A seven-year-old boy was discovered alone on a trail on Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, after his father left him behind to continue climbing with his older son, according to reports.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning along the Fujinomiya trail, the shortest and steepest route to the summit. The 48-year-old father was hiking with his two sons: the younger son, a first grader, and the older son, a middle school student.
At the sixth stage of the trail, located about 2,490 meters above sea level, the younger boy reportedly expressed fatigue. Instead of pausing the hike, the father told him to “wait there” and proceeded to ascend toward the summit with his older son.
A cabin keeper found the boy alone on a bench at 7:40 AM, amidst rain and fog. He took the child to shelter and notified the police.
While the exact duration the child was alone is unclear, estimates suggest the father left him around 4:30 AM. The hike from that point to the eighth stage takes about three hours, while reaching the summit takes over five hours.
Authorities contacted the father, who was near the eighth stage at the time. They advised him to abandon the ascent and return. Fortunately, the child was unharmed and eventually reunited with his father.
Law enforcement warned the father that his actions were unacceptable. He expressed remorse, stating, “I made a hasty decision and deeply regret it.”
The case has drawn criticism online in Japan. Following the incident, authorities urged hikers not to leave anyone behind and to consider each group member’s capabilities. Rapid weather changes on Mount Fuji, including rain and fog, can significantly reduce visibility and complicate hiking conditions.
