The sun rises in the distance near Mount Fuji on July 11, 2012. At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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A Japanese father and son begin the climb up Mount Fuji using the Yoshida trail on July 11, 2012. More than 240,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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Clouds form near Mount Fuji on July 11, 2012. At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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The sun rises in the distance near Mount Fuji on July 11, 2012. At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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A Japanese man stops to catch his breath on Mount Fuji, July 11, 2012. Due to weather conditions, the recommended hiking season for Mount Fuji is only from July 1 to August 31. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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MOUNT FUJI, Japan -- Christopher Whitener, Tama Hills director, hikes up Mount Fuji after taking a break at the 6th station on July 11, 2012. Whitener, whom has climbed Mount Fuji eight times, was assisting a hiking group from Outdoor Recreation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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Two men rest near a Torii Gate on the Subashiri trail on Mount Fuji, July 11, 2012. With a distance of 6,494 feet, the Subashiri trail is one of the shortest in length compared to other popular routes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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A Japanese man makes the "sand slide" descent on the Subashiri trail on Mount Fuji, July 11, 2012. At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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The moon shines behind Mount Fuji on July 11, 2012. After its last volcanic eruption in 1707, Mount Fuji has been almost completely covered in lava rocks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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The volcanic crater rests at the top of Mount Fuji July 11, 2012. The crater is 820 feet deep and has been dormant since its last eruption in 1707. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

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On top of the world

Published July 12, 2012