Avoid Mountain Accidents
Mt. Fuji is a high mountain with an altitude of over 3,000 meters. There is no end to the number of people who try to climb Mt. Fuji casually, without adequate preparation, which causes accidents. Mt. Fuji is by no means easy. You need to be fully equipped and have the courage to descend the mountain when you feel sick. If you do not have sufficient physical strength or climbing knowledge, you should definitely avoid solo climbing. Please follow the basics of safe climbing by understanding weather information. Enjoy mountain climbing without accidents.
Mt. Fuji mountaineering accident statistics
Historical numbers of mountain accidents in Mt. Fuji
（Data from Yamanashi Prefectural Police and Shizuoka Prefectural Police）
* Shown in parentheses are off-season statistics.
* MoE survey was made by Ministry of the Environment.
Falling rocks
- When you take a rest, please choose a place where the risk of falling rocks is low and face the mountain side as much as possible. You could be too late to notice falling rocks during a break.
- Please do not walk anywhere other than on the trails. Walking at the edge of the trail (valley side) or deviating from the trail can cause falling rocks.
- If you cause or witness falling rocks, inform people around you as soon as possible in a loud voice. In Japanese you should shout "raku", and in English "rocks".
- You can protect your head from falling rocks by wearing a helmet. It’s recommended to bring one with you. (Helmets are rentable at the 6th Station Safety Guidance Center on Yoshida Trail) *Deposit system
- It is dangerous to climb at night because you cannot see falling rocks in the dark. Movement in the daytime is recommended, such as heading for the summit after seeing the sunrise at the mountain lodge.
Bullet climbing
“Bullet climbing” means ascending all night without staying at a mountain lodge on your way, to see the sunrise at the top of Mt. Fuji. Some climbers start walking without enough rest or sleep upon arriving at the trail entrance in the evening. Such climbers often have bad manners such as sleeping outdoors owing to fatigue and retreating to the mountain lodge, which leads to more accidents and getting lost. Bullet climbing is not recommended. Visibility is poor at night and risks can be higher than during daytime. Fatigue and lack of sleep cause low attention and poor health, which increases the risks of taking a direct hit from falling rocks, injuries in a fall, mountaineering accidents by getting lost, and mountain sickness. In order to enjoy safe and comfortable while climbing, make a climbing plan that allows for plenty of time, such as by starting early in the morning or staying overnight at a mountain lodge.