climbing mt fuji 🗻 surreal sunrise, night hikes, myths + an honest review (japan travel vlog) ☀️

Dawn at 3,776 meters above sea level, watching the sunrise from the summit of Japan’s most iconic mountain — Mount Fuji 🌄

Mt Fuji is known as a ‘power spot’ and watching the sunrise from its peak is one of the most magical sights in the world ~ the golden rays of sunshine scattering light across mountain ranges below, rosy morning glow framed by spiritual torii gates, twinkling city lights peeking out from beneath the clouds… and made all the more fulfilling because of the gruelling 10hr hike to reach it.

It's not just a hike but a spiritual pilgrimage, and there's something so otherworldly about standing in that sacred ground, high above the clouds, and seeing the first light shine on the land of the rising sun. It's pure magic.

In this video (and thanks so much for being here for my first travel vlog!), come along the journey with me - from all moments of wonder and awe, to the challenges, exhaustion, and my honest review at the end.

So if you've ever dreamed about climbing Mt Fuji, or just love everything Japan and are curious, I can't wait to share this special journey with you 🫶

*I was a bit under the weather on this Mt Fuji trip, so pls excuse my messiness haha

Chapters ✨
0:00 - episode preview
0:23 - arrival in japan ft. konbini snacks
1:00 - journey through the japanese countryside
1:58 - checking in & getting our rental gear
3:07 - making a teru teru bozu weather charm
4:34 - classic japanese dinner buffet
5:40 - morning prep for the Mt Fuji climb
8:44 - fifth station ~ weird souvenirs & yummy food
12:34 - mythical tengu, shrine & fujiko pilgrims
14:13 - the ascent ~ above the clouds
19:38 - mountain hut tour (7th station)
21:29 - the midnight climb
26:11 - dawn over japan
27:52 - the most magical sunrise
29:09 - mt fuji summit, legends & exploring the crater
32:45 - the descent ~ painful, but pretty
35:16 - an honest review & local breakfast
39:12 - final hours in kawaguchiko

Trip deets 🗾
Where we stayed: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Resort, Kamaiwakan Hut, Fuji MyStays Onsen Resort.
Where we rented gear: yamarent.com
Where we exchanged currency: travelmoneyoz.com

IG: @gemma.edwardz
japan summer diaries episode 001