Visit Mount Fuji
An enduring symbol of the spirit of Japan, Fuji is so much more than a mountain.
Japan’s Mount Fuji is one of those rare landmarks of the Earth, a masterpiece of nature a stoic, cylindrical monument in perfect symmetry with both the heavens and the Earth.
Towering more than 3,700 metres (12,100 feet) over the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi, on Japan’s island of Honshu, it has long been revered in the indigenous Shinto faith as the home of the kami, or spirit, Princess Konohanasakuya. Adding to the allure is its status as an active volcano, a gateway into the planet’s very own epicentre of creation.
On a clear day, the mountain can be seen more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) away, from the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Its image has captured the imaginations of poets and artists for more than 1,000 years so evocative, it was used by both the Empire of Japan and the Americans during World War II to encourage, and dissuade, Japanese troops.
Climbing this unparalleled marvel is beyond your average hike; for the Japanese, it is a rite of passage, a journey along the heartbeat of Japan’s very soul. As one proverb states: “A wise man will climb Mt Fuji once; a fool will climb Mt Fuji twice.”
The mountain is a pilgrimage site, and not just for its various Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Roughly a third of the 300,000 adventurers who scale the mountain every summer travel from across the world.
The most popular hiking route is the yoshidaguchi trail, which begins at kawaguchiko gogome 5th station and leads 15 kilometres (nine miles) up towards the summit. this can be reached from tokyo via the keio express bus from shinjuku. the trail takes six hours to ascend and three to return a journey that many like to break with a short rest at one of fuji's various mountain huts.
Though only the most basic of respites, sometimes comprising a shared space on the floor. these cost around £35 ($46) for a night with hot meals available for an additional £7 ($9). these are ideal for inexperienced hikers, who may need longer to adjust to the change in altitude, even if just for a few hours, or those who wish to see the Sun rise over the mountain’s summit. More luxurious lodging is available, but this can cost in excess of £55 ($73) a night and all accommodation should be booked far in advance, especially during busy periods. Hardy hikers who push straight through to the mountain top are rewarded with a delicious meal of noodles. curry or ramen at a selection of restaurants.
One of the best ways to enjoy the mountain from afar is with a trip to the onsen, or hot springs resort town of hakone. its network of railways cable cars ropeways and the infamous pirate ships offer fantastic views of the mountain though visibility is notoriously unpredictable. the fuji five lakes region. especially lake kawaguchiko at the foot of the mountain is also home to cherry blossoms and a brilliant base for a wide array of outdoor activities from fishing to skiing not to mention the beloved fuji-Q highland amusement park.