Going Solo in Japan 16 – Mt.Fuji

For anyone going to Japan, Mt. Fuji or Fujisan as it is popularly called in Japanese, is a big attraction. 

Mount Fuji is a solitary peak and is not considered part of any specific mountain range within the Japanese Alps.  Mount Fuji is a distinct and iconic mountain with cultural and symbolic significance in Japan. Mount Fuji is easily accessible from Tokyo and other major cities. The Fuji Five Lakes region and Hakone, a hot spring resort area, are common bases for those wanting to explore and view Mount Fuji.

Fuji is an active stratovolcano, and its last eruption occurred in 1707-1708 during the Edo period. Despite being classified as an active volcano, it is considered to be in a dormant state. Mount Fuji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 under the cultural category. It was recognised for its cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance.

In one of our earlier visit to Tokyo, in the month of October I used to see peak of Mt. Fuji from my hotel room.

Our First visit

Next when we were going to Japan for a conference to be held in Tokyo in the month of December, we made plans to go to Mt. FUJI. The most popular place for accessing Mount Fuji is lake Kawaguchiko. Our travel arrangements were made by a friend.

On this visit we stayed at Fuji View Hotel. Over looking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji View Hotel has one of the best location. A path along beautiful garden would take us down to lake.

We had a room where we could see Mt. Fuji. from our balcony. There was very little snow only at the top. We took a bus ride may be up to station 4 or 5. The road was covered with broken stones. Whether viewed from a distance or climbed to its summit, Mount Fuji continues to captivate people with its majestic presence and cultural significance.

Later on whenever we were going to Japan in early winter we made plans to go to Mt. Fuji.

Our Second Visit

After a 9 year gap we again had a chance to visit Mt. Fuji. This time we were going to attend a conference held on Shikoku Island, far away from Tokyo. But since we were going during winter, we decided to visit Mt. Fuji again.

This time we couldn’t get a room at Fuji View hotel and stayed at a hotel right across from the lake Kawaguchiko. It was a very modest hotel. As we entered we were a little disappointed. But the owner took us to a room right at the back of the hotel. And when he opened the curtain of the window Mt. Fuji was in full view.

He was a very helpful person and would drive us to Fuji view hotel for our lunch. Again come back to pick us up. So we had best of the both the worlds. It was very very cold and we couldn’t much walk around the lake. We went to the tourist centre to find out how we may be able to go up the mountain. We didn’t have our own car but a Japanese gentleman was going to take us in his car as far up as possible. Many people had gathered here waiting to drive up towards peak of Mt. Fuji. But suddenly we heard an announcement was that road was closed as it was not safe. Alas we couldn’t go up. But the mountain was fully covered with snow. We were to leave from here the next morning. From here we needed to go to a Shinkansen station. In those days it was not easy to reach a Shinkansen station. On our bus journey to reach the nearest station we had to change the bus twice. From here riding in Shinkansen we reached Okayama. And on to Kagawa by another train to cross Inland Sea as it is called and reached Kagawa. This was our destination for the conference.

Five Lakes Region:

This is a region, at the base of Mount Fuji. The Five Lakes (Fuji Five Lakes) region, includes Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu. These lakes provide most stunning views of Mount Fuji. The lakes are popular for recreation and offer reflections of the mountain on calm days.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi, often called Kawaguchiko, is a beautiful lake at the base of Mount Fuji. It’s like a big, calm pond surrounded by nature. People love to visit as it’s easy to reach and has amazing views of Mount Fuji. One can take a boat ride on the peaceful water, relax in hot springs, and visit parks and museums nearby. The northern side of the lake is the best spot to see Mount Fuji, and it’s so stunning that it feels like a dream. It’s a favourite place for both locals and visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and the iconic mountain.

The most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest lake in the area and is located at the lowest elevation. It’s a popular starting point for climbing Mount Fuji and offers views of autumn leaves in the fall.

Our Last visit One more trip to Mt. Fuji was from Shizuoka. The doctor at Shonan Kamakura hospital who already knew us had shifted to this new hospital  built by Tokushukai group. He invited us here at the new hospital. I had become good friends with the wife of the Cardiologist. She spoke English and was a very friendly lady. She received us at the station wearing a kimono. After finishing one day’s teaching at the hospital she drove us to Mt. Fuji. Travelling by car was very enjoyable. Knowing that we are vegetarians she had packed up for us lunch of sandwiches and fruits. We stopped by the lake side for lunch. After that she drove us around places near bye which are interesting tourist attractions that I had never known.

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a tourist attraction located near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture. It consists of eight ponds, and “hakkai” means eight seas in Japanese. These ponds are fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji and are known for their clear, spring water. Each pond has its own unique characteristics and is often named after a specific quality, such as purity or sacredness.

The Oshino Hakkai area is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the region and explore traditional Japanese culture. The ponds are surrounded by thatched-roof houses, creating a picturesque setting.

Shiraito Falls (Shiraito no Taki)

Shiraito Falls (Shiraito no Taki) is a stunning waterfall located at the southwestern base of Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most famous and picturesque waterfalls in the region. Located at the southwestern foot of Mount Fuji, Shiraito Falls is renowned for its striking beauty. The waterfall consists of multiple streams of water cascading down a cliff, resembling a “white silk thread” (hence the name “Shiraito,” which means “white threads”). The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting.

Shiraito Falls is renowned for its unique appearance, characterized by a wide curtain of water that spreads out over a cliff face. The water descends in multiple streams, creating a beautiful and delicate “curtain” effect. The name “Shiraito” translates to “white threads,” referring to the resemblance of the falling water to strands of white silk.

The waterfall is fed by the melting snow and ice from Mount Fuji. The water flows from underground sources and emerges at the cliff face, creating the picturesque cascades. Shiraito Falls has a height of approximately 20 meters (65 feet), and the width of the falls spans about 150 meters (500 feet). The broad and symmetrical nature of the falls contributes to its unique beauty.