YOKOSUKA, Japan - Fleet Activities, Yokosuka service members and their families who plan to stay active and enjoy the outdoors in Japan will more than likely try to challenge the climbing of Mount Fuji at some point during their time here.
The Morale and Welfare Recreation Outdoor Recreation Center offers several climbing tours for all to enjoy but, prior to climbing, as a safety measure, FLEACT Yokosuka sailors, Marines and family members are required to attend the mandatory safety brief held at the Fleet and Family Service Center.
“The brief is mandatory because quite simply, it’s all about safety,” said MWR outdoor recreation center manager Jayson Hilliard. “Mount Fuji can be a dangerous climb if you are not fully prepared, so our briefers prepare all potential climbers for all the potential injury causing events that might happen when climbing the mountain.”
Standing at 3776 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain peak in Japan. The months of July and August are the official climbing season. During these months, the mountain is usually free of snow, the weather tends to be manageable, access by public transportation is easy and the mountain huts are open. People that do not have much hiking experience are advised to challenge climbing the mountain during this time frame.
“Mount Fuji is such an iconic mountain and it is probably one of the first things you think of when you think about Japan,” said Hilliard. “Fuji is also a very stereotypical looking volcano, which is just like the ones we all used to draw when we were children in school. So to climb Mount Fuji is a very unique experience for everyone involved plus, as of June 22 of this year, Mount Fuji has been designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] World Heritage Site, another unique reason to climb.”
Prior to attacking the slopes upwards, there are several things that service members and their families need to be aware of to protect themselves while on their adventure to reach the top of the peak.
If you have sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait or a family history of these diseases, you should consult a medical provider before you attempt the climb. Staying hydrated is very important. It is strongly advised to drink plenty of water and avoid all alcoholic beverages at least one day prior because alcohol is a diuretic that can cause a person to lose fluids the body needs.
Eating small amounts of food regularly helps to provide needed nutrition. During the course of one climb, it is possible for one person to burn up to 7,000 calories.
“We definitely recommend healthy snacks like fruits, nuts,” said Hilliard. “Trail mix is a great snack, which its contents provide very good energy and as for water, we recommend bringing about 2 liters. It is very important to keep hydrated and maintain good energy levels with proper fueling otherwise it will be difficult to ascend to the summit.”
It is also important to wear appropriate clothing. Climbers will encounter several different climates en route to the top and it is necessary to be prepared for each.
Climbing can also cause severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, irritability, decreased concentration, and lack of energy. These are all symptoms of altitude sickness, and climbers should begin to descend if they experience any of the above.
“Altitude sickness is very prevalent and is very serious,” said Hilliard. “If you are not prepared, and even if you are, there are many different factors that can attribute someone getting altitude sickness when climbing. Even the trip leaders and programmers get it, I myself have had a fairly serious case one time and it is not a good feeling at all.”
Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a given and protective sunscreen is vital. But, above all, it is important to just have fun and enjoy the sights of Mount Fuji.
“Out of all the iconic mountains in the world, from Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Fuji is probably the easiest one to climb,” said Hilliard. “Anyone can do it, any shape, any size, any fitness level and it isn’t a very difficult climb so as long as you are prepared. I was over 300 lbs when I first climbed Fuji, so if I could do it, anyone can. All it takes is confidence and safety awareness.”
Evening safety briefings will be held each Tuesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 1730-1830 in the AOB/ICR room. Lunchtime briefings will be conducted at Fleet Theater Wednesdays, July 3 and 31. For more information, please call 243-5732, or visit the MWR blog at: http://mwryokosuka.wordpress.com/outdoor-recreation/