Mount Fuji, a Japanese Tourist Mecca

Mount Fuji rises to over 3776 meters above sea level. This mountain is deeply rooted in the popular culture and beliefs of Japanese. Until now, Fuji is a place of pilgrimage for many Japanese that is why it is considered as the whole myth of Fuji.

The first ascent of Fuji was back in the year 663. Today, more than 200,000 visitors climb Fuji every year, but most of these visitors are Japanese. Indeed, less than a third of the 200,000 annual visitors are foreigners.

Fuji is a symbol of Japan and its major tourist attraction is considered unique in the world. Fuji is not only a tourist attraction, but this legendary mountain is also the object of veneration and worship in some religions in Japan.

Besides being a tourist and religious interest, Fuji is also the site of numerous scientific studies including climatology, meteorology, and especially in the scientific research of volcano.

The Mount Fuji

Fuji which has many other names in Japanese is located in the main Japanese island of the archipelago, the island of Honshu. It is located a hundred kilometers from the capital Tokyo, taking the north-east.

Fuji is located on two prefectures namely the prefecture of Shizuoka and prefecture of Yamanashi. Fuji is a volcano and as such it has the classic shape of a volcano. It has a conical shape with flattened top matched by a huge crater about 700 meters at the widest diameter and 500 meters in the smallest.

The foot of Fuji are spread over 30 kilometers. Fuji rises to 3776 meters and with this height, the top of the mountain almost covered with snow. The atmosphere reigning on Fuji is generally cold because of the altitude but there are also variations in climate and vegetation varies from the foot to the mountain peaks. Five lakes are located in the vicinity of Mount Fuji namely Lake Yamanaka, Lake Motosu, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Tour on Mount Fuji

There are several ways to get to Fuji. In fact to climb Fuji, one must reach one of the four stations at the foot of the mountain namely Kawaguchiko-Yoshida Guichi which is accessible by bus from the station of Kawagushiko, Subashiri-guchi station, Fujinomiya guchi Station and Gotemba-guchi station.

Upon arrival at a station, you can begin the ascent of Fuji. It is generally advisable to practice the climbing of Fuji during the summer because the winters are harsh and too cold. It is advised also to take certain precautions before climbing; such as wearing warm clothes to protect against hypothermia, wearing of gloves and hats, not to ignore water and other essential materials. After the climb, visitors can enjoy magnificent views and a breathtaking sunset; the exploration which is unforgettable.

By : Yuri_Takuda