**Father Leaves 7-Year-Old Son Alone on Mount Fuji During Hike**
A father has faced scrutiny from local authorities after leaving his seven-year-old son unattended on Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, while he continued his hike with an older son. The incident, which occurred in foggy and rainy conditions, has raised concerns about child safety in outdoor activities.
According to reports, the father, aged 48, instructed his younger son to "wait here" after the boy expressed fatigue during their ascent. The child was found sitting alone on a bench at an elevation exceeding 2,000 meters (approximately 6,500 feet) near the sixth station of a popular hiking route. He was discovered with only a soft drink and a snack for sustenance.
Staff members at a nearby mountain hut noticed the unattended child and promptly alerted the police. Authorities were able to locate the father at the eighth station of the hiking route, which is approximately a three-hour trek from where the boy was left. The police reported that the child was found at around 07:30 local time on Thursday.
Upon reuniting with his son, the father was reprimanded by police for his decision to leave the child alone in such challenging weather conditions. Officers emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Even if it means having to give up on climbing the mountain together, leaving a child behind is unacceptable." The father reportedly expressed remorse for what he described as a "rash" decision.
The family had been following the Fujinomiya route, which begins at the fifth station of Mount Fuji, a location accessible by public transport. Climbing guides typically estimate that it takes about five hours to reach the summit from this point, with an additional three hours required for the descent.
Mount Fuji, an active volcano standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), has been the site of various climbing incidents in recent years. In July, a 99-year-old woman required rescue after sustaining injuries during her climb, and last year, a 27-year-old university student was rescued twice within four days after venturing outside the official climbing season to search for a lost mobile phone.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, Mount Fuji attracts approximately 200,000 climbers annually. To manage the influx of hikers and prevent overcrowding, daily caps are enforced on certain routes.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly when children are involved.