Mount Fuji is one of the most recognized and famous symbols of Japan. It is also one of the most popular destinations for tourists who are lovers of nature, history and culture, in general. Climbing to the top is a very enriching experience.

Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano that is in an active state, although with a minimal risk of eruption; in fact, the last one recorded was in 1707.

Its profile constitutes one of its many attractions for tourists who want to practice mountaineering. It is also a recurring representation in Japanese art of all time. And, without a doubt, Mount Fuji generates a deep spirituality in the Japanese people.

Mount fuji

As regards the name, it has a quite controversial origin. Many linguists have dedicated themselves to tracing the origins of the word and, so far, there is no unanimous agreement about it. However, the charm of this mountain does not diminish at all by this fact.

Mount Fuji, with its 3776 meters of altitude, is the highest peak in all of Japan. It is located between the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi, in Honshu, the main island of the archipelago of Japan.
It is a perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone that allows easy access and therefore facilitates its climbing. Ideally, for newbies and amateurs, it is to climb in the official climbing season: from early July to mid September.

From July 20 until the end of August the number, visits to Mount Fuji reach its maximum. Especially, during Obon week, a national holiday celebrated in mid-August. Tourists from all over the world make up more than a third of the total number of people climbing the mountain.

The 5 lakes region, at the base of Mount Fuji

The region of the 5 lakes is located on the north side of the base of Mount Fuji, 1000 meters above sea level. Many years ago, lava from the volcanic eruptions of Fuji spread and gave rise to the rivers and lakes we find today. There are 5 lakes in total:
• Saiko
• Shojiko
• Motosuko
• Yamanakako
• Kawaguchiko

In this area, you can do routes, fish, go to bathe onsen, hot springs of volcanic origin found in Japan, camp, and so on.

The Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is also located in the 5 lakes region. Inside, you can find some of the most famous roller coasters in the world. The fun will be guaranteed.

Hakone, relax in an onsen with Mount Fuji in the background

The city of Hakone is located in a beautiful mountainous region within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park. It is famous throughout Japan for its hot springs.

If you stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese style hotel) you will enjoy a true traditional Japanese experience. In addition, you can taste the traditional cuisine of the country.

Hakone Yumoto

The Hakone Yumoto spa is the gateway to the onsen (hot spring) complex of Hakone. The Sukumo and Hayakawa rivers converge in the area and it is the oldest in the city. Along the gorge you can find various hostels of the most picturesque.

Miyanoshita and Gora Park

The Miyanoshita spa enjoys a national reputation, since it brings together the highest quality hotels and lodges, as well as a large number of souvenir shops.

Gora Park is the largest rock park in all of Asia. In it you can find a giant pond and also various gardens. There is a garden of alpine plants, another tropical botanical garden and even a natural history museum.
Houtou, an exclusive dish around Mount Fuji

The houtou is a broth with noodles exclusive to Yamanashi prefecture. It is the only place in all of Japan where you can eat it. Unlike common noodles, these are flat and made in a way that is more tacky.

The soup is made with various vegetables and miso (a fermented soybean paste) and gives an incredible flavor to the noodles. The best known restaurant franchise in the area is Houtou Fudou, famous for that dish.

Many tourist attractions are concentrated in the region where Mount Fuji is located. Being away from the city, the tradition and culture of Japan become more remarkable. They will make the tourist believe that he has returned to Japan from the past.

How to get

As with the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, this volcanic formation is the Holy Grail of tourists visiting Japan, mainly for its complicated accessibility for beginners and people traveling on their own, becoming a true extreme adventure that It is worth enjoying

The dream of any Japanese, even for many tourists from different parts of the world, is precisely to be able to climb Mount Fuji sometime and for this the first thing to do is to reach this impressive active volcano. To go to Mount Fuji there are three main alternatives: by car, train or by bus, each option has its advantages and disadvantages so it will be extremely important to inform yourself well before choosing any of these alternatives, the money factor is also something to have in account.

For those who travel by car the most important thing is the comfort that they will surely not be able to find in the other options, even those who do not have their own vehicles can study the possibility of renting a service in the area. For the option of traveling in three there are several routes from the city of Tokyo, while the alternative of traveling by bus is undoubtedly one of the most sought after because it is perhaps cheap and fast.

While it is true that traveling by bus to Mount Fuji is a bit more expensive than doing it for example by train, it is one of the most comfortable options for traveling because you do not have to be aware of such annoying transshipment, that is, You can sleep until you reach the final destination. There are several tourism companies that you can choose to travel to Mount Fuji, a journey that usually takes approximately two hours.

For people who wish to travel by bus they will have to move first to the 5th Fuji Subaru Stop. It is one of the best options that people have to reach Mount Fuji, the route is usually about 140 minutes while during the official season can be made between six and ten trips a day and on weekends only two trips leave bound for Mount Fuji.

To arrive at Shinjuku Station from Tokyo’s main station you have to take a train from the Chuo Line in the direction of Toyoda for four stops, that is, about 14 minutes, to Shinjuku station a trip that can cost $ 1.52 . Another option that people have is to reach a nearby town and then take a local bus.