After years of waiting (and more than two dozen attempted viewings spoiled by clouds) this was my first full view of Mt. Fuji, from the window of my hotel in Fujinomiya, the morning we began the climb.
Read moreCHAPTER 21: Mount Fuji
Fuji
Fujisan Decides
Anyone who climbs mountains regularly knows that the climber gets to plan, and to attempt, but the mountain has a say–if not a deciding voice–in whether or not you stand upon its peak. In some cases, that also goes for whether or not you even see the summit.
Read moreClimbing Mt. Fuji (#15/#18)
On July 19-20, 2018, I fulfilled a lifelong dream and stood atop the summit of Fujiyama, the highest mountain in Japan (3,776 meters). And this time, I did not climb alone.
Read moreOn the Fujinomiya Trail, Part 1
Mount Fuji and I have a history. I love the mountain deeply, and look for it every time I hike a peak that claims to have a view of Japan’s highest mountain. I say “claims” because, thus far, Fujisan has obscured itself behind clouds every time I reach the summit of another peak.
Read moreA Fond Farewell – and an Unexpected Promise
When I left Japan in December, I bid Tokyo a bittersweet farewell – bitter, because I hate to leave, but sweet because I knew I’ll be returning soon. As always, I snapped a couple of photos out the airplane window. This was the best one: In between managing focus and trying to capture the beautiful sunset, I almost missed the most important detail of all. Can you see it?
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