Discover Mount Fuji – Views From The Top Of Japan
By Hige Sori
Mount Fuji, or as the Japanese call it – Fujisan, is a dormant volcano
and the highest peak in Japan. Sometimes referred to incorrectly in the
West as Fujiyama, Mount Fuji is Japan's most famous mountain and a cultural
icon. Throughout Japanese history Mt Fuji features heavily and one of
the most famous depictions of the almost sacred mountain is the "36 Views
of Mount Fuji" series of ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai
(1760-1849).
Some quick facts about Mt Fuji include that it is 3776 metres (12290 feet)
high, approximately 161km (100 miles) south-west of Tokyo and that the
last eruption of Mount Fuji was about 300 years ago, in 1707.
The busiest time to visit the mountain is July, when with Japanese schools
have their holidays, however about a third of all climbers are foreigners.
The snow capped pinnacle can quite treacherous outside of these months
with freezing temperatures, avalanches and strong winds. When the snow
melts in warmer weather it more resembles a lunar landscape covered with
black volcanic rock.
Although many people have seen the well known photograph of Mount Fuji
with the shinkansen bullet train barrelling through the fields in the
foreground, perhaps the easiest and best way to get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo
is by bus which only takes a few hours. The highway bus departs from Shinjuku
station, however you may need to change buses at Kawaguchiko station.
The official climbing season runs from July to August and crowds of young
and old make the ascent each day. During this period there are around
15 buses each day leaving from Shinjuku in Tokyo. At other times transport
can be limited and climbing Mt Fuji is not recommended anyway.
Even in the summer high season it is important you prepare for climbing
Mt Fuji properly. Climbing experience is not required and you will see
many small children and elderly folk along the way. Good study shoes,
some water and energy snacks are a must, along with a raincoat, torch,
hat and warm clothing if you intend to hike at night. Even in the warmer
months the temperatures at the top can drop to around 6°C (43°F). If you
are unsure about heights you may want to consider picking up some altitude
sickness tablets and even some 'canned' oxygen which is available for
purchase on the mountain or beforehand from stores in Tokyo like Shinjuku's
Tokyu Hands.
The way up is divided into 10 stations or checkpoints. Generally visitors
elect to start climbing about halfway up Mount Fuji on the Kawaguchiko
trail at station 5. They arrive by bus or car and the climb takes around
7 hours to reach the summit and then another 4 to get back down again.
The round trip can be completed in a very long day. Many people choose
to begin their trek at nightfall and time it so they and arrive at the
peak at dawn.
During July and August there are huts, toilet facilities and food stops
open on the mountain in case you need to rest or take some time-out. But
be warned, they can be rather pricy and a bit primitive so make sure to
take a bit of cash with you too.
There is a famous Japanese saying that goes -- "You are a fool if you
don't climb Mount Fuji, you are also a fool if you climb it twice."
On a clear day seeing the sunrise from this highest point in Japan is
quite a breathtaking spectacle and is sure to be the highlight of your
sightseeing in Japan. It's definitely a worthy side trip from Tokyo and
the view from the top of Mount Fuji will be forever be etched in you mind.
This is one experience that you do not want to miss on your visit to the
land of the Rising Sun.
About the Author: Hige Sori is the editor of -- http://www.TokyoJapanTokyo.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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