후지산 정상, 오늘의 태양이 떴다…내일은 희망이 뜨길

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters, is celebrated as the country's premier mountain. Alongside Tateyama and Hakusan, it is considered one of Japan's Three Sacred Mountains, with Mount Fuji often referred to as the "first sacred mountain." Its cultural and historical significance is such that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, recognized as a "site of spiritual pilgrimage and source of arts."

However, access to Mount Fuji is restricted during certain times, typically from July to September, due to hazardous weather conditions like strong winds, snow, and avalanches, which render the trails unsafe for visitors. Regardless of the season, experienced mountaineers are known to ascend the mountain, even during the off-season.

The author's first ascent was in 2016 during a hiking race in Gannan, followed by a second ascent in 2023. Both times, they followed the Yoshida Route, one of Mount Fuji's four main trails. Mount Fuji features four primary routes, each offering a unique approach to the summit. The author chose to participate in this year's summer season as a "Mount Fuji mountain guide," a role that required professional expertise, responsibility, and the ability to connect with unfamiliar environments and people.

Despite their comfort with speaking about mountains in English, the author sought the challenge of writing about their experience in Japanese. The trip was made possible through the cooperation of 20 participants, aged 71 to 31, who shared their excitement, apprehension, and hopes for a fulfilling experience. As the group began their ascent, they traversed five stations, each marked by the traditional "合目," before reaching the summit.

Despite the challenges, the author emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey, appreciating the beauty of the mountains, and cherishing the hope and potential that await them at the peak.