Attempting to scale Mount Fuji outside the official July–September climbing window is a high-stakes gamble, even for experienced mountaineers. Off-season conditions bring deep snow, ice, and punishing winds, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing. Trails are closed, mountain huts and first aid stations are shuttered, and rescue operations become slow, risky, and costly-if they’re even possible at all12.

The risks aren’t just theoretical: fatal accidents have occurred, sometimes even among well-prepared climbers. Key dangers include:

• Severe weather-violent gusts, snowstorms, and sudden temperature drops

• Treacherous, icy trails increasing the risk of falls

• No shelter or open facilities above the 5th station

• Limited or delayed emergency response, with rescue costs running into thousands of dollars

• High likelihood of altitude sickness, which can be deadly if not treated promptly312

Authorities strongly advise against off-season attempts unless you have advanced mountaineering experience, specialized equipment, and a detailed climbing plan submitted to local police. Even then, survival is not guaranteed-Mount Fuji in winter is not a forgiving host23.

The double rescue ignited a firestorm on Japanese social media, with many users demanding the climber be held financially responsible for the costly operations-especially after his second, avoidable mishap. While there is currently no law requiring rescued climbers to pay for emergency services on Mount Fuji, the incident fueled calls for policy changes. Critics argued that repeat rescues, particularly for preventable situations, strain public resources and set a dangerous precedent1234.

Some pointed out that a single helicopter rescue can cost around ¥60,000 for an hour of flight time, though actual expenses may be much higher, with average mountain rescues in Japan running nearly ¥400,000 (about $3,500)56. The uproar reflects broader frustrations over increasing accidents linked to ill-prepared climbers and the burden placed on local authorities and taxpayers. For now, the rescued student faces no official penalty, but the public debate over accountability and rescue fees is only gaining momentum71234.

The saga began when the student lost his crampons-essential for icy terrain-near 3,000 meters on the Fujinomiya Trail, rendering him unable to descend safely. He was airlifted by helicopter after developing altitude sickness, leaving behind his mobile phone and other belongings in the chaos123. Undeterred, he returned just four days later, determined to retrieve his lost items. This second attempt ended in a familiar fashion: he again succumbed to altitude sickness and was found by another climber, who alerted authorities. Rescue teams stretchered him down from the 8th station to the 5th, where he was handed over to emergency services. Despite the back-to-back rescues, his life was not in danger, but his actions triggered a wave of criticism and renewed warnings about the perils of off-season climbing4152.