Tokyo Attractions
Mt Fuji © JNTO
Mount Fuji
The dormant volcano of Mount Fuji, 62 miles (100km) southwest of
Tokyo, has been revered since ancient times and no exploration of
Japan is complete without visiting the mountain that is known
fondly as 'Fuji-san' by the locals. Its symmetrical 12,388ft
(3,776m) cone towers and Mt Fuji, with its snow-crowned summit,
have become as symbolic of Japan as the country's own flag. Closest
town to the volcano is Fuji Yoshida, from where buses leave
frequently for Fuji's 'fifth stage' (the usual jumping-off point
for hikes up the mountain) from outside the train station. There
are six trails to the summit, of which the Kawaguchiko Trail is the
easiest, being quite manageable even by children and the elderly as
long as they have stamina and good shoes. Overnight huts are
available. Official climbing season is from 1 July to end of August
- in winter snow makes the ascent too dangerous.
Telephone: 55 572 0259 (Fuji Visitor Centre);
Transport: Fujikyuko bus from Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku station to Kawagutiko station. From Kawagutiko, take the bus to Fuji Gogome
