Father reprimanded for leaving 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji

Japanese police have reprimanded a 48-year-old man after he left his seven-year-old son alone for several hours on Mount Fuji, with only a soft drink and a snack, according to local media reports.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning on the Fujinomiya hiking route, one of the main trails leading to the summit of Japan's highest mountain. The boy was found sitting on a bench at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, near the route's sixth station, in foggy and rainy conditions.

Staff at a mountain hut spotted the child alone and alerted police. The father, who had continued climbing with his elder son, was located at the eighth station — about a three-hour hike away from where the boy was found.

According to reports, the child was seen on his own at around 07:30 local time. Police officers waited for the father to return and then spoke to him firmly. One officer was quoted as saying, "Even if it means having to give up on climbing the mountain together, leaving a child behind is unacceptable."

The father is said to have apologised for his "rash" decision. He had reportedly told the boy to "wait here" after the child complained of fatigue.

The Fujinomiya route begins at the fifth station, which is accessible by public transport. Climbing guides suggest that from there it takes about five hours to reach the summit and another three hours to descend on foot.

Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776 metres, is a popular destination for hikers, particularly during the official climbing season from July to early September. However, even during this period, weather conditions can change rapidly, and altitude sickness and hypothermia are known risks.

Local authorities and mountain safety experts have repeatedly advised climbers to be adequately prepared, to stay with their group, and to avoid risky decisions that could endanger themselves or others. Leaving a young child unattended on a mountain is considered a serious lapse in judgement.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, with many users expressing concern for the child's safety. Some have also called for stricter enforcement of rules regarding children's supervision on mountain trails.

Police have not named the father, and no formal charges have been reported. The child was reunited with his father and is believed to be unharmed.

This case serves as a reminder that even experienced climbers must prioritise safety over reaching the summit, especially when children are involved.