Mount Fuji, the sleeping volcano.
Mount Fuji or Fujisan is Japan's highest mountain. The peak lies
at 3776 meters which translates to 12,388ft. Its conical form,
often snow-capped can be seen from both Tokyo and Yokohama
providing of course the weather is clear. The shape is the clue,
because Fuji, the Spiritual Mountain is a volcano. The last
eruption was in 1708 so we can safely say Mount Fuji is
presently dormant.
For the traveler who is perhaps using Japan as a stop over on a
flight from either the US or Europe to Australasia time is
probably in short supply. However, your stop-over will probably
act as a foretaste of this incredible land of rugged terrain and
rocky coasts, and not forgetting the fact that Japan is one of
the few places in the world that enjoys four seasons. The
easiest way to catch a good glimpse of the mountain is to take a
train from Tokyo to Osaka. The Tokado line runs from the capita
to Osaka via Nagoya and Kyoto; all places worth visiting during
your stay in Japan. Approximately 45minutes after leaving Tokyo
the train comes to Shin-Fuji station. This is the place to take
photographs, so be sure you are on the right hand side of the
carriage in order to see the towering, often snow capped peak of
Japan's premier mountain. Japanese trains are fast and efficient
so the stop at Shin-Fuji will be brief and you will need to be
quick in order to get your photographs. Unfortunately, too, the
view can frequently be marred or even obscured by haze or cloud
cover. this is
especially so during the warm summer months, so maybe the
best time to visit is the winter!
However, for those with more time, head out of Tokyo to the Fuji
Five Lake Region that hugs the lower reaches of the mountain at
an altitude of 3500 ft. This is a good base for climbing the
mountain. To benefit from better weather conditions this is best
done during the summer months of July and August. Another
alternative is to proceed to the hot spa resort of Hakone.
Hakone is a favorite getaway spot from the hurly burly of
bustling Tokyo, so expect the town to full at week-ends and
during holiday time. From this lovely place with its lakeside
setting you will get breath-taking glimpses of the upper reaches
of a mountain that has inspired artists and sages over the
centuries. If you want to go to the top, there is a motor road
that goes half way up so you don't need to get into training
before heading off to Japan. Oh, yes, the best time to visit
Hakone and the 5 Lake Region is during the month of June when
the hydrangeas are in bloom, enjoy your trip!
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