 4G LTE” communication equipment at the top of Mt. Fuji, which covers the summit and mountain huts. Also, SoftBank provides year-round 4G LTE services at all 4 trailheads – Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Yoshida trails.