How easy is it to climb Mount Fuji? Father leaves child, 7, on Japan's highest mountain
Father, 48, reportedly told his son to "wait here" and is repremanded by police
A 48-year-old father has been remanded in custody in Japan after leaving his seven-year-old son behind on Mount Fuji to trek up the peak alone.
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The boy was found on a bench with a drink and a snack, having been left as his father told him to "wait here" as he continued to the summit by himself last week.
Officers reprimanded the father when he returned, after he reunited with the boy.
The unnamed father apologised for the "rash" decision. "Even if it means having to give up on climbing the mountain together, leaving a child behind is unacceptable," a Japanese official said.
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest peak, but despite this incident and other well-reported mishaps, there are 200,000 successful hikes completed every year.
Read also: Town building big screen to block view of Mount Fuji in bid to deter tourists
How easy is it to climb Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji stands at a height of 3,776m (12,389ft), around three times the height of Mount Snowdon (1,085 metres / 3,560 feet).
It is not technically demanding to climb the mountain, but it does take five to six hours, on average, on the most popular route and would be a draining day for anyone who attempts it.
It takes an average of four hours to descend the mountain.
A guide states: "The trail leading down is made up of loose rock and pebbles and is a hazard for slipping and falling flat on your back or face forward.
"Your leg muscles will be put to the test as the steep slopes of Fuji, create a rather uncomfortable momentum."
Older people and families with children can be seen climbing Fuji. That said, there are incidents.
Last year, a 27-year-old university student who went outside of official climbing season had to be rescued twice in four days, the second time after he went back to look for his lost mobile phone. A 99-year-old woman also had to be rescued.
The Mt Fuji "season" for climbing is July and August, the summer in Japan, when huts along the trail are usually open.
It is safest to climb during this period and also in September, but the risk and difficulty increase in the winter, when snow showers can make terrain difficult.
"Do not believe the blogs that say Mt. Fuji is an easy climb," the guide adds.
"This is not a climb that you want to attempt without proper conditioning and physical preparation.
"While it is true that some people climb Mt. Fuji in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt, they are taking serious personal risks that should never be replicated."