Mt. Fuji Altitude Sickness Prevention Starts with "Air": About 93% of Members Experience Effects from Hypoxic Training

The climbing season for Mt. Fuji will finally begin on July 1, 2026. Amidst a continuing boom in Mt. Fuji climbing, particularly among middle-aged and older individuals and beginners, "hypoxic training," which enhances cardiopulmonary function and endurance in a short time, is gaining popularity as a new preparation method and altitude sickness countermeasure for climbing Mt. Fuji. At "High Alti," which optimizes high-altitude training performed by professional athletes for the general public, approximately 93% of members responded "satisfied" in a member survey, with many reporting "reduced breathlessness on ascents" and "no altitude sickness symptoms" on Mt. Fuji and other high mountains. International research also indicates that exercising in a low-oxygen environment can improve cardiopulmonary function in a short time while minimizing physical strain. It is gaining attention among mountaineering enthusiasts and mountain guides as a "safe, efficient, and effective" preparation method for climbing that can be undertaken by anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Mt. Fuji Altitude Sickness Prevention Starts with "Air".

Fatigue, Headaches, and Retirements During Climbing... The Cause is Insufficient "Low-Oxygen" Countermeasures

The climbing season for Mt. Fuji will finally begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Did you know that out of the over 200,000 people who challenge Japan's highest peak, Mt. Fuji, each year, about 1 in 10 climbers give up before reaching the summit?*1

The aging of climbers, the boom in beginner mountaineering, and rapid weather changes due to global warming.

Against this backdrop, "balancing physical strength and safety" is becoming increasingly important for climbing Mt. Fuji.

This is where the new habit of "changing the air before climbing," hypoxic training, is drawing attention.

"High Alti," Japan's first*2 specialized high-altitude training studio, responds to concerns such as: "I'm climbing for the first time and feel anxious." "I'm worried if my stamina will hold up." "I don't want to get altitude sickness." ...and supports body conditioning "exclusively for Mt. Fuji climbing."

High Alti applies "high-altitude training," which has supported top athletes, and offers it as a studio that anyone can easily use, regardless of age or gender. Training in a low-oxygen environment is said to be effective in improving cardiopulmonary function and endurance, and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

High Alti Effects: https://high-alti.jp/about/

*1: Survey by Fujikyu Corporation, 2014 *2: Self-researched (as of July 2026, based on web research)

[Member Survey] Approximately 93% of Members Who Completed the Climbing Season Responded "Satisfied," Experiencing Effects on Mt. Fuji and High Mountains

High Alti conducted a survey on "Climbing x Hypoxia" targeting members who enjoy climbing (conducted in 2020, 40 valid responses). The results showed that the satisfaction rate with High Alti reached approximately 93% (combining "very satisfied" and "satisfied"), and about 90% of respondents were in their 40s or older, indicating support across a wide range of age groups.

"Changes During Climbing" Frequently Mentioned in Free-Response Comments:

Reduced breathlessness and difficulty breathing during ascents.

Less fatigue in the legs and lower back after descending or the next day.

No or reduced altitude sickness symptoms (Mt. Fuji, Northern Alps, overseas high mountains, etc.).

Improved concentration and footwork during activity, allowing for maintaining pace.

Mt. Fuji Preparation Starts with "Air".

Build a "Body Strong at High Altitudes" with Hypoxic Training | New Habit for Mt. Fuji Altitude Sickness Prevention and Climbing Training

When the "air" changes, the body changes. What is High Alti's "Hypoxic Training"?

High Alti is Japan's first* specialized high-altitude training studio. The oxygen concentration is set to a low-oxygen environment equivalent to the 7th station of Mt. Fuji (approx. 2,500m altitude), with an oxygen concentration of about 15%. Light walking or aerobic exercise is performed for 30 minutes within this environment.

Compared to general exercise, exercising in a low-oxygen environment makes the body "better at using oxygen efficiently." Therefore, improvements in cardiopulmonary function and endurance can be expected from a single 30-minute training session. By supporting the body's acclimatization to high altitudes ("high-altitude acclimatization") before climbing, it builds a body that is resistant to the challenges of "difficulty breathing" and "heavy legs" during climbs, and to altitude sickness on Mt. Fuji.

