Standing
a magnificent 3,776 metres tall, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest and most
stunning mountain, and captivates the attention of anyone who sees it. Whether
you catch a glimpse from afar as you speed past on a bullet train, or get a
chance to experience it a little closer, it’s always a memorable and enchanting
sight.
When
you’re exploring Japan, a trip to Mount Fuji is often top of the list, and this
breath-taking place has plenty to offer. Enjoy a stay at the best ryokan in Hakone and read on to
find out more about what you can do during your visit to Mount Fuji.
Experience the hot springs
Mount
Fuji is renowned for its beautiful snow-capped peak, but in stark contrast to
all of its wonderful white snow, you’ll also find plenty of warmth to
experience close by, in the form of traditional onsen, or hot springs. At one
of the best ryokan in Hakone, you
can take in the stunning view of the mountain, while relaxing in a calming hot
spring bath.
Hakone
is one of the most popular and well established hot spring resorts in Japan,
and has many of the best ryokan in
Hakone, as the area is renowned for its water quality, and a history that
spans back several centuries. It’s hard to beat the unforgettable experience of
having a traditional bath in the onsen, followed by a soothing, freshly brewed
tea to invigorate your senses.
Just
be sure to pay attention to traditional Japanese etiquette when using the onsen
baths. They’re usually segregated unless otherwise marked, and you should
always wash yourself in the designated shower area before going in. Once you’re
ready to take a dip, prepare to strip down, as it’s considered extremely poor
form to wear a bathing suit or shorts when going in.
Visit the Fuji Five Lakes
As
well as a stay at the best
ryokan in Hakone, it’s also worth taking a trip
to the region known as Fuji Five Lakes. As the name might suggest, it is made
up of five different lakes located at the base of the mountain, called
Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motusu. The area is a popular lake
resort, and has plenty to offer throughout the year, including exciting snow
sports during the winter season, and bright festivals during the warmer months.
If
you’re keen on taking a climb up the revered mountain, the Fuji Five Lake
region provides one of the best and most accessible routes, but if you’re
content to enjoy the views, you’ll find some amazing sights from here. And if
you need a break from all of the natural wonders around you, then head to the
Fuji Q Highland theme park in the middle of the resort. The amusement park
boasts some record-breaking roller coasters, including some of the world’s
tallest and fastest rides.
Before
you head away from the Fuji Five Lake area, be sure to spend a little time by
Lake Kawaguchi. This is the second largest lake in the area, but perhaps the
most beautiful. With calm, still waters, it provides the perfect mirror image
to the vast mountain above, creating an unforgettable image of beauty.
Explore Kawaguchiko Music Forest
The
area around Mount Fuji is filled with surprising treasures, from the best ryokan in Hakone, to this
marvellous surprise. Kawaguchiko Music Forest is a museum dedicated to antique
music boxes, with vintage machines and musical players, working organs and
more. The museum is designed with an historic European feel, transporting you
to a by-gone era.
You’ll
find beautiful buildings designed in an old fashioned European style, creating
a look that’s straight from the pages of a fairy tale book, and you can even
choose to dress up in a charming, whimsical dress while you pose for photos
around the special area.
The
museum often features special musical performances and events themed around
musical boxes, while the museum’s restaurant offers some delicious food, all of
which can be enjoyed with the wonderful view of Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
Take a hike up Mount Fuji
If
you’re not content with admiring Mount Fuji from below, then it’s possible to
take on the challenging, but ultimately very rewarding experience of climbing
the mountain itself.
There
are four main trails, and these are accessible usually during the main summer
season, between July to mid September, as this is the time of year that the
mountain is likely to be clear of snow, and the weather is mild enough for an
enjoyable experience. This is also the best time to tackle the climb if you are
relatively new to hiking, although you should ensure that you are in good
health. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it is not an endeavour to take on lightly,
but once you’ve reached the peak, it’s always an unforgettable moment.
There
are ten different stations around the mountain, leading up to the summit. The
path is paved up to the fifth station, providing a relatively comfortable
hiking experience, and if you intend to go beyond that, it’s best to come
prepared. One of the most rewarding sights is catching the sunrise from the
summit – if you plan on doing this, it’s worth heading up in the evening and
spending a few hours resting in one of the mountain huts before the dawn, so
that you can time your ascend to the summit for the perfect view.
If
you’re planning a hike up Mount Fuji, it’s a good idea to come prepared with
the right clothing and equipment, although you will find some useful resources
on sale nearby if necessary. It’s helpful to pack shoes and clothing designed
to withstand the rough terrain, sharp wind and cold temperatures, and a
flashlight or head lamp if you plan to be hiking in the dark. Be sure to pack
plenty of food and drink for the whole hike – while you can purchase food from
mountain huts, it can get pricy.
One of the most stunning landmarks in Japan, Mount Fuji is a mountain and volcano in Honshu, about 100 kilometers outside of Tokyo. The stunningly symmetrical cone of Fuji is even visible from the capital city, and on clear days can tantalize tourists and guests of Tokyo’s Prince Hotels from the city itself. Often found […]