Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, is 3,776 meters high and a huge tourist hub as travelers from every corner of the world visit Hakone National Park just to see the mountain. Every single year around 1 million tourists hike right to the top in order to see incredible views of the beautiful Lake Ashi, the Owakudani Valley and the Hakone mountains. If you want to be among them, here is what you have to know about planning a tour or choosing one that is already planned for you.
Basics To Remember
The experience of visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is one you will always remember and should be seriously considered whenever traveling to Japan, especially due to the close proximity to Tokyo. When you do not want to climb the mountain, just try to visit some attractions or go to some viewpoints that are accessible via bus. For instance, visiting the Fuji Visitor Center opens the door to a great small museum with an observation deck. If you climb higher, till 2,300 meters, you can stop at Mt. Fuji 5th Station, which gives access to souvenir shops and unobstructed views. You can consider both as a starting point for your hiking. Most of the tourists will want to consider a day trip starting from Tokyo, including different side excursion activities like cruising Lake Ashi, shopping and hot spring soaking.
What Should You Know?
- A Mt. Fuji trip starting in Tokyo can last up to 12 hours.
- Most of the tours will include transportation to and from Tokyo hotels.
- When on the mountain the temperatures are generally much lower than at the base. You should wear layered clothes. Also, the weather can change without any notice. You want to plan the trip for the best possible visibility.
- Shoes have to be comfortable, suitable for walking even if the ground is uneven.
- For a great experience, do opt for tours that include other popular activities like outlet shopping or wine tasting.
When To Visit Mt. Fuji
The official Mt. Fuji climbing season is in July and in August. This is when snow will be limited and the weather is mildest. However, this is when you get to be surrounded by the largest crowds. You will find the very best views of the snow-capped peaks during spring days.
The Best Mt. Fuji Views
Some of the best views of Mt. Fuji can be found at Lake Kawaguchi. Views are completely unobstructed. You can also go to Hakone, which is a resort city that is renowned for ryokan, ropeway and onsen. Kamakura beach walks bring in distance mountain views on clear days. Look at the tours that you think about buying so that you can find those that include some of these spots for the best possible pictures.
