Memories of Mt. Fuji

There’s an old Japanese saying: “A wise man will climb Fuji once, only a fool climbs it twice.” Yet here I am, embarking on my third ascent of this iconic peak. In 2019, my journey began with the Yoshida Trail, winding through lush forests and rocky terrain, culminating in a sunrise that painted the sky in hues I had never imagined. The experience was surreal, a testament to nature’s grandeur. I couldn’t resist the call of the mountain and returned in 2022, once again taking the Yoshida Trail. This time, the climb was different, not easier, but more familiar. Each step was a reconnection with the memories of my first ascent, yet it held its own unique challenges. Unfortunately, the climb was marred by the relentless force of a typhoon, with bad weather and relentless rain making the journey all the more intense and unforgettable. The experience left me with a lingering typhoon trauma. Now, in 2024, I chose the Fujinomiya Trail for a new perspective. This route, steeper and more direct, offered its own breathtaking vistas and a fresh appreciation for Fuji’s majestic presence. Each ascent has deepened my respect for this mountain and the personal growth it symbolizes. Three climbs, three years, and countless memories etched into the very fabric of my being. Mt. Fuji is more than just a mountain, it’s a journey of the soul.