A 48-year-old Japanese father has faced criticism after leaving his seven-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji when the child became tired during a family trek. The father reportedly told the boy to wait at around 2,490 metres before continuing towards the summit with his older son and another companion.

The incident took place on Thursday on the Fujinomiya trail, where the younger boy was left near the mountain’s sixth station at around 7:30 am. The child was later found alone by a mountain hut worker as heavy rain began to fall.

Father Continued Climb After Son Became Tired

The man was hiking with his two sons, including the seven-year-old first-grader from Nagoya and his elder son, who is in the first year of middle school.

When the younger child reportedly said he was tired at the sixth station, the father allegedly told him to “wait there” rather than ending or slowing the climb. He then continued towards the summit with his elder son and companion.

Around 7:40 am, a worker at a nearby mountain hut noticed the boy sitting alone on a bench. As the weather deteriorated and heavy rain began, the worker brought the child inside for shelter and contacted authorities.

Police later reached the father, warned him about the dangers of leaving a child unattended on the mountain and reunited him with his son.

Father Expresses Regret

According to reports, the father acknowledged that his decision was inappropriate and expressed remorse.

“I made a rash decision, and I deeply regret it,” he reportedly told authorities.

Police also stressed that hikers should consider the abilities and stamina of every member of their group when planning a climb. They advised trekkers to adjust their pace and route according to the least experienced or least physically capable person in the group.

Incident Sparks Outrage Online

The incident has triggered strong reactions on Japanese social media, with users criticising the father for leaving a young child alone in potentially dangerous mountain conditions.

Some users described the decision as irresponsible and unacceptable, particularly because Mount Fuji’s weather can change rapidly. Rain, fog and reduced visibility can make conditions significantly more difficult for hikers, especially at higher elevations.

The episode has also renewed warnings about the importance of staying together while hiking with children and making safety the priority when weather or physical exhaustion affects a member of the group.