Shizuoka Police found three hikers unconscious on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mt. Fuji ahead of the official climbing season. The hikers were found separately near a crater with a steep incline.

The official Mt. Fuji climbing season does not begin until July 1st from the Yamanashi Prefecture side and July 10th from Shizuoka Prefecture. However, climbers can receive special permission to climb earlier after submitting a “climbing plan.”

According to police, the three hikers were found while the mountain rescue team were looking for a 53-year-old male Tokyo resident who was reported missing on Mt. Fuji on June 21.

The rescue team responded to a “beacon” transmitter that the missing male had in his belongings.

The police are still investigating the identities of the hikers. 

A 38-years-old progressional climber was also found unconscious on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of the mountain.

All four have been confirmed dead.