The man (aged 30) was wearing shorts and a shirt, while the woman (aged 29) wore a T-shirt and trousers. They reached the ninth station (about 1,750 m above sea level), but were unable to continue due to the cold. The man called the police, and half an hour later they were evacuated by helicopter. The woman was examined at a hospital; there was no danger to her life.
They had no mountaineering experience, yet they climbed almost to the summit of the mountain (1,898 m). The upper sections are known for severe weather — especially in winter and spring.
Such incidents are not uncommon in Japan. Tourists underestimate the danger and get into trouble. They are rescued at taxpayers' expense, and such operations are costly: around $3,000 per hour for the helicopter alone. Japanese residents are outraged at having to pay for other people's foolishness.
Local authorities are proposing to amend the laws to require victims to pay for their rescue. The incident involving the Britons sparked a wave of criticism — especially on social media. Users on X write that “this is not tourism, but irresponsibility.”
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Cover author: Automaton Media. Cover source: Automaton Media