ATT.JAPAN × JapanUp! magazine
Stretching between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with a height of 3,776 meters. With a beautiful, divine appearance, it has been worshipped as a sacred mountain since ancient days. It has also been described and featured in Japanese classic literary and pictorial arts, such as waka poems and ukiyo-e drawings, serving as a world-famous symbol of Japan. Although it is an active volcano, many people visit the mountain from all over Japan and other countries in summer to enjoy climbing. The mountain was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2013.
The variety of scenery in the surrounding area also enhances the attractiveness of Mt. Fuji. Here are some selected viewing spots in the surrounding area, from which you can fully enjoy Mt. Fuji in combination with the respective scenery.
Mt. Fuji and the Ocean & Port Town: Nihondaira (Shizuoka Prefecture)
From this small hill of 307 meters above sea level, you can get a great panoramic view of Mt. Fuji along with the streetscape of Shimizu, the port, and Suruga Bay. The area around the top of the hill is dotted with some facilities, including a hotel and an observation facility, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a meal while gazing at the wonderful view, as well as souvenir shops. It is a great place to relax and enjoy Mt. Fuji.
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Mt. Fuji and the Ferry: Suruga Bay Ferry (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Suruga Bay Ferry is a gold-colored car ferry connecting Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City and Toi Port, which is located on the opposite shore of the Izu Peninsula across Suruga Bay, in about 75 minutes. On the deck of the ferry, you can have a wonderful view of Mt. Fuji while feeling the sea breeze in a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy how the view moves as the ferry travels as well.
Mt. Fuji and the Tea Field: Obuchi Sasaba (Shizuoka Prefecture)
This place has recently been increasingly popular through social media for the combination of Mt. Fuji and the tea field. The contrast between the green sloping tea fields, which is one of the characteristics of tea fields in Shizuoka, and the blue and white Mt. Fuji creates a unique piece of scenery.
*Please refrain from entering the tea field without permission.
Mt. Fuji and Noson Koen Park (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Noson Koen Park is a place where local residents grow crops, such as vegetables and rice. The combination of the idyllic country view and majestic Mt. Fuji creates a fully nostalgic atmosphere. Especially the reflection of Mt. Fuji in a paddy field filled with water in early summer is picturesque.
Mt. Fuji and the Lake: Lake Yamanakako (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Lake Yamanakako is the closest lake to Mt. Fuji among the Fuji Five Lakes. It has good accessibility with a little over two hours by bus from Tokyo. Along with the sharp reflection of Mt. Fuji in the lake, gracefully swimming swans and beautiful seasonal flowers add further attractiveness to the view.
Mt. Fuji and the Pier: Okamoto Pier/Haraoka Pier (Chiba Prefecture)
The Okamoto Pier, also known as Haraoka Pier, is one of Japan’s few wooden piers, which was constructed more than 100 years ago. It is sometimes used for filming TV dramas and commercials. On a clear sunny day, you can see Mt. Fuji across the bay. The silhouette of the mountain at sunset is just beautiful.
From Editor
You can also see Mt. Fuji from the train window of the Tokaido Shinkansen (between Shizuoka and Mishima) and the Tokaido Line (for example, between Yui and Higashi-Tagonoura). If you are taking a train from Tokyo heading west (towards Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka), you can see Mt. Fuji on your right. If you are on a shinkansen, you should take one of the window seats, which are denoted as “E seats” in ordinary cars. There are also viewing spots at expressway facilities, such as Fujikawa Service Area on the Tomei Expressway (which can also be accessed from an open road).
My Report and Guidance on Mt. Fuji Climbing
Mt. Fuji is usually open for climbers from around early July to early September. Mt. Fuji is very crowded with climbers especially on weekends during the climbing season and mid-August. The writer, who has an experience of climbing the Yoshida Trail, one of the four climbing trails on the mountain, will share how to safely enjoy climbing Mt. Fuij!
*The information below is merely an example of the Mt. Fuji experience. If you are going to climb Mt. Fuji, please make sure to prepare enough to be able to make a plan best for you.
Preparation
On Mt. Fuji, the temperature goes down to close to 0 degrees Celsius even in summer, so make sure to bring cold-weather gear and rain gear. In my case, I put a parka on top of a shirt and wore a pair of comfortable long pants. As your belongings, prepare a head lamp, a hat with strings, climbing shoes, towels, water, garbage bags, and cash. You may also want to bring a portable can of oxygen and a blanket for additional re-assurance. All the items are recommended to be packed in a climbing backpack.
For the latest information on Mt. Fuji climbing, along with various other information, including descriptions of respective climbing trails, a list of necessary things to bring, suitable gear, descriptions of mountain lodges, and climbing manners, please visit the official website of Mt. Fuji climbing (available in Japanese, English, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, and Korean)!
The day before climbing
Kawaguchiko Sta. (Yamanashi Prefecture) → Fuji Tozan Bus → Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (in about 1 hour)
Accessible by car, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station at a height of 2,300 meters above sea level is the starting point of the Yoshida Trail, which is the most popular trail for Mt. Fuji climbing. There are many facilities, including rental shops for climbing gear and mountain lodges (hotels). First, I stayed one night at the starting point to take a rest while getting used to a high altitude.
- Since the summer of 2024, you are required to pay 2,000 yen to take the Yoshida Trail. From 4PM to 3AM the next day, the gates at the entrance of the trail are closed so that only people with a reservation to stay at one of the mountain lodges can go through. There are also three other trails, including Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba, on the Shizuoka Prefecture side, and there is also a check if you have a reservation for one of the lodges, after 4PM on site.
- As for making a reservation at the lodges, the earliest one starts taking reservations in April. They are sometimes fully booked quickly especially for weekends and some popular seasons.
Around the 3 AM the Next Day: Start Climbing
Although it is still before sunrise, I am heading out to the top of the mountain! Putting on adequate clothing for warmth and a pair of climbing shoes, here we go! Don’t forget to turn on a head lamp while it is dark. The starry sky was really beautiful!
Tip: To be prepared for strong sunlight during daytime, I put on some sunscreen on my face before leaving.
Around the 5 AM: Watch the Sunrise
As I was about to go by the lodge at the 7th Station at 2,700 meters elevation, the morning sun was rising above the clouds, so I sat down on a bench and watched it. I was so mesmerized by the beautiful reddening sky in the east that I lost track of time for a while.
Tip: You should leave a tip of 100 yen to 300 yen to use the washrooms in the mountain lodges. Please be aware that there is no water place nor running water system on Mt. Fuji.
Around the 11:30 AM: Arrive at the Summit
After continuous walking, with sideward glances at the reddish-brown mountain surface with blocks of stone, I finally arrived at the summit! Looking down at the sea of clouds, I was mentally and physically filled with a sense of accomplishment! The torii gate of the Okumiya Shrine of Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha exudes a special aura!
Tip: The powerful landscape of the crater at the summit is a must-see!
Around the 1:50 PM: Start to Climb Down
You should go down the mountain before it becomes dark. The Subashiri and Gotemba trails have an area covered by volcanic ash from the past eruptions. In those areas, you can experience unique “sunabashiri,” where you go down while stepping into soft sand.
Tip: In my case, I took the Fujinomiya Trail on the way down.
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