The Pill That Cures

Mount Fuji which is scrapping the sky at 3776m is the most climbed mountain in Japan, not only due to the fact that it is the highest peak, but also a sacred peak for annual pilgrimage.


Most climbers start their journey at night to catch the sun rise at the peak. Besides, it is too hot in summer to climb in day time.


Proper timing is important to catch the sunrise at the peak. As first timer, we could not time our journey, allocating too much time to catch our breath (or rather my breath) and most of time trying to follow other cimbers.
We were also worried of reaching the peak too early as the temperature at the peak might hit negative. I, who lacked sleep, (who doesnt, climbing at wee hours), of course preferred to sleep longer at the huts.


As we reached the height of aboiut 3500m, we began to notice the horizon, which means that sunrise is near the corner. As we knew that it was impossible to reach the peak to catch the sunrise, we finally slowed down and waited for the sun to poke out of the horizon.





Watching sun rise, on the highest peak in the Land of The Rising Sun, is something to be proud of ?
I am not sure of that, but many who had attempted and anticipated spectacular twilight at Fuji-san were turned down either by thick fog, clouds, or even typhoon. So I guess, we were lucky enough, even though we were not at the peak (but very close to the peak) to view the sun rise.

The fact that we were not at the peak during the sun rise was actually an advantage.
We could frame our pictures better and even see the shadow of Fuji-san.

We do not always need to be the best to be at the best !





Looking down from the altitude of 3500m, was ocean of clouds bathing in the first sun ray of the day.


Finally, as we had nothing to chase after, we slowed down our pace, and reached the peak at 8am.
It was clear and sunny up there. We flew Malaysian flag up there, showing our patriotism to our beloved country (but thumbs down to most of the pathetics leaders)


View from top.




As Lonely Planet said "Fuji-san is a serious mountain for climbers". Yes, now I agree. It is not very hard with adequate food and rest, but can be challenging or even torturing if you dont prepare yourself properly.