Climbing Mount Fuji is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a spiritual, cultural, and physical challenge that draws thousands of climbers each year. Yet for one 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan, the climb turned into an ordeal repeated within just a few days.
The student, whose name has not been disclosed, was rescued twice from Japan’s highest and most iconic peak in the span of a single week. His story has caught national attention in Japan and sparked renewed discussions about the dangers of off-season climbing and the consequences of underestimating nature.
According to Japanese media, the student first encountered trouble during an off-season attempt to climb the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) mountain. He had to be airlifted to safety by a rescue team — a life-saving intervention that, by itself, would have made for a harrowing tale.
But what followed was even more baffling: just four days after being rescued, the same student returned to Mount Fuji to retrieve his lost mobile phone and personal belongings left behind during the first rescue. He was found once again on the slopes, suffering from suspected altitude sickness, and required another evacuation.
Off-Season Dangers and Poor Preparation
The student’s misfortune serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with climbing Mount Fuji outside of the official hiking season. The mountain is officially open to climbers only from early July to early September, a narrow window when the trails are maintained, mountain huts are staffed, and weather conditions are relatively stable.
Outside of these months, Mount Fuji becomes considerably more dangerous. Snow and ice blanket its steep trails, weather can shift rapidly, and the lack of support services leaves climbers highly vulnerable.
Climbing off-season is not illegal, but it is strongly discouraged by authorities. Despite clear warnings, some climbers still venture up the mountain, often unprepared for the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
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The 27-year-old student appears to have underestimated the climb, both physically and mentally. His first rescue was seen as an unfortunate but not entirely unusual event. However, his decision to return so soon after, solely to retrieve a phone and other items, raised eyebrows and concern.
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Reports suggest that the student managed to ascend to over 3,000 meters (approximately 9,800 feet) during his second attempt before being spotted by another climber, who alerted authorities. He was again airlifted and taken to a hospital for treatment of suspected altitude sickness. Police later confirmed that it was the same individual who had been rescued just four days earlier. It remains unclear whether he ever recovered his phone.
Fuji’s Growing Popularity and the Impact on Safety
Mount Fuji is not just a symbol of Japan; it is a destination that attracts both domestic and international tourists in massive numbers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws climbers eager to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit, a ritual known as “goraiko.” However, the mountain’s popularity has led to concerns about overcrowding, environmental degradation, and safety hazards, particularly among novice climbers.
In recent years, local authorities have attempted to manage these issues. A cap was introduced on the number of climbers allowed on the popular Yoshida Trail, and new rules require climbers to pay a mandatory 4,000 yen (approximately $28) fee starting from the summer 2024 season.
The fee is aimed at funding safety measures, trail maintenance, and crowd control. While these measures are in place during the official season, off-season climbs remain largely unregulated and highly risky.
The student’s case highlights a key issue: the growing disconnect between the allure of climbing Mount Fuji and the level of preparedness among some hikers.
Many underestimate the physical challenge, believing the climb to be a casual hike. In reality, even during peak season, the altitude and terrain present serious challenges. Off-season, those risks are amplified many times over.
Human Impulses and the Value of a Phone
Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of this story is the reason behind the student’s return: to recover a mobile phone and other personal belongings. While it might seem irrational to risk one’s life for a phone, such incidents are not unheard of.
In today’s hyper-connected world, phones are more than just communication tools — they contain valuable data, personal memories, and, for many, a sense of identity.
For a student living abroad, a phone could include critical information: contacts, banking apps, immigration documents, and sentimental photographs. The compulsion to retrieve it, even after a life-threatening experience, may have felt unavoidable to him. But this decision also underscores the importance of perspective and awareness. When weighed against the very real dangers of an off-season ascent, no phone — however important — is worth risking one’s life.
Authorities in Japan have refrained from penalizing the student, but his case may prompt further conversations about whether off-season climbers should be held accountable for rescue costs or face restrictions. As mountain rescues are costly and dangerous for the rescuers themselves, repeated incidents raise both ethical and logistical concerns.
A Cautionary Tale for Future Climbers
Mount Fuji’s trails may seem inviting, especially with social media flooded by stunning sunrise shots and triumphant summit selfies. But this mountain is still an active volcano, and its slopes can quickly become treacherous. Its most recent eruption occurred in 1707, and although it has remained dormant since, experts continue to monitor it closely.
Climbing the mountain requires preparation, respect for nature, and understanding of one’s limits. The student’s ordeal, while extreme, is not unique in the broader history of Mount Fuji incidents. Each year, several climbers suffer injuries, hypothermia, or worse — especially those who venture out of season without proper gear or guidance.
What sets this story apart is its repetition — a double rescue within days, driven not by exploration or emergency, but by the desire to recover lost property. It serves as a compelling narrative about the perils of poor judgment and the importance of heeding safety advice, especially in unforgiving natural settings.
Local communities and rescue services around Mount Fuji work tirelessly to ensure the safety of climbers. The new trail fee and visitor caps are part of broader efforts to protect both people and the mountain environment. Yet these measures only work if climbers respect them. Ultimately, personal responsibility is key.
The unnamed student’s tale may fade from the headlines soon, but it should be remembered by anyone considering a climb up Mount Fuji — especially during off-season months. Adventure, by nature, involves risk. But as this story shows, unnecessary risk born of impulse can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.