Traveling in Japan: Mt. Fuji

Snow covered Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji, also known as the Fujiyama, is probably one of the top images foreigners relate to when thinking of Japan. Designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful mountain resides on two prefectures: Shizuoka (the number one tea production region in Japan) and Yamanashi.

Mt. Fuji has been a popular subject for art works, especially in the Edo period woodblock prints. But long before such artistic value was seen in Mt. Fuji, it was a mountain for worship. Ancient documents show that pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji has been practiced as early as the Heian period (794-1185).

Climbing Mt. Fuji

As a symbol in many aspects, Mt. Fuji has been, and still is, playing an important role in the Japanese culture and people. Having a chance to glimpse the mountain is a spectacular experience, but have you ever thought of climbing it?

With the altitude of 3,776 m (12,389 ft), Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, and because of the high altitude the mountain is covered with snow throughout the year, except for the summer season, which is right now! Early July to early September is the only season you can actually climb Mt. Fuji!!

Of course, climbing to the top is not so easy with the high altitude but the nice thing about Mt. Fuji is that you can go half way up the mountain with a car and start from there. And it is not just about climbing the mountain, but many people do so to see the breathtaking sunrise referred to as goraiko from the summit of Mt. Fuji. The weather is not always so perfect when you are at 3,776 m so being able to see the sunrise is known to be lucky, and some people say that seeing goraiko gives you power (not physically, but perhaps mentally or internally, I believe).

But before taking a trip to climb Mt. Fuji, be sure to take a look at the official website for detailed information and warnings!!
More info available on Official Website for Mt. Fuji Climbing