Student rescued twice from Mount Fuji after returning for lost phone

A 27-year-old university student from China was rescued twice in four days while climbing Mount Fuji outside its official season, after returning to the mountain to recover a lost mobile phone.

The student, who lives in Tokyo, initially climbed the Fujinomiya trail on April 22 but became stranded due to lost crampons, which are necessary for traction on snow.

Rescuers evacuated him via helicopter after he was unable to descend.

Despite the incident, he returned to Mount Fuji on April 26 to retrieve his phone and other belongings.

However, he collapsed near the 8th Station and was found suffering from altitude sickness.

He was rescued a second time but is now reported to be out of danger.

Authorities are warning against climbing Mount Fuji outside the designated season, which runs from July to September.

During this time, all trails are closed, and medical facilities are unavailable. Climbers risk being trapped in severe weather conditions, and rescue operations are more difficult.

The Shizuoka Prefecture police have reiterated the dangers of non-seasonal climbs, urging hikers to follow safety guidelines.

The incident highlights the growing trend of tourists ignoring safety advice while attempting to summit Japan's iconic mountain.

In 2024, there were 46 rescues on Mount Fuji, with authorities urging proper preparation, including the use of suitable climbing gear and avoiding dangerous practices like “bullet climbing,” where hikers try to reach the summit in a single night.