11 things to know about Mt Fuji

It’s Japan’s most popular tourist site but these insider tips will help you see it while avoiding the crowds. Here’s what to know before you go.

Mt Fuji and Tokyo skyline at dusk.

As iconic to Japan as Everest is to Nepal, Mt Fuji is one of the world’s most recognisable volcanoes. Here are 11 things to know before you go:

VITAL STATISTICS

The conical snow-capped mountain is also Japan’s highest peak (and most sacred), rising to an oxygen-sapping 3776m. Dormant for more than 300 years, Mt Fuji hasn’t erupted since 1707, but there’s no telling when she’ll next rumble to life. In the meantime, the volcano remains Japan’s most popular tourist site, attracting more than four million visitors a year thanks, in part, to its proximity to Tokyo — it’s 100km west of the capital.

BRAGOMETER

No image is more symbolic of Japan than Mt Fuji, a classic stratovolcano that looks just like the emoji.

FUN FACT

Mt Fuji is in fact made up of three separate volcanoes — Komitