Mount Fuji

Ranked #21,529 in Travel & Places, #489,743 overall

I never thought a mountain would hold so much fascination for me, but I was wrong. The moment I came up close and personal with Fujisan, it was love at first sight. I would never forget the magnificent view on that clear morning day and how something so still could breathe so much life. I hope others will be able to experience just as much wonder with Mount Fuji as I did.

My trip review, in a nutshell

Before preparing for the trip to Mount Fuji, I had many reservations. Was it going to take a long time? Would it be tiring? Would the journey be worth it? Would I like what I see? These answers were all answered and in the end I felt my time and effort were both satisfactorily compensated. In fact, it was one of the best travel experiences I had ever had, and made me fall in love with Japan so many times over and over again.

As with most of my trips across the world, I decided to make the trek to Mount Fuji on my own. I wasn't as ambitious as the thousands of climbers every year that make the journey to the top station on Japan's highest mountain. I knew my fitness levels were not that high and all I wanted was to have a good view of the famous snow covered peak and bring back some good old photos. So the 5th station was the aim and I tried to gather all the information beforehand. Japan might be more tourist friendly now than many years ago, but it can still be quite a challenge for the non Japanese speaker.

The guide books widely available all provide good information but I had most of mine from Lonely Planet's Japan guide. I decided to take the bus to the 5th station and woke up early in the day to catch one of the first few buses. The trip took about an hour plus due to some early morning peak traffic but it wasn't really as bad as many made it out to be. Once I got there, I was taken aback by the breaktaking view of Mount Fuji's peak. The 5th station is quite a tourist site and there are a couple of souvenier shops. A little shrine sits behind the shops and there you can find one of the best views of Mount Fuji. You might have to pray for good weather on the day of your trip, for without it, you cannot see Mount Fuji except for it hiding behind thick wafts of clouds.

For those who might be travel challenged, the best solution would be to sign up for one of those tours. Make sure it should be a Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo, as it will take the shortest travel time from anywhere, and you have a greater chance of catching a sight of the peak before bad weather arrives before noon. For the budget conscious, there should be many cheap and budget Mt Fuji tours available from the local travel agencies with English guides.

I did not stay overnight at Mount Fuji as I didn't have enough time nor wanted to explore the surrounding areas. But for those who wish to, getting a ryokan or hotel will be necessary. You can find Mount Fuji cheapest hotels listed online or enquire with the travel agencies although it would be wise to get hold of them as early as possible. They are very popular and frequently booked up in advance.


Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo

From: Viator

5 things you shouldn't miss!

1. The snow covered peak viewed from the 5th station and on the road leading to it.

2. The souvenier shops on the 5th station that have many interesting stuff associated with Mt Fuji.

3. Hakone Resort, a neighboring resort with onsens, or hot springs, for your enjoyment while having a splendid view of Mount Fuji.

4. See Mount Fuji on the shinkansen (bullet train) to and from Tokyo.

5. Praying for good fortune, health and happiness at the shrine on the 5th station.

Photos are almost like being there (but not quite)

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Breathtaking Mount Fuji Sights

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harukasanada

I love Japan and her culture. My dream is to spend more time in the country and see more of it.

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