High Alti's hypoxic training is utilized as "altitude sickness prevention training" to support high-altitude acclimatization before climbing, for preparations for high mountains including Mt. Fuji. Combining it with climbing training such as walking or stair climbing at home allows for more efficient preparation.

Details here: https://highalti.tokyo/fujitozan

Recommended for Those with the Following Concerns:

Challenging Mt. Fuji for the first time.

Concerned about lack of exercise (worried about susceptibility to altitude sickness).

Want to prevent altitude sickness on Mt. Fuji.

Uncertain about home-based climbing training alone, want effective preparation in a short period.

To everyone aiming for Mt. Fuji this summer. Mt. Fuji preparation starts with "air." Before you climb, High Alti.

Mt. Fuji Climbing

[Mountain Guide Interview] Climbing Becomes a "Time to Enjoy," Not a "Time to Endure"

We interviewed mountain guide Takumi Koichi, who has observed numerous climbers, about the background of climbing troubles and the changes he experienced with hypoxic training.

"Cardiopulmonary Function" and "Daily Climbing Training" Make the Difference in Climbing.

"The most common climbing troubles are indeed lack of stamina and muscle strength. Many people experience leg cramps even when walking slowly, or their breathing can't keep up on ascents. The summer mountains are getting hotter, and dehydration can lead to a sudden decline in condition. Those who walk regularly or train on low mountains are stable regardless of age, but those who challenge without preparation may have to descend partway. I strongly feel that in the mountains, daily efforts directly translate into results."

"Exercise that continuously raises the heart rate is very important," says Mr. Koichi, emphasizing the importance of daily climbing training.

"Ease at the Start of the Climb" Experienced by a Mountain Guide.

"I felt the hypoxic training was extremely effective. What was particularly impressive was the 'ease at the start of the climb.' Normally, the heart rate rises sharply for the first 30 minutes, which is the toughest period until the body adjusts, but after the training, that heaviness was almost nonexistent. It felt as if my body was naturally taking in oxygen, allowing me to start moving without any warm-up. I felt that an environment equivalent to 2,500m altitude is very practical for many people challenging Japanese mountains."

Mountain Guide, Takumi Koichi

"If you have stamina to spare, climbing becomes a 'time to enjoy,' not a 'time to endure.' There's no need to give up because of age. I want people to make the correct preparations and take that step forward." (Mountain Guide, Takumi Koichi)

Interview with Mountain Guide Takumi Koichi, "Is Stamina the Most Important Thing in Climbing? What Mountain Guides Say About "Training for Safe Mountain Enjoyment" is here: https://high-alti.jp/magazine/mountain-guide-20260408/

Customer Voices: From Climbing Beginners to Professionals, Effects Are Being Experienced.

Here are some of the comments received in the member survey.

Completed Mt. Fuji Twice with 30 Minutes of Training Weekly.

"I started training in November last year. My goal was to strengthen my cardiopulmonary function and legs/lower back for my first Mt. Fuji climb. Thanks to the training, I successfully summited Mt. Fuji twice in July as planned. My recovery after training has become faster, and I experienced no signs of altitude sickness, which I was worried about."

Male, 60s

"Tireless" Until the 8th Station on First Mt. Fuji Climb.

"I trained for high-altitude acclimatization just before climbing Mt. Fuji. I was worried about altitude sickness, but on my first climb of Mt. Fuji, I felt no fatigue at all until the 8th station, and my legs felt relatively light as I climbed. Being able to climb without getting tired gave me a great deal of confidence." Female, 50s

Northern Alps (Over 3,000m Altitude) Felt "Not Difficult."

"I climbed a 3,000m-class mountain in the Northern Alps in August, and I was surprised that places that usually feel tough didn't feel that way. I'm looking forward to next season."

Female, 50s

Summited Kilimanjaro, an Overseas High Mountain.

"On my Kilimanjaro climb in September 2025, perhaps due to several years of training, I was able to reduce altitude sickness symptoms and successfully summit."

