Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2011

Most climb Mt. Fuji from its fifth station, but for some this just isn’t enough. Each year, international volunteer group Oxfam offers the ultimate Mt. Fuji climb in the form of its Sea to Summit hike. The charity event begins at sea level at Tagonoura Beach and ascends to the peak of Japan’s highest mountain at 3776 meters—in under 24 hours. (Those not up to the grueling challenge can participate from the fifth station.) Proceeds raised by joining this reasonably priced event go to Oxfam, a development and relief organization that works to find solutions to poverty and injustice in 98 countries.

Higashi-Tagonoura Station, Shizuoka Prefecture, July 23. See community listings for details.