The following day I decided to climb Mt. Fuji. I was not really planning on doing it when I went there, I didn't even know it was an option to climb it. But I figured I would give it a go. I started trekking at about 10pm at night as to arrive at the top around sun rise. My hiking gear consisted of; tight jeans, converse, thin everyday socks, a denim shirt, a beanie and a back pack. I thought the backpack was good because I heard it was cold up there.. did not know how cold though. So in the backpack I brought a windbreaker, a light sweater, a towel in case of rain, a tiny pen flashlight, camera, wallet, 2 apples and some water. When I started my trek I realized the Japanese where dressed much different than I was. They all looked like they were going to climb Everest, I looked like I was going to a nice bar with a backpack. Didn't really phase me though, the Japanese get very into stuff like that. Same with in Hawaii when you see them surfing sometimes and they have like helmets with matching wetsuits. They just like that stuff, and good for them. Their gear seemed to just hold them back though on the train, I was flying by them like a ninja. I kept getting these wild bursts of energy and would blast up the mountain, then I would tire out and slow down for a little while but then the energy boost would come back. It was pretty wild. I was stoked because my knees didn't hurt at all really from the hike. Pretty much my eyeballs were the only thing hurting because all the Japanese had these LED light head lamps and they would look at you and it would be so bright you would go blind for a little. And they kept doing it! I kept falling for it too though, I would see some one as I was passing and look up and BOOM. Blind. I didn't even need the little light I brought because the Japanese had that place lit up. I was surprised as to how many Japanese were climbing it that night. I guess I timed it perfectly, on accident, and all of them knew that it would going to be a perfect night. It was a full moon, no rain, and light winds below the summit. Towards the top I met up with this Austrian guy Peter who was staying at the same hostel I was at, and he wanted a climbing buddy. So we teamed up and had some laughs making out way up the mountain. Super funny guy, I had planned on doing the whole thing solo, but meeting up with him was good too. We made it up to the top around 330-4am and got a solid little spot right on the top, with a perfect view to watch the sun rise. Watching that sun come up in that frigid air was one of the coolest moments in my life. One of the most rewarding experiences as well. That was the first real mountain I have ever climbed. But watching the sun come up was spiritual and very intense. Nobody said a word. I went from snapping pictures to just sitting there in awe. It was truly incredible. I don't feel like words will ever do it justice. I sat up there for a while and just enjoyed the view. Partially because I knew the walk down was going to be rough. Which it was. But totally worth it. I plan on doing it again. Oh yes, and sitting up there was so insanely cold. I had every bit of clothing I brought including the towel on. My fingers were little icicles. So amazing though.
I got back to Fujiyoshida about 1030 the next day and just crashed. I got up around 6 or so and had to go make the best of my last night there. I love that place. It was hard to leave. But I am going to try to extend my stay in Japan a bit longer now, if it's not too late, so I can go back there. I am in Yokohama now and it is a cool place. This little area near my hostel, the name is slipping my mind right now, but it is a cool little fancy village place with nice shops and amazing food. I dig it, but then again I can't think of a place I haven't been fond of?
Anywho, thanks for reading. and as here is the rest of the Vietnam and Laos pictures, sorry they got separated and I took so long to add them. Enjoy.
