Japan's highest mountain (3776m/12,385ft) is the only natural feature most

visitors to Japan are sure they want to check out. Fuji-san is a perfectly

symmetrical volcanic cone which last blew its top in 1707, covering the

streets of Tokyo 100km (62mi) away with volcanic ash. On an exceptionally

clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo, but for much of the year you'd

be lucky to see it from 100m (328ft) away as Mt Fuji is a notoriously

reclusive mountain, often hidden by cloud. The views are usually best in

winter and early spring when a snow cap adds to the spectacle.

Officially the climbing season is July and August, and the Japanese, who

love to do things 'right', pack in during those busy months. You can

actually climb Mt Fuji at any time of year, but a midwinter ascent is

strictly for experienced mountaineers. Whenever you tackle it, the climb

should be taken seriously: it's just high enough for altitude sickness and

the weather can be viciously changeable. The best time to reach the top is

dawn - both to see the sunrise and because early morning is the time the

mountain is least likely to be shrouded in cloud. This means either

starting in the afternoon, staying overnight in a mountain hut (expensive)

and continuing early in the morning, or climbing the whole way at night.

The Fuji Five Lakes arched around the northern side of the mountain are

popular with Japanese daytrippers from Tokyo. They offer water sports,

amusement parks, ice caves and good views of Mt Fuji. The quickest way to

get to the Fuji area is by bus from Tokyo's Shinjuku terminal. There's a

comprehensive bus network in the area servicing the lower hill region and

the lakes area.


Source: http://www.yahoo.com

####