Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan’s natural beauty.
At 3776m high, it is easily the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the most recognized mountains
around the world.
Mt. Fuji’s near perfect symmetry, majestic white capped summit, and volcanic activities
have made it the subject of art, adoration, and worship as a sacred mountain throughout
the history of Japan.
Located just west of the Kanto plain, near the midpoint of the country, Mt. Fuji spans
across two prefectures and is easily accessible from Japan’s largest cities.
On the north side, the mountain is surrounded by the Fuji Five Lakes region, also known
as Fujigoko, which is known for its lake resorts, plethora of outdoor activities, and hot springs.
Despite being climbed by several hundred thousand people each year, Mt. Fuji is still an active volcano
It last erupted during the Hoei Era in 1707 and now is carefully monitored because it
is believed it will erupt again.
While many travelers only think about climbing Mount Fuji when they visit, there’s actually
much more to do in the region surrounding this great mountain, so here are our
Top 5 recommendations for Mt Fuji.
Number Five: Sengen Shrines
Shinto is the indigenous religion in Japan and Shinto shrines are dedicated to the worship
of various deities or “kami” and can be found in nearly every town across the nation.
Among several popular types of Shinto shrines, the Fuji Sengen shrines are a collection of
over 1300 shrines all over the country that worship Mount Fuji and the deity associated
with the mountain, Princess Konohanasakuya.
The head shrine of the 1300+ Sengen shrines is the Fujisan Sengen Shrine which is located
in Fujinomiya city, at the southwestern base of Mt. Fuji.
The shrine has a history of over 1000 years, but most of the shrine’s current buildings
were built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 1600s.
Historically, the Fujisan Sengen Shrine was the entrance point for the climb up Mount Fuji
However when the nation’s center of political power shifted from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo)
the northern trail up Mt. Fuji was easier to access and eventually became the most popular route.
The Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine on the north side of the mountain was the original starting
point for the Yoshida trail and is still used by a small number of purist hikers today,
but a majority of climbers now chose to start climbing at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station,
which leads to the Yoshida trail up the mountain.
Many other smaller sengen shrines can be found around Mt. Fuji including the Arakura Sengen Shrine
which is famous for the Chureito pagoda and breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji
Which is especially enhanced by the sakura blossoms during spring and fall foliage in autumn.
Number Four: Fuji-Q Highland
Located to the north of Fuji near Lake Kawaguchiko, Fuji Q Highland is one of Japan’s leading
amusement parks.
Rivaled only by Nagashima Spaland near Nagoya, Fuji Q Highland is well known as Japan’s
premiere thrill ride destination and is home to multiple world record breaking roller coasters,
such as Takabisha which has the steepest drop angle of any coaster on Earth at 121 degrees,
Eejanaika which has 14 inversions,
and Fujiyama which held four records when it was first completed including
“tallest coaster in the world”.
The park opens new rides regularly and has a wide variety of unique experiences
such as anime themed attractions, seasonal events, and Thomas Land for the kids
to name only a few.
Directly next to Fuji-Q Highland is the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa.
Guests here enjoy unobstructed views of Mt.Fuji and benefits
such as early access to the park each day
and free entry to the neighboring Fujiyama Museum
and the Fujiyama Onsen.
Number Three: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is located along the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko and showcases
the Tsujigahana technique for decorating silk kimono.
Tsujigahana is an intricate process for tie-dying long sleeved silk kimono which requires a
high level of mastery to perfect.
It was famous during the Muromachi period, but eventually gave way to less labor-intensive
methods of decorating kimono.
One hundred years after its decline a young artist named Kubota Itchiku decided to spend
his life reinventing the tradition.
The museum has exhibits of Kubota’s creations including an unfinished work called
“Symphony of Light” made of 80 individual kimono that together will form an image of Mt. Fuji
and the four seasons.
The grounds of the museum are also interesting to explore and include gardens designed by
Kubota, a waterfall, an outdoor stage for occasional performances, artwork from around
Asia and Africa, a tea room, as well as unique buildings made of Okinawan coral and limestone.
Number Two: Climb Mount Fuji
Of course, climbing Mt.Fuji is one of the most common ways of experiencing the mountain.
Like other Japanese mountains, Mt Fuji is divided into 10 stations.
Although it is possible to hike from the base of the mountain all the way to the 10th station
at the summit, by far the most common starting point for nearly everyone is at the 5th station
about halfway up the mountain.
On the popular trails, there are mountain huts where hikers can seek shelter, pay to
use the restroom, buy food, and even sleep.
There are four main trails to choose from: the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba.
The most popular by far being the Yoshida whose 5th station has the most shopping options and
is accessible by direct bus from the widest variety of locations, including downtown Tokyo
Trails and mountain facilities are only open during the official Fuji climbing season which
is generally from Early July to mid September when the trails are free of snow.
Outside of this period during the off season, hiking is not recommended due to extreme weather
and an elevated risk of rock slides and avalanches.
However during peak climbing season, especially in mid August, there will be large numbers
of people on the trails.
The recommended method is to hike from the 5th station to the 7th or 8th station on the
first day, sleep for several hours in a mountain hut which should be reserved ahead of time,
and then continue to the summit to view the sunrise.
When attempting to climb Fuji, make sure to be properly equipped for a range of temperatures,
wear sturdy footgear, and pack plenty water and food.
Also, to avoid altitude sickness climb slowly, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks.
Number One: View Mt Fuji
In our opinion, the best way to experience Mt. Fuji
is simply to take in it’s awe inspiring natural beauty.
Throughout the ages, artists have been moved by its form and size; creating countless works
showing the mountain from every angle, in all conditions and in each season.
While climbing Fuji is an unforgettable experience
it does not offer the best view of the mountain itself.
It is debatable which scenic spot is in fact top of the list, but here are some of the
standout locations to view Mount Fuji from:
The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko
Shizuoka City
the Bunkyo Civic Center in Tokyo
with the shinkansen
Inside the shinkansen
An airplane
Lake Ashinoko in Hakone
the Chureito Pagoda
the Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Izu Peninsula with the ocean in between
an onsen around the Fuji Five Lakes region
ski slopes such as found at the Fujiten Snow Resort
a golf course
and many more...
As for the best season to view Mt. Fuji, they each have their charms.
In the fall during koyo season
the golden tones of autumn highlight the surrounding mountains beautifully.
In the spring, cherry blossoms make an excellent frame for the mountain
and in winter Fuji’s trademark white snow cap makes a majestic crown.
However during the summer, although the Fuji Five Lakes Region will be green and lush
the humidity, clouds, and occasional typhoons often block Mt. Fuji
making it the hardest season to get a great view.
We hope this Top 5 list gives you a good place to start when planning your trip to the Fuji area.
For more information about any of the places mentioned in this video or to explore another region
click the links on the screen now, or head over to japan-guide.com
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