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A trip to Tokyo is incomplete without paying a visit Mount Fuji. Situated to the west of Tokyo, this magnificent mountain range is located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, near the pacific coast of central Honshu. Mount Fuji or Fiji San, in Japanese, is also known as Mount Fuji Yama. The term 'Yama' means 'mountain' as per Kanji readings. Mount Fuji in Tokyo is the highest mountain of the country. The mountain forms part of the Fuji-Hakkone-Izu National Park. It is 3,776 meters high and is surrounded by five beautiful lakes, which includes Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji. It is a dormant volcanic mountain, which last erupted in the year 1708. This eruption lead to the formation of a crater named Hoei-zan on the side of the mountain. As per scientists, four distinct volcanic activities led to the formation of this mountain. The various phases include Sen-komitake, Komitake Fuji, Old Fuji and the New Fuji. The mountain was formed at the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate, Okhotsk Plate and Philippine Plate. As per historical records, the first person to climb this mountain was a monk in the year 663. Women were however not allowed to climb this mountain until the Meiji Period. Sir Rutherford Alcock was the first foreigner to climb this fantastic mountain in the year 1860.
Mount Fuji in Tokyo is extremely popular amongst the tourists. Visitors can check out the Aokigahara Forest, located at the foot of the mountain. One can find a number of caves inside the forests. These caves are filled with ice even during the summer months. As per local legends, these caves are home to a number of ghosts, monsters and goblins. One can find different varieties of trees in this forest. The five lakes located at the foot of the mountain offer a fantastic view of this mountain. The Five Lake Region is the perfect place to go for a number of adventure activities like hiking, camping and fishing. The lakes are extremely beautiful by themselves and worth checking out. Out of the five, Lake Kawaguchi is the most easily accessible lake of the region. One can also pay a visit to the Fujikyu Highlands, an amusement and theme park. Here you can go on the Fujiyama, the highest roller coaster of the world. Besides these, one can also take a look at the hot springs in Hakone. Here you can also pay a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum or check out the hot rivers and sulfur vapors in Owakudani. Another major attraction of the place is the Sengen Shrine. This temple is located on the northern part of the mountain. It is dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya and is a major pilgrim site of the country. Climbing Mount Fuji is extremely popular amongst the tourists. The best time to climb the mountain is during the months of July and August. During this time, the mountain is free of snow and the weather pleasant, thereby allowing easy access to the mountains. October and September are best avoided. You can climb this mountain either in the morning or after 10:00 p.m. The various routes that one can take include the Kawaguchiko 5th Station, Subashiri 5th Station, Gotemba 5th Station, Fujinomiya 5th Station and others. Mount Fuji with its scenic beauty and numerous attractions located close by is a great place to visit if you want to make your vacations a fun filled and an adventurous one.
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