Activities around Mount Fuji

Activities around Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji occupies a special place in Japanese culture, as much for the singular beauty of its symmetrical slopes and snow-capped cone as for the ancient religious activity that developed there. The region around Mount Fuji attracts aesthetes and nature lovers alike. 

To appreciate this beauty, the area of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is a favorite destination for many. Blessed with warm and relaxing hot springs and the picturesque Lake Ashinoko, it boasts some of the best scenery in all of Japan. Additionally, it has an array of some of the best museums to be seen in the country! Explore this rich area with the presence of Mount Fuji in the background. 

Another ideal locale to admire Mount Fuji is Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture! Much of this city sits right at the base of the venerable mountain, and there are many shrines associated with the mountain and its spiritual significance. A trip around the area with a well-familiarized guide who will drive you around is one of he best ways to experience the town. 

There’s also a chance to go canoeing on the Lake that shares the town’s name. Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the five major lakes around Mount Fuji. This is a great activity to enjoy with the whole family!

Please note that seeing Mount Fuji in its entirety will be largely dependent on the weather conditions at that given time. Regardless, the area around it is filled with things to do and places to see, warranting the trip out and seeing some of the best that Japan has to offer. 

Geography

Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san in Japanese, is the highest peak in Japan, rising to 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). Located at the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, it stands about 100 kilometers west of Tokyo. It is an active stratovolcano, though its last eruption was in 1707-1708 (the Hoei eruption). Mount Fuji is characterized by its symmetrical conical shape, visible from a distance on clear days. It is an iconic symbol of Japan and is often depicted in Japanese art and culture, notably in the works of Hokusai.

Cultural significance

Mount Fuji is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site in Shintoism. It has been revered for centuries and is considered one of the three holy mountains of Japan, alongside Mount Tate and Mount Haku. The pilgrimage to Mount Fuji, known as Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, attracts devotees who believe that climbing the mountain purifies the soul. During the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Meiji period (1868-1912), it became a central theme in Japanese art, influencing the works of famous artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.

Tourism

Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hikers and tourists. The official climbing season typically runs from July to September, when the trails are free of snow and mountain huts are open. There are several popular climbing routes, with the Yoshida Route and the Subashiri Route being the most commonly used. In addition to climbing, the region offers numerous attractions such as the Five Fuji Lakes (Fuji Goko) and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Visitors can also enjoy ski resorts in winter and hot springs (onsen) year-round.