Mount Fuji

Destination: The summit of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan at 3776 metres.

Starting point: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (elevation: 2305m)

Route: Kawaguchiko Yoshida Trail

We did the hike over two days with a stopover at a mountain hut (Hakuun-so @3200m) to acclimatise to the high altitude. When the clouds weren't in the way, we had some fantastic views. The Yoshida Trail wasn't difficult, but the last 600 metres to the peak were the toughest part of the hike. Strong winds, rain, and especially the thin air made it tougher than it really was. Fortunately, I didn't suffer from altitude sickness, unlike half of my group... and they didn't look so good.

We had in mind to watch the sunrise at the summit, but strong winds put a stop to any intentions of hiking up the last 500-odd metres at night, which was just as well, considering as it was like walking in cloud and there was nothing worth seeing at the top when the winds had lessened and we eventually made our way up. That didn't stop the sense of achievement though ;) we didn't stay at the peak for long, it was around 2 degrees C, but felt colder than it really was with the wind and rain.

There was the option of buying a wooden stick at Y1000-1200, and collecting seals as you pass each of the mountain huts on your way to the summit which is a novel idea. For Y200, they'll burn a seal onto your stick, and on the Yoshida Trail there are over a dozen huts... I decided to forgo the purchase. Can you imagine, after completing all the Fuji trails, your piece of wood would be worth £70!

Would I do it again? Definitely. There's something really addictive about conquering a 12,000ft mountain. I would love to try the other trails!