Dutch Climber Injured on Mt. Fuji’s Closed Yoshida Route Rescued Early Sunday
Dutch climber injured on Mt. Fuji’s closed Yoshida Route; rescued early Sunday after a fall between the seventh and eighth stations, authorities say April 26.
A 51 year old Dutch national was injured while descending Mt. Fuji on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and was rescued shortly after midnight into Sunday, April 26, by local police and mountain rescue teams. The incident occurred on the Yoshida Route, which remains closed for the winter season from the fifth station up to the summit. Authorities reported the climber sustained multiple injuries including a fractured right ankle and required emergency assistance.
Climber Fell Between Seventh and Eighth Stations
The Fujiyoshida Police Station said the man lost his footing while making his descent between the seventh and eighth stations of the Yoshida Route. He was descending alone when the fall occurred and suffered injuries severe enough to be classified as a fracture to his right ankle. Police identified him as a 51 year old Dutch national and confirmed the event was reported to them by an acquaintance in Japan.
Solo Ascent Reached Summit Before Descent
Police records indicate the climber began his solo ascent at about 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and reached the summit roughly five hours later, which corresponds to about 11 a.m. He began descending after summiting, and the fall happened during the descent. Officials said he was not accompanied by mountain guides or a registered party at the time of the accident.
Friend Alerted Authorities and Rescue Launched
A friend in Japan who had been in contact with the climber alerted police after losing communication and learning of the fall. Fujiyoshida police mobilized a rescue team that searched the area through the night. Rescue personnel located and evacuated the climber by around 2 30 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, and handed him over to emergency services for treatment.
Yoshida Route Remained Closed for Winter Conditions
The Yoshida Route was closed for the winter season from the fifth station to the summit at the time of the accident, and authorities reiterated that closures remain in effect until conditions are declared safe. Snow accumulation and lingering winter conditions on higher slopes have continued to create hazards for climbers. Officials warned that the combination of snow patches and mixed terrain increases the risk of slips and falls even for experienced hikers.
Earlier April 22 Skiing Incident Emphasizes Dangers
The recent rescue follows an earlier accident on April 22 when two American nationals entered the Yoshida Route to ski and sustained injuries before being rescued. That incident drew attention to the hazards posed by winter and spring snow packs on Mt. Fuji and prompted renewed appeals from authorities for visitors to heed closure notices. Mountain rescue groups said both events underline how quickly conditions can become treacherous on higher sections of the mountain.
Authorities Urge Compliance with Closures and Preparedness
Fujiyoshida police and local mountain safety organizations urged climbers and recreational users to respect seasonal closures and to check official notices before attempting ascents. They advised that solo climbs on closed routes carry significant risks and recommended that visitors travel with experienced guides or companions when conditions are uncertain. Rescue teams also reminded the public that cold exposure, unstable snow and difficult access can delay response times and complicate evacuations.
The incident has prompted police to review the circumstances surrounding the climb and to remind foreign visitors of the need to register planned routes and contact points when attempting Mt. Fuji. The injured climber sustained a fractured right ankle among other injuries and was attended to by emergency responders after his rescue on the morning of April 26.
