If you plan on visiting Asia, arguably one of the most popular destinations for tourists is Japan. From its iconic cherry blossoms, bustling yet colorful streets of Tokyo, to the many stores hosting some of the country’s world-famous contributions to art, gaming, and technology, it is the perfect blend of advancement and culture. But if you are looking to experience the serenity it can offer, look no further than Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, is a dormant, magnificent volcano located at the borders of Shizuoka and Yamanashi. The towering majesty is known for several names, such as Fuji-san, Fujiyama, and Fuji No Yama. It is an incredibly famous and prominent landmark, so much that it is a strong personal identification of the country.
Claim to Fame
As far as its popularity, the most obvious reason is arguably its graceful, cone-shaped form. While there are other mountains in the world that has nearly the same shape as it has, its color and majesty is unmistakably distinctive, making it an instant attraction. As such, it has always been the subject of countless Japanese art pieces, further cementing its status.
Not only is it a beautiful sight to behold, but it is also revered as a sacred place, especially by the locals. A lot of shrines are situated along the trails going to the peak of the mountain, as it was an age-old practice since the ancient times, where pilgrims were all dressed in white robes as they ascend to the top.
Things to Do in Mount Fuji
Given its rich history and value to Japanese culture, what can tourists do when visiting the site? Apparently, a lot! Here are some things you can do when visiting Mount Fuji.
- Get a panoramic view
- Considering how tall this mountain is, don’t you just want to marvel at the full beauty of this natural site? If this is one thing that interests you, then there is a magnificent observation deck located at Mount Tenjo. It’s a wonderful spot for you to whip out your camera and snap a photo of the iconic mountain or simply gawk at its presence.
- Be on the mountain itself
- Mount Fuji isn’t just eye candy, so why not complete the experience by actually getting near it? There are many routes and trails leading to the mountain, with the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station leading to the Yoshida Trail being the most popular one. There are souvenir shops near the area, so you can somehow get a piece of the experience back home.
- Bask in spirituality
- You already know that Mount Fuji is considered a sacred place, and as such a lot of Fuji Sengen Shrines can be found near the area. These shrines are dedicated to a Shinto deity associated with the great mountain, so being in the vicinity of such a spiritual communion is calming. The structures are definitely worth looking at especially if you are a fan of ancient architecture.
- Wait for the sunset
- What else makes the view of Mount Fuji even greater? A wonderful sunset, of course. Fortunately, a quick trip towards the Chureito Pagoda gives you this exquisite combination. If this is something you wish to include in your itinerary, do everything else that you want to do for the rest of the day and make sure to get here before dusk.
- Dive into a hot spring bath
- And no, this is not just an ordinary hot spring bath. Imagine taking a dip in an onsen bath with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Now isn’t that something that’s so relaxing and rejuvenating? The Benifuji Onsen is one facility that does exactly this. The experience is too surreal to just be put in writing, so it’s better if you experience it firsthand.
When to Climb
After hearing all this, you must be itching to visit the place already, right? But hang on for a moment there, because while the tours and hikes toward the mountain is all year round, there are ideal dates suggested that will make the experience even better.
The best time to visit the area is during the start of July up until mid-September. During these months, the mountains are usually free of snow, more transportation is available, and the climate is friendly, making it ideal for everyone, most especially those who will be having this as their first hiking experience.
How to Get There
Here are the four major trails that you can take when trying to reach the area:
- Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (Yoshida Trail) – the most popular base to reach the summit and is easily accessible
- Subashiri 5th Station (Subashiri Trail) – second easiest to access via public transport
- Gotemba 5th Station (Gotemba Trail) – lowest 5th station and has the longest ascent
- Fujinomiya 5th Station (Fujinomiya Trail) – closest station to the summit
Are you ready yet to visit the place? Go ahead and make a trip of a lifetime!
