Japanese officials are warning climbers to exercise caution on Mount Fuji following a series of tragic deaths at the beginning of the climbing season. The mountain claimed the lives of five individuals within a week, marking a particularly deadly start to the season.
Three Japanese men in their 60s and 70s lost their lives within 24 hours on one side of the mountain in Shizuoka Prefecture, which opened for climbing on July 10. The causes of death varied, with one falling, one falling ill, and two with unclear causes. All four were climbing alone. On the other side of the mountain in Yamanashi Prefecture, a 58-year-old visitor from Hong Kong died on July 8. The man lost consciousness while climbing with his wife.
Last year, there were a total of seven reported deaths on Mount Fuji. Prior to the start of this year’s climbing season, authorities discovered three bodies near the summit, some of which had been there for months. Additionally, a professional climber suffered a heart attack and passed away while ascending the mountain just days before the trails opened.
As the popularity of Mount Fuji has increased in recent years, concerns about overcrowding and unsafe climbing practices have grown. While the number of climbers reaching the summit has remained relatively constant at 200,000 to 300,000 annually, the number of visitors to the trailhead has surged to five million in 2019 from three million in 2014, according to Yamanashi Prefecture data.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety and proper preparation for those planning to climb Mount Fuji. The tragic incidents serve as a reminder of the risks involved in mountain climbing and the need for caution in such endeavors. Climbers are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being while exploring the majestic peak of Mount Fuji.