Japanese natural art , Mount Fuji

When we discuss about Japan tourism, we will refer to one mountain, Mount Fuji. This mountain is sacred for Japanese people. A beautiful proportioned cone in astonishing nature. The height is about 3776-meter above the sea level.In the peak, the climate is very cold due to the altitude and it is covered by snow all the year. Snow-capped Mount Fuji is the tallest and most famous mountain in Japan. It last erupted in 1707 and is now dormant. The almost perfectly symmetrical cone shapes make it one of the most beautiful mountain in the world, and an undeniable symbol of Japan. We can find this mountain in many picture and art depicting Japan. More than 200,000 people climb to the top of  Mount.Fuji in a year, and 30% of them is foreigner.

Mt. Fuji is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Motosuko and Lake Shojiko. The five lakes can be accesed by bus or taxi from Fuji-Yoshida or Kawaguchi-ko train stations.

The most popular period for people to hike up Mt. Fuji is from 1 July to 27 August, while supporting facilities are operating, although it  can be ascended all the time, but winter time will become a significant problems, so if you are not an expert hikers, its better to avoid it.
When you want climb this mountain, make sure that you have some proper preparation. There are ten stations from foot of the mountain to the top. Climbers start ascending from one to the the four "fifth stations" which are accesible by bus or car. There are four major routes from the fifth station to the top with an additional four routes from the foot of the mountain. The major routes from the fifth station are the Kawaguchiko, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya routes. The routes from the foot of the mountain are the Shojiko, Yoshida, Suyama, and Murayama routes. The stations on different routes are at different sea levels.

Although it is only the second highest fifth station, the Kawaguchiko route is the most popular route because of its huge parking area. During the vacation time, most Mount Fuji climbing tour buses arrive there. The next popular is the Fujinomiya route which has the highest fifth station, followed by Subashiri and Gotemba.

There are eight peaks around the crater at the summit. Many of climber hiking throughout the night to witness the sunrise from the top of the mountain.