The team woke up to their first proper morning in Japan today and, despite the excitement, there were definitely a few tired faces around the breakfast table.

After the journey out, the time difference and Tokyo’s humidity were all beginning to catch up with people, so today was always going to be about easing into things rather than pushing too hard.

At 11am we got everyone together for the first team briefing on Japanese soil, ran through the plan and made sure everyone knew what was expected over the next few days.

Getting our bearings

 

With a very early start ahead tomorrow, the decision was made to keep things fairly relaxed and spend a bit of time exploring the local area.

Our first stop was Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of Asakusa’s best-known landmarks. It’s only a short walk from where we’re staying and gave everyone a great first taste of the city, as well as the chance to get a few team photos.

From there, most of the team decided to brave Tokyo’s public transport system and headed off to the zoo for a few hours.

A gentle day by Sea to Summit standards, but exactly what was needed.

Time to get ready

This evening is all about the final kit checks.

Bags need packing, equipment needs checking and everyone needs to be ready to move first thing in the morning.

There are 11 of us here in Japan as part of the Sea to Summit team. Ten will be taking on the physical challenge, while Ryan is providing admin support behind the scenes, keeping the blogs, social media and fundraising updates moving while the team are out on the trail.

Tomorrow the team begins the Pilgrim Way before eventually heading upwards towards the summit of Mount Fuji at 3,776 metres.

They’ll also be carrying the Unknown Soldier throughout the challenge, representing a message that sits at the heart of what this team is about:

Never leave a man behind.

The weather has already given us a taste of what Japan might throw our way, but nobody is expecting an easy ride.

And nobody came here looking for one.

If you’d like to keep supporting us, there are three simple ways to help:

Follow the journey as we share updates from the challenge.

Share the posts and help us reach more people.

Donate if you can and help us keep pushing towards the fundraising goal:

Sea 2 Summit – Mt Fuji 2026 – JustGiving

Tomorrow morning, the sightseeing stops.

The team steps out onto the trail.

Sea to Summit starts here. 🇯🇵🗻