Female, 40s

Altitude Sickness in the Alps Almost Eliminated.

"I attend 2-4 times a week. I used to experience altitude sickness symptoms like headaches in high mountains such as the Alps, but that has almost disappeared, and I feel "it was worth coming!" Fatigue in the legs and lower back during and after descent has also been reduced."

Male, 40s

*These are personal opinions and do not guarantee results.

Frequently Asked Questions (Mt. Fuji Climbing / Altitude Sickness Prevention Training FAQ)

Q. What is altitude sickness? A. It is a general term for symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue that occur in environments with high altitude and thin oxygen. The risk of onset generally increases around an altitude of 2,500m, and Mt. Fuji's altitude sickness is also caused by this environment.

Q. Who is prone to altitude sickness? A. People who have little regular exercise and low cardiopulmonary function, those who ascend rapidly in a short period, and those who have experienced altitude sickness in the past are considered prone. Since constitution also plays a role, prior preparation is important regardless of age or gender.

Q. How can I prevent altitude sickness on Mt. Fuji? A. The basics are high-altitude acclimatization before climbing, frequent hydration, and a slow pace. In addition, climbing training to improve cardiopulmonary function before climbing and altitude sickness prevention training in a low-oxygen environment to "acclimatize the body to high altitudes" are considered effective.

Q. What climbing training can I do at home or in daily life? A. Walking, stair climbing, and hiking on low mountains are easy options. Combining this with High Alti's hypoxic training can efficiently compensate for the "high-altitude acclimatization" that is difficult to achieve with home-based climbing training alone.

Q. What is altitude sickness training (altitude sickness prevention training)? A. It is training that acclimatizes the body to a low-oxygen environment and creates a body that can use oxygen efficiently. At High Alti, you can engage in this training for 30 minutes per session in an environment equivalent to the 7th station of Mt. Fuji (approx. 2,500m altitude).

*This is general information regarding altitude sickness. If you have concerns about your physical condition or pre-existing conditions, please consult a medical institution or specialist.

"Mt. Fuji Climbing Support Campaign" Underway (Until July 31, 2026 (Fri))

To coincide with the opening of the climbing season, we are offering a limited-time free trial campaign. The trial fee, enrollment fee, and administrative fees are all 0 yen, for a total discount of 19,500 yen.

🎁 Trial Fee: Usually 3,000 yen → 0 yen 🎁 Enrollment Fee: Usually 11,000 yen → 0 yen 🎁 Administrative Fee: Usually 5,500 yen → 0 yen Application Period: Until July 31 (Fri)

Still Time Before Your Climb! Summer Passport

Still time before your climb! The Summer Passport is also on sale. This is a special plan that supports "high-altitude acclimatization" intensively for one month.

Price: 30,800 yen Number of Uses: 30 times Usage Period: 1 month

Sales Period: Until August 31 (Mon) *No enrollment or administrative fees required. (Purchase of a heart rate monitor belt is necessary.)

Details here: https://highalti.tokyo/fujitozan

Representative: Reina Tsuboi

Representative's Comment: "Confidence to Climb" for All Challengers.

"Mt. Fuji climbing is a major event that many people want to challenge at least once in their lives. However, many also have anxieties about it. 'Will my stamina hold up?' 'I'm afraid of altitude sickness.' These anxieties are the flip side of the desire to challenge.

We at High Alti want to support that first step from behind. We aim to create a state where your body is already accustomed to high altitudes when you stand at the trailhead on the day of your climb, not just by cheering you on. We want you to approach the challenge with "preparation" rather than "impulse." That is what we believe hypoxic training can do.

In this survey, approximately 93% of our members responded with satisfaction, and we received feedback from mountain guides who experienced the effects. When the air changes, the body changes.

The desire to climb and the body that can climb. High Alti supports the first step to bridge that gap."

Reina Tsuboi, Representative of High Alti

Contact Information

Company Name: High Altitude Management Inc. Representative: Reina Tsuboi Email: info@high-alti.jp Phone: 03-6912-1820 High Alti Official Website: https://high-alti.jp/