Prince Hotel BlogsStanding a magnificent 3,776 metres tall, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest and most stunning mountain, and captivates the attention of anyone who sees it. Whether you catch a glimpse from afar as you speed past on a bullet train, or get a chance to experience it a little closer, it’s always a memorable and enchanting sight.
When you’re exploring Japan, a trip to Mount Fuji is often top of the list, and this breath-taking place has plenty to offer. Enjoy a stay at the best ryokan in Hakone and read on to find out more about what you can do during your visit to Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji is renowned for its beautiful snow-capped peak, but in stark contrast to all of its wonderful white snow, you’ll also find plenty of warmth to experience close by, in the form of traditional onsen, or hot springs. At one of the best ryokan in Hakone, you can take in the stunning view of the mountain, while relaxing in a calming hot spring bath.
Hakone is one of the most popular and well established hot spring resorts in Japan, and has many of the best ryokan in Hakone, as the area is renowned for its water quality, and a history that spans back several centuries. It’s hard to beat the unforgettable experience of having a traditional bath in the onsen, followed by a soothing, freshly brewed tea to invigorate your senses.
Just be sure to pay attention to traditional Japanese etiquette when using the onsen baths. They’re usually segregated unless otherwise marked, and you should always wash yourself in the designated shower area before going in. Once you’re ready to take a dip, prepare to strip down, as it’s considered extremely poor form to wear a bathing suit or shorts when going in.
As well as a stay at the best ryokan in Hakone, it’s also worth taking a trip to the region known as Fuji Five Lakes. As the name might suggest, it is made up of five different lakes located at the base of the mountain, called Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motusu. The area is a popular lake resort, and has plenty to offer throughout the year, including exciting snow sports during the winter season, and bright festivals during the warmer months.
If you’re keen on taking a climb up the revered mountain, the Fuji Five Lake region provides one of the best and most accessible routes, but if you’re content to enjoy the views, you’ll find some amazing sights from here. And if you need a break from all of the natural wonders around you, then head to the Fuji Q Highland theme park in the middle of the resort. The amusement park boasts some record-breaking roller coasters, including some of the world’s tallest and fastest rides.
Before you head away from the Fuji Five Lake area, be sure to spend a little time by Lake Kawaguchi. This is the second largest lake in the area, but perhaps the most beautiful. With calm, still waters, it provides the perfect mirror image to the vast mountain above, creating an unforgettable image of beauty.
The area around Mount Fuji is filled with surprising treasures, from the best ryokan in Hakone, to this marvellous surprise. Kawaguchiko Music Forest is a museum dedicated to antique music boxes, with vintage machines and musical players, working organs and more. The museum is designed with an historic European feel, transporting you to a by-gone era.
You’ll find beautiful buildings designed in an old fashioned European style, creating a look that’s straight from the pages of a fairy tale book, and you can even choose to dress up in a charming, whimsical dress while you pose for photos around the special area.
The museum often features special musical performances and events themed around musical boxes, while the museum’s restaurant offers some delicious food, all of which can be enjoyed with the wonderful view of Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
If you’re not content with admiring Mount Fuji from below, then it’s possible to take on the challenging, but ultimately very rewarding experience of climbing the mountain itself.
There are four main trails, and these are accessible usually during the main summer season, between July to mid September, as this is the time of year that the mountain is likely to be clear of snow, and the weather is mild enough for an enjoyable experience. This is also the best time to tackle the climb if you are relatively new to hiking, although you should ensure that you are in good health. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it is not an endeavour to take on lightly, but once you’ve reached the peak, it’s always an unforgettable moment.
There are ten different stations around the mountain, leading up to the summit. The path is paved up to the fifth station, providing a relatively comfortable hiking experience, and if you intend to go beyond that, it’s best to come prepared. One of the most rewarding sights is catching the sunrise from the summit – if you plan on doing this, it’s worth heading up in the evening and spending a few hours resting in one of the mountain huts before the dawn, so that you can time your ascend to the summit for the perfect view.
If you’re planning a hike up Mount Fuji, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the right clothing and equipment, although you will find some useful resources on sale nearby if necessary. It’s helpful to pack shoes and clothing designed to withstand the rough terrain, sharp wind and cold temperatures, and a flashlight or head lamp if you plan to be hiking in the dark. Be sure to pack plenty of food and drink for the whole hike – while you can purchase food from mountain huts, it can get pricy.
One of the most stunning landmarks in Japan, Mount Fuji is a mountain and volcano in Honshu, about 100 kilometers outside of Tokyo. The stunningly symmetrical cone of Fuji is even visible from the capital city, and on clear days can tantalize tourists and guests of Tokyo’s Prince Hotels from the city itself. Often found […]