BootsnAll Travel Community

RE: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06-11/climbing-mt-fuj...fuji-japan-asia.html


Interesting article.
I climbed Fuji in 1954, along with my platoon of Marines. We started out at a place called 'Gotemba', if memory serves.
What impressed me the most were the Japanese, many of who then looked to be my present age , who kept slogging up the trail while we young Marines took frequent breaks along the way. Tough folks.
There wasn't that much commercialism then as there appears to be now. We each bought a 'Fuji Stick' for a few yen, and had it branded at each 'station' on the way up. We sacked out in our bags, probably at the station mentioned in the article, where we were able to buy some Akadama wine and Kirin beers. We brought our own 'C' rations.
I wore out a good pair of boots sliding down the slope on the way back.
Nobody I knew had a camera, so I don't have any photos. Someone stole my Fuji Stick.
My son made the climb in the 70's when he was in the Navy.
A worthwhile experience.

Thanks for sharing your story! I've visited Mt Fuji, but was unable to climb it as it was mid-Winter. One day, though.... one day!

Congratulations John on the successful climb and thanks for sharing this adventure. So when are you conquering Fuji-san again?