I'm no fool!
Search this site:             

I'm no fool!

by Joe F.
(Tokyo)

Mt. Fuji at sunset<br> (photo courtesy Hiro Klipsch)

Mt. Fuji at sunset
(photo courtesy Hiro Klipsch)

I climbed Mt. Fuji because I didn't want to violate the age-old Japanese proverb & become a fool for not climbing Mt. Fuji. :-) There were 2 things I think that impressed me the most about climbing Mt. Fuji.

The first was how crowded it was. There were sections of trail where it necked down or where it suddenly got a little steeper, requiring a little scrambling, and there were actual traffic jams. You couldn't do anything but just wait 5-10 minutes for your turn to pass. I was beginning to think..."Am I shopping in Ginza?" :-)

The other thing was how well dressed all the Japanese climbers were, outfitted with the latest outdoor wear. VERY colorful parkas, packs, gators, rain wear, etc. I was thinking..."Are all these people models for L.L. Bean or something?" :-)

Sunrise at the summit was almost surreal. It was kind of like worshipping in church. Everyone stared intently at the sun, snapping away with their cameras, but in almost complete silence. Very moving experience. Thru the years, having since climbed many other Japanese peaks, I've learned that this is apparently a Japanese thing, a very reverent worship of the sunrise.

Overall, it was an awesome trip, but once is enough. I won't be back....there are too many other Japanese peaks to climb. Plus, as the old Japanese proverb says, this way I won't need to worry about becoming an even BIGGER fool! :-)

Comments for I'm no fool!

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Once is enough !
by: Gary Wolff

Great story, Joe !

I agree, once is enough for me, too.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience in climbing Mt. Fuji...

Cheers,
Gary

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Climbing Mt. Fuji.

Japan-Texas ebook cover thumbnail
A FREE download at Smashwords



Pattaya ebook cover
Only $1.99 at Amazon
(¥214 at アマゾン日本)




Alaska ebook cover
Only $2.99 at Amazon
(¥340 at アマゾン日本)




GW's road trip ebook cover
Only 99¢ at Amazon
(¥114 at アマゾン日本)




new Climbing Mt. Fuji book
Only $2.99 at Amazon
(¥343 at アマゾン日本)




Only $2.99 at Amazon
(¥343 at アマゾン日本)

 



Let's connect!!

Gary J. Wolff
Facebook badge

View Gary J. Wolff's profile on LinkedIn

My pics:

My videos: YouTube logo



What's New?

  1. 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?

    Jul 24, 25 07:14 AM

    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 s…

    Read more

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

    Jul 22, 25 04:33 AM

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

    Read more

  3. Burger King's new Baby Body Burger!

    Jul 16, 25 07:24 AM

    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 pocketb…

    Read more