Introduction to Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji, rising above the clouds, is the symbol of Japan and has provided a spiritual basis for the Japanese since ancient times. This 3776 metres high, dormant volcano is world renowned for its symmetry and serenity. Located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka, Mt. Fuji is the main attraction of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Snow-covered tranquility in winter, vitality and energy in summer--seasonal changes glorify this national treasure. From near or far, from plane or train, one cannot look at Mt. Fuji without marveling at its beauty.

Mt. Fuji has remained calm and beautiful since the last recorded eruption in 1707. The summit has long been thought of as sacred and the history of Mt. Fuji climbing dates back to ancient times. Mt. Fuji has attracted more and more hikers since 1892 when Walter Weston, the father of mountaineering in Japan, made a successful ascent to the summit. Today, Mt. Fuji climbing is enjoyed by not only the Japanese but also foreign tourists alike every year during July and August.

Cherry blossoms reach peak bloom in every mid-April, bringing Mt. Fuji into the spring season. Before you realize, summer has already arrived when the new green is adorn with vermilion azalea. At the same time, the fifth station standing at 2400 meters above the ground level is still covered in snow. Finally on July 1st, Mt. Fuji is opened to public. In late August, Fujiyoshida Fire Festival marks the end of the summer, and Mt. Fuji again enters its dormant season. First snow comes in every late September, adorning the summit of the Mt. Fuji.

The weather conditions surrounding Mt. Fuji changes rapidly. There is a big difference between the south and the north side of the mountain, and the temperature between the base and the top of the mountain usually varies about 20℃. The average temperature of the summit is -6.6℃, and the air pressure is about 2/3 of that on the ground level.

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