Mt. Fuji ( Fujisan ) , Japan’s iconic, sacred active volcano is the nation’s tallest peak at 3776 mts. Mt Fuji lies around 100 kms from Tokyo, close to Yamanashi where we stayed overnight for our tour up this mountain. From Tokyo, the peak is visible on clear days . The day we visited the Tokyo Skytree was not exactly a clear day. However, we did get a glimpse of this iconic peak for a short time when the clouds decided to grace us!!!
Our first views of Mt Fuji from Tokyo Skytree when the clouds decided to bless us!!
Though the exceptionally symmetrical cone covered with snow is what makes it so attractive, there is a huge crater on the top . The snow here lasts for about five months in a year.
Japan has a long history of mountain worship and Mt. Fuji remains revered and respected as a site of spiritual importance for the locals. It is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains”. Today women can climb Mt. Fuji ; but there was a time when they were forbidden to do so for religious reasons. Besides this, it is a cultural icon in Japan, frequently depicted in their art, literature and the subject of many poems.
Visiting Mt Fuji is a spiritual journey for the Japanese
Mt. Fuji and its surroundings are a popular recreational destination for hiking, camping and relaxation. The mountain is divided into ten stations from bottom upwards and the fifth station can be reached by vehicle. From the fifth station, one has to hike up to the peak using one of the four trail routes. The most popular months to climb Mt. Fuji is July to October when the weather is warmer and buses to the trail heads are available. Huts above the fifth station are also open during this period providing food and other supplies for the climbers.
The mountain is surrounded by five lakes and the entire area is known as the five lakes area from where one gets great views of the mountain . Staying in the five lakes area overnight is a good option to enjoy the ambience and prepare for the climb up. Hotels here offer good hiking, fishing and camping opportunities .
Hot springs with Onsen facilities are another attraction here. The spring water loaded with mineral salts gives a refreshed feeling. Lake Kawaguchi at Yamanashi is one of the five lakes that surround this mountain.
Our Trip
We drove from Tokyo to Yamanashi and stayed overnight near Lake Kawaguchi. Next morning we went up to the fifth station. Since describing the beauty in words can never match the views; I shall let my pictures talk to you from now on…
Driving from Tokyo to Yamanashi, the first views of this majestic peak were exhilarating …
The first views of Mt Fuji from our bus as we were heading to Yamanashi
Our Hotel at Yamanashi overlooking Lake Kawaguchi
Fall colours at Lake Kawaguchi
Mt Fuji from across Kawaguchi lake
Mt Fuji at night ….view from our room
Mt. Fuji as the first rays of the sun kiss the revered mountain top…..
And after the sun washes it with its rays….
The views as we climbed up to the fifth station
Our group at Mt Fuji fifth station
View of Mt Fuji from fifth station
The shopping and recreational area at fifth station
Another view from fifth station….to the right of Mt Fuji
Overwhelmed with the beauty of the place, our guide literally had to pull us all away to get on to our bus heading to our next destination
Hope you have enjoyed this virtual visit to Mt. Fuji. But no virtual visit can match a real life experience and this is one that you should not miss. So head on….
Meanwhile do remember to subscribe, like and comment below.
Till we meet at our next destination, its sayonara from me…
Discover more from Travel-along.in
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Travel-along.in 