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HomeTopics...Asia VacationsMount Fuji
Mount FujiMount Fuji, also called Fuji-san or Fujiyama, with its glorious conical summit, epitomizes the natural wonders of Japan. Mount Fuji is in fact a dormant volcano that erupted most recently in 1708. With a narrow base at a height of around 980 feet (300 meters) and a summit altitude of 12,290 feet (3,776 meters) above sea level, Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. To put it in perspective, from its base, Mount Fuji looms twice as high as the tallest mountain in the Rockies.
Shrouded in mystery since time immemorial, Mount Fuji has been revered as a sacred place of pilgrimage, with written records dating back over a thousand years of pilgrims who made it to the summit of Mount Fuji. To this day, witnessing the spectacular sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji remains a popular rite of passage for Japanese citizens, young and old, as well as intrepid travelers to Japan. Famous artists, writers and poets throughout the ages have waxed lyrical about the sheer splendor and mystical powers of Mount Fuji. The seventeenth century Japanese traveling poet laureate, for example, wrote of the natural wonders of Mount Fuji: "My souvenir from Edo is the refreshingly cold wind of Fuji-san I brought home on my fan."
Climbing Mount FujiHere are some tips for climbing Mount Fuji:
The best time of year to climb Mount Fuji: The summit of Mount Fuji is ice-capped for most of the year. This leaves only a short gap during the summer season when conditions are favorable for climbing Mount Fuji. The downside of attempting to scale Mount Fuji during the high season, between the 1st of July and the 31st of August, is the heavy tourist traffic that tends to considerably slow one's ascent. Climbing Mount Fuji just outside peak season is therefore recommended, particularly on Sunday nights or weekdays.
Climbing experience: Only experienced climbers with all the necessary equipment should attempt an off-season climb of Mount Fuji. The mountain is perilous for most of the year with sub-zero conditions, placing it off limits for all amateur and even moderately experienced climbers.
Panoramic views of Mount Fuji: For the most breathtaking views from Mount Fuji, try to reach the summit by sunrise. The early morning sun tends to burn off any low-lying cloud cover, revealing the dramatic natural wonders of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area in all their glory. Watching the sun rise over the horizon from the bleak and desolate crater is a truly magical experience not to be missed.
Climate: Even during the warm climbing season, temperatures at the peak of Mount Fuji can plummet below freezing. As a general guideline, temperatures at the summit are typically 20°C cooler than in Tokyo, approximately 100 km to the southwest. Winds and rain often make the mountain seem a lot colder than it is, so dress warmly.
Ascending Mount Fuji: The four main routes for ascending Mount Fuji are theKawaguchi-ko route, the Subashiri route, the Gotemba, and the Fuji-no-miya (Mishima) route. The Kawaguchi-ko route, which is easily reached from Tokyo, merges for most of the climb with the second Subashiri route, which starts in Fuji-Yoshida. The third and longest route, the Gotemba, starts in Gotemba and connects near the summit with the fourth route, the Fuji-no-miya route, which is the most accessible route from western Japan.
The ascent of Mount Fujiis clearly marked and generally well managed with four main routes to the summit serviced by ten stations. The usual starting points are located at the fifth stations on each of the four routes with the most popular gateway located at the Kawaguchi fifth station. Tourists should note that camping is not allowed on Mount Fuji itself although plenty of campsites are dotted around the base of the mountain. For those tired during the climb, mountain huts are available once you pass the seventh station. An overnight stay costs 5000 or 7000 yen, depending on whether you want food. For those travelers who lack the stamina or inclination to climb Mount Fuji, the next best thing is to take a train trip along the Tokaido Line from Tokyo to Osaka. Impressive views of Mount Fuji can be glimpsed en route, especially from the right hand side of the train in the region of the Shin-Fuji train station. |
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