Mount Fuji rescue incidents double amid rise in descent-related accidents

Rescue incidents on the Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji have reportedly doubled compared to the same period last year. While many assume accidents occur during the ascent, there is a significant rise in incidents occurring during the descent, such as physical exhaustion, sudden illness, and falls.

Experts attribute this trend to several factors: climbers exhausting their energy during the climb, clear weather conditions encouraging people to push beyond their limits, and inadequate gear. Additionally, the financial pressure of non-refundable mountain hut reservations can lead individuals to attempt climbs despite poor weather conditions.

In response to these safety concerns, interest is growing in “descending tours,” which focus on trekking from the 5th station toward the base to experience the mountain's changing nature and history without the physical strain of reaching the summit. This approach is viewed as a potential way to alleviate congestion and promote environmental conservation.