- Interesting facts about Fujiyama
- Fujiyama for tourists
- Five lakes
- How to get to Fujiyama
Fuji volcano (mountain height - 3776 m; crater diameter - 500, and its depth - 200 m) is an active stratovolcano located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (Honshu Island, 90 km from Tokyo).
Fuji did not appear immediately: first, Sen-Komitake was formed, then - Komitake. "Old Fuji" appeared 80,000 years ago, and the modern mountain "Young Fuji" - 8,000-11,000 years ago (due to the abundant outpouring of lava in the past, rivers and streams were blocked, as a result of which 5 lakes of Fuji were formed).
Since 781, there have been 12 eruptions; and today Fujiyama is considered a weakly active volcano, since it was last “activated” in 1707-1708, as a result of which the city of Edo (modern Tokyo) was covered with ash (its layer reached 15 cm in height).
Interesting facts about Fujiyama
Up to 10 c. in the writing of this mountain, hieroglyphs were used, which meant "eternity" and "immortality".
For the Japanese, Fujiyama is a sacred mountain, so everyone is obliged to reach its top and stand there at least once in a lifetime. Since 1800, women have also begun to climb the mountain - before that, only men had this right.
If we talk about Japanese art, the most famous images of the mountain are the works of Hokusai - "100 views of Fuji" and "36 views of Mount Fuji".
Fujiyama for tourists
Numerous travelers flock to this attraction in July-August, when the mountain is cleared of snow. These months are considered the peak of the tourist season (the season ends with the Fire Festival at the end of August), so amenities such as rescue centers, toilets are provided at the disposal of active vacationers (many of them are solar-powered and have heated seats; a visit will cost 200 yen). shops and "mountain huts" where you can buy drinks and food, and take a break (there are sleeping shelves).
Depending on the physical fitness of each participant who decided to conquer Mount Fujiyama, the ascent will take 3-8 hours, and the descent will take 2-5 hours. Many go to conquer the mountain in the evening to spend the night in a hut and enjoy the fantastic sunrise in the morning. There is no charge for climbing, but 1000 yen voluntary donations are welcome.
The mountain is divided into 10 levels: from the fifth level (usually tourists are taken to the 5th station by bus or taxi, after which they overcome the path on foot) 4 routes lead to the top. For those who wish, there are routes that start from the very foot of the mountain (bamboo staves are given to travelers to facilitate the ascent). The most popular of these is the Yoshida Trail.
There are also routes for bulldozers - they are used to evacuate people who need medical assistance, as well as to deliver goods and materials for mountain huts and retail outlets. Such routes (they were not reinforced or protected from stones that fall from above) cannot be used, despite the fact that local guides offer their services to tourists.
Hikers reaching the summit will see a post office, a Shinto shrine, and a weather station. It should be noted that hot springs can be found on the volcano and near its foot. Littering on the mountain is strictly prohibited - all those who climb are given special garbage bags.
Five lakes
For tourists, the five lakes of Fujiyama (the northern side of the mountain) are of great interest - it is from here that it is recommended to admire Fujiyama and climb to its top. In the area of five lakes, travelers will find the Fujikyu Highlands amusement park (where they will be offered to “experience” some of the highest roller coasters in the world) and, in fact, the lakes themselves:
- Lake Yamanaka offers ice skating in winter and tennis or surfing in summer.
- Lake Kawaguchi is famous for its bridge (it offers beautiful views) and entertainment centers located around the lake and a whole chain of hotels. Activities available on Lake Kawaguchi include surfing, fishing, boating and biking along the shore, and swan-shaped boats (30-minute ride costs 900 yen).
- Lake Sai is famous for viewing platforms (binoculars are available) and campgrounds built around the lake. Here travelers can go boating, water skiing, and fishing.
- from Lake Shoji, more precisely from the observation platform installed here, guests will be able to admire Mount Fuji. In addition, Shoji is a great spot for both winter and summer fishing.
- Lake Motosu is the only one of the 5 lakes that does not freeze in winter. To the south of it there are farms and pastures, and further south is the Shiraito-no-taki waterfall.
It is worth noting that Shoji, Sai and Motosu are connected to each other through underground channels.
Another entertainment that tourists might be interested in is paragliding. True, strong winds often make it difficult for active vacationers to have fun (the best time for this activity is early morning). The areas above the Subashiri and Gotamba car parks are most often used for flights.
How to get to Fujiyama
Fujiyama can be reached from Tokyo by bus that travels from Shinjuku Station to Level 5 (the journey takes over 2 hours; ticket price is 2600 yen).
