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A Chinese student living in Japan needed rescuing twice in one week from Mount Fuji after experiencing altitude sickness. The 27-year-old was first airlifted on April 22nd after his climbing irons broke and he developed altitude sickness.
Just four days later, he returned to the mountain to retrieve his belongings, only to be found incapacitated by another climber. He was once again transported to a hospital, presumably still suffering from altitude sickness.
While the trails are officially open from July to early September, off-season climbing isn’t prohibited. This incident, however, has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for the climber to be held responsible for the cost of the two rescues.
Authorities in Shizuoka prefecture are strongly advising against climbing during the off-season due to unpredictable weather conditions and the closure of medical facilities along the trails. They emphasize the dangers posed by low temperatures and snow, even in spring.
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a popular hiking destination, has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years. To manage the crowds and mitigate risks, local authorities are implementing entry fees and caps on climber numbers on popular trails.
However, determining the mountain’s carrying capacity and achieving consensus on visitor limits remains a challenge. During the official climbing season last year, over 220,000 people ascended Mount Fuji.