After an unforgettable stay at the Hyatt Fuji Speedway—where every detail was impeccable, from the sleek design to the incredible views—we said goodbye to luxury and set off for one of the most iconic adventures in Japan: climbing Mount Fuji.

The day began with a bus ride from the base of the mountain to the fifth station. It was a surreal transition from the comforts of the Hyatt to the ruggedness of the trail, but we were ready. The fifth station was alive with anticipation—hikers from all over the world, strapping on their gear, sharing excited glances, and setting off on their own journeys to the summit. The fifth station is that about 2000 m above sea level.

We opted for the Subashiri Trail, a quieter and more peaceful route that gave us a chance to take in the changing landscape. The hike to the seventh station was challenging but manageable. The trail began in dense, lush forests, gradually thinning out as we climbed higher, revealing the raw volcanic terrain that defines Fuji’s upper slopes.

After about three hours of steady hiking, we arrived at our mountain hut at the seventh station. The huts on Fuji are basic—no frills, just the essentials. But after the climb, even the simplest meal and a place to rest felt like a luxury. We quickly ate dinner, then settled into our sleeping bags, trying to catch a few hours of sleep before the final push to the summit.

At 1 AM, our alarms jolted us awake. It was time. We layered up, turned on our headlamps, and stepped out into the dark, crisp night. The air was cold, but the sky was clear—ideal conditions for a sunrise summit. The trail ahead was steep and demanding, each step more exhausting than the last. But the anticipation of what was to come kept us moving, one slow step at a time.

About an hour before sunrise, we began to see the first hints of dawn on the horizon. The sky gradually shifted from deep black to a softer blue, a promise of the day that was about to break. That pre-dawn light felt like a beacon, pulling us upward, giving us the energy we didn’t know we had left.

After three hours of climbing in the dark, we finally reached the summit. Exhausted but exhilarated, we found a spot among the other climbers and waited. As the sun began to rise, casting an ethereal glow over the sea of clouds below, it was as if the world paused to watch. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered beauty—a reward for every grueling step we’d taken.

But the journey wasn’t over. As we began our descent, we quickly realized that going down was a different kind of challenge altogether. The loose volcanic gravel made each step precarious, and our legs, already tired from the climb, screamed in protest. What had taken hours to climb felt even longer to descend. The steep, unstable terrain required constant focus, and by the time we reached the fifth station, our legs were shaking, our bodies spent.

“My favorite part of the hike was the moment when the sun shone through the clouds for the first time. Everyone was celebrating and smiling while taking pictures of their accomplishment. And it was the moment it started to get warmer!! It was so amazing how close God felt to Mt. Fuji every step of the way.” Dakota

Climbing Mount Fuji was more than just a hike—it was an experience that tested every ounce of our endurance, pushed us to our limits, and rewarded us with one of the most breathtaking sunrises I’ve ever seen. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most challenging descents follow the hardest climbs, but the view from the top makes it all worth it.