At 3776m high, it is easily the tallest mountain in Japan and one of the most recognized mountains

around the world.

Mt. Fuji's near perfect symmetry, majestic white capped summit, and volcanic activities

have made it the subject of art, adoration, and worship as a sacred mountain throughout

the history of Japan.

Located just west of the Kanto plain, near the midpoint of the country, Mt. Fuji spans

across two prefectures and is easily accessible from Japan's largest cities.

On the north side, the mountain is surrounded by the Fuji Five Lakes region, also known

as Fujigoko, which is known for its lake resorts, plethora of outdoor activities, and hot springs.

Despite being climbed by several hundred thousand people each year, Mt. Fuji is still an active volcano

It last erupted during the Hoei Era in 1707 and now is carefully monitored because it

is believed it will erupt again.

While many travelers only think about climbing Mount Fuji when they visit, there's actually

much more to do in the region surrounding this great mountain, so here are our

Top 5 recommendations for Mt Fuji.

Number Five: Sengen Shrines

Shinto is the indigenous religion in Japan and Shinto shrines are dedicated to the worship

of various deities or “kami” and can be found in nearly every town across the nation.

Among several popular types of Shinto shrines, the Fuji Sengen shrines are a collection of

over 1300 shrines all over the country that worship Mount Fuji and the deity associated

with the mountain, Princess Konohanasakuya.

The head shrine of the 1300+ Sengen shrines is the Fujisan Sengen Shrine which is located

in Fujinomiya city, at the southwestern base of Mt. Fuji.

The shrine has a history of over 1000 years, but most of the shrine's current buildings

were built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 1600s.

Historically, the Fujisan Sengen Shrine was the entrance point for the climb up Mount Fuji

However when the nation's center of political power shifted from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo)

the northern trail up Mt. Fuji was easier to access and eventually became the most popular route.

The Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine on the north side of the mountain was the original starting

point for the Yoshida trail and is still used by a small number of purist hikers today,

but a majority of climbers now chose to start climbing at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station,

which leads to the Yoshida trail up the mountain.

Many other smaller sengen shrines can be found around Mt. Fuji including the Arakura Sengen Shrine

which is famous for the Chureito pagoda and breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji

Which is especially enhanced by the sakura blossoms during spring and fall foliage in autumn.

Number Four: Fuji-Q Highland

Located to the north of Fuji near Lake Kawaguchiko, Fuji Q Highland is one of Japan's leading

amusement parks.

Rivaled only by Nagashima Spaland near Nagoya, Fuji Q Highland is well known as Japan's

premiere thrill ride destination and is home to multiple world record breaking roller coasters,

such as Takabisha which has the steepest drop angle of any coaster on Earth at 121 degrees,

Eejanaika which has 14 inversions,

and Fujiyama which held four records when it was first completed including

“tallest coaster in the world”.

The park opens new rides regularly and has a wide variety of unique experiences

such as anime themed attractions, seasonal events, and Thomas Land for the kids

to name only a few.

Directly next to Fuji-Q Highland is the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa.

Guests here enjoy unobstructed views of Mt.Fuji and benefits

such as early access to the park each day

and free entry to the neighboring Fujiyama Museum

and the Fujiyama Onsen.

Number Three: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is located along the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko and showcases

the Tsujigahana technique for decorating silk kimono.

Tsujigahana is an intricate process for tie-dying long sleeved silk kimono which requires a

high level of mastery to perfect.

It was famous during the Muromachi period, but eventually gave way to less labor-intensive

methods of decorating kimono.

One hundred years after its decline a young artist named Kubota Itchiku decided to spend

his life reinventing the tradition.

The museum has exhibits of Kubota's creations including an unfinished work called

“Symphony of Light” made of 80 individual kimono that together will form an image of Mt. Fuji

and the four seasons.

The grounds of the museum are also interesting to explore and include gardens designed by

Kubota, a waterfall, an outdoor stage for occasional performances, artwork from around

Asia and Africa, a tea room, as well as unique buildings made of Okinawan coral and limestone.

Number Two: Climb Mount Fuji

Of course, climbing Mt.Fuji is one of the most common ways of experiencing the mountain.

Like other Japanese mountains, Mt Fuji is divided into 10 stations.

Although it is possible to hike from the base of the mountain all the way to the 10th station

at the summit, by far the most common starting point for nearly everyone is at the 5th station

about halfway up the mountain.

On the popular trails, there are mountain huts where hikers can seek shelter, pay to

use the restroom, buy food, and even sleep.

There are four main trails to choose from: the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba.

The most popular by far being the Yoshida whose 5th station has the most shopping options and

is accessible by direct bus from the widest variety of locations, including downtown Tokyo

Trails and mountain facilities are only open during the official Fuji climbing season which

is generally from Early July to mid September when the trails are free of snow.

Outside of this period during the off season, hiking is not recommended due to extreme weather

and an elevated risk of rock slides and avalanches.

However during peak climbing season, especially in mid August, there will be large numbers

of people on the trails.

The recommended method is to hike from the 5th station to the 7th or 8th station on the

first day, sleep for several hours in a mountain hut which should be reserved ahead of time,

and then continue to the summit to view the sunrise.

When attempting to climb Fuji, make sure to be properly equipped for a range of temperatures,

wear sturdy footgear, and pack plenty water and food.

Also, to avoid altitude sickness climb slowly, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks.

Number One: View Mt Fuji

In our opinion, the best way to experience Mt. Fuji

is simply to take in it's awe inspiring natural beauty.

Throughout the ages, artists have been moved by its form and size; creating countless works

showing the mountain from every angle, in all conditions and in each season.

While climbing Fuji is an unforgettable experience

it does not offer the best view of the mountain itself.

It is debatable which scenic spot is in fact top of the list, but here are some of the

standout locations to view Mount Fuji from:

The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko

Shizuoka City

the Bunkyo Civic Center in Tokyo

with the shinkansen

Inside the shinkansen

An airplane

Lake Ashinoko in Hakone

the Chureito Pagoda

the Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Izu Peninsula with the ocean in between

an onsen around the Fuji Five Lakes region

ski slopes such as found at the Fujiten Snow Resort

a golf course

and many more...

As for the best season to view Mt. Fuji, they each have their charms.

In the fall during koyo season

the golden tones of autumn highlight the surrounding mountains beautifully.

In the spring, cherry blossoms make an excellent frame for the mountain

and in winter Fuji's trademark white snow cap makes a majestic crown.

However during the summer, although the Fuji Five Lakes Region will be green and lush

the humidity, clouds, and occasional typhoons often block Mt. Fuji

making it the hardest season to get a great view.

We hope this Top 5 list gives you a good place to start when planning your trip to the Fuji area.

For more information about any of the places mentioned in this video or to explore another region

click the links on the screen now, or head over to japan-guide.com

your comprehensive, up-to-date travel guide, first-hand from Japan.

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Happy travels.