A 48-year-old father in Japan was reprimanded by police after leaving his 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji while continuing toward the summit with his older son, authorities said.
The man from Nagoya was climbing Mount Fuji’s Fujinomiya Trail on August 20 with his two sons, ages 7 and about 12 or 13, when the younger child became tired and was unable to continue.
The boy was left near the trail’s sixth station, about 2,500 meters, or roughly 8,000 feet, above sea level. His father reportedly told him to “wait here” before continuing the climb with his older son.
Child Found Alone By Mountain Hut Worker
The climb from the sixth station to Mount Fuji’s summit and back can take roughly 7 1/2 hours. Based on typical hiking times, the father may have left the child alone at about 4:30 a.m.
A worker at a mountain hut found the boy sitting by himself on a bench around 7:40 a.m. The worker brought him inside and contacted police.
Rain was falling and fog was beginning to develop when the child was found. Conditions on Mount Fuji can change rapidly, creating additional risks for hikers, particularly children traveling alone.
The boy was not injured.
By the time police located the father, he had reportedly reached an area near the eighth station. Officers instructed him to turn around and return to his younger son.
The father was eventually reunited with the boy.
Police Warned Father About Decision
Police reprimanded the father and told him that leaving his young son alone on the mountain was unacceptable, even if it meant giving up the climb.
The father reportedly acknowledged his decision was a mistake.
“I made a rash decision, and I deeply regret it,” he told police, per KOMO News.
Authorities also urged hiking groups to remain together and to plan their pace according to the member with the least stamina.
Police had not indicated whether the father would face formal criminal charges or other penalties.
Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hikers, but its high elevation and rapidly changing weather can make conditions hazardous. The incident serves as a reminder that hikers should prepare for changing conditions and avoid separating from members of their group, particularly young children.
Provided by Dallas Express
