Climbers attempting Mt. Fuji off-season climbing continue to face deadly risks, prompting renewed warnings from Japanese authorities this spring. Officials stressed that unpredictable weather, lingering snow, and severely limited rescue access make any ascent before July extremely hazardous.
On April 26, Shizuoka prefectural police rescued a Chinese university student in his twenties from near the eighth station. He had become too ill to descend and required immediate assistance. Shockingly, this was his second rescue attempt in less than a week. Days earlier, the same climber had been airlifted out due to altitude sickness but later returned to recover his belongings.
This troubling case has highlighted persistent dangers of Mt. Fuji off-season climbing, especially among inexperienced or unprepared climbers. Authorities said the mountain’s climbing season officially begins around July 10, when trails reopen from the fifth station to the summit. Until then, winter conditions persist, and full access remains closed.
Even in late spring, snow and ice cover large parts of the upper slopes. Temperatures routinely plunge below freezing at the summit. Moreover, trail maintenance crews do not operate, and emergency responders face additional risks and delays.
In 2023 alone, Mt. Fuji recorded 70 rescue operations. Ten of these incidents resulted in fatalities. Of the six major accidents that occurred outside the official climbing season, four led to deaths. Already in 2024, rescue teams have discovered the bodies of three climbers near the crater. All had gone missing during the off-season.
A Shizuoka police spokesperson emphasized that calling for help on Mt. Fuji is vastly different from emergencies on level ground. “Rescue teams must navigate freezing winds, thin air, and narrow time windows,” the official said. “In many cases, we simply cannot reach victims in time.”
Despite high-profile accidents and repeated warnings, Mt. Fuji off-season climbing continues to attract risk-takers drawn by solitude or social media clout. Some climbers underestimate the environment or ignore weather forecasts entirely. Others attempt the ascent without proper gear or physical preparation.
Japanese authorities have intensified public messaging in response. The Shizuoka Prefectural Government posts trail closures, avalanche alerts, and seasonal updates on its official website. Officials urge climbers to check this information regularly and to avoid illegal entry.
Importantly, Mt. Fuji off-season climbing not only endangers individual hikers but also places rescuers in extreme danger. Local governments have increased signage and multilingual warnings, while also training more specialized mountain rescue units.
Emergency services encourage would-be climbers to delay any ascent until mid-July. During the official season, huts reopen, emergency patrols increase, and safety infrastructure operates at full capacity. Furthermore, most trail stations offer amenities such as oxygen, warm meals, and overnight shelter—none of which are available in the off-season.
Some local residents near Fujinomiya and Gotemba have voiced concern over the steady rise in reckless off-season attempts. Many say they fear an eventual mass-casualty event could occur if current trends continue unchecked.
Meanwhile, travel agencies and hiking groups across Japan have echoed the government’s stance. They now actively discourage Mt. Fuji off-season climbing, opting instead for safe, guided experiences during summer months.
Ultimately, Mt. Fuji remains one of Japan’s most cherished symbols. However, its majesty comes with risk. For those who respect the mountain and its natural rhythms, a safe summit lies just a few weeks away. For others who insist on climbing early, the consequences may prove fatal.
