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I hiked Mt. Fuji years ago, as an athletic 14-year-old who participated in both competitive running and swimming. I thought I’d breeze up the mountain. Instead, I wheezed up each grueling switchback as hikers six or seven decades my senior zoomed past, nose-breathing.
It seems like Japan has longevity figured out: It’s home to one of the five global Blue Zones, and in 2020, about 1 in every 1,500 people in Japan was over 100 years old. And, earlier this month, a 102-year-old hiker just became the oldest person to ever summit Mt. Fuji.
Kokichi Akuzawa had climbed the 12,390 foot peak once before, back when he was a spry 96 years old. But despite dealing with heart failure, a bout of shingles, and a mid-hike fall already in 2025 alone, he decided to tackle Mt. Fuji one more time. Over three days, he took the Yoshida route up, and hiked with the support of his daughter and hiking pals. This route is considered the easiest way up—despite still requiring about 5,800 feet of vert—and has the most facilities compared to the other three routes.
“It was tough, and it felt a lot different to the last time I climbed it,” he said, according to Guinness World Records. “I’m amazed that I made it to the top. I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. I’m feeling pleased now.”
Hiking is essential for Akuzawa, who still climbs a mountain nearly weekly and celebrated his 99th birthday on the summit of Mt. Nabewari (4,170 feet). He’s also the honorary chairman of a mountaineering club in Gunma.
Hike for Life
Obviously, not everyone is in shape to tackle the trail past age 100 (most of us would be lucky to make it to that point at all). But there are steps you can take now to maximize your chances of being trail-fit past the century mark.
What a Senior Hiker Packs
Hiking gets a little easier when your load gets lighter. Just ask Barney Mann, who became a Triple Crowner after he turned 55. Here’s what he packed.
Want to Thru-Hike in Retirement? 3 Senior Trekkers Share Their Wisdom.
We chatted with thru-hikers in their 60s and 70s to see what advantages and disadvantages come with post-retirement backpacking.
The Hike Forever Fitness Plan: Age 65 & Up
Want to spend your golden years on the trail but need to get fit first? Save this fitness plan dedicated to the physical needs of those aged 65 and up.
From 2025