Mount Fuji Climber Saved Twice After Returning for Lost Phone

Why did the Mount Fuji rescue of the 27-year-old student happen twice in just four days?

Reaching the snowy slopes of Japan’s tallest mountain, and coming back only to realize you’ve lost something precious.

What would you do? For one young climber, the answer was to return to the dangerous peak, leading to a dramatic rescue not once, but twice.

This story from Mount Fuji shows how a simple decision can turn into a life-threatening adventure.

Mount Fuji Rescue: A Dangerous First Climb

On April 22, 2025, a 27-year-old Chinese university student living in Japan decided to climb Mount Fuji.

He chose the Fujinomiya trail, a steep path about 3,000 meters above sea level. It was the off-season, when trails are closed due to snow and harsh weather.

The student faced trouble when he lost his crampons, spiked devices that help climbers grip icy surfaces. Unable to descend safely, he needed a helicopter rescue.

During this climb, he also lost his mobile phone and other belongings, setting the stage for his next risky move.

Returning for a Phone

Just four days later, on April 26, the student went back to Mount Fuji to find his lost phone. Ignoring warnings about off-season climbing, he hiked up the same trail.

At around 3,000 meters, he began feeling ill from altitude sickness, a condition caused by low oxygen at high elevations.

Another climber noticed him collapsing near the 8th station and called for help. Rescue teams found him, carried him down on a stretcher, and took him to a hospital.

Thankfully, he was not seriously hurt, but his actions sparked debate.

Why Off-Season Climbing Is Risky

Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, is a popular destination, with over 220,000 climbers visiting between July and September each year.

Outside this official season, the mountain is dangerous. Snow, strong winds, and sudden weather changes make trails unsafe.

Medical facilities and mountain huts are closed, and rescue operations are harder to carry out. Authorities warn against climbing in the off-season, yet some, like this student, take the risk.

His story led to criticism on social media, with many saying he should pay for the costly rescues.

This incident highlights the importance of following safety guidelines.

Japan has introduced measures like a ¥4,000 entry fee for Mount Fuji’s trails and a daily cap of 4,000 climbers on the Yoshida trail to manage crowds and ensure safety.

The student’s determination to recover his phone shows how small choices can lead to big consequences.

His experience serves as a reminder to prioritize safety over belongings, no matter how valuable they seem.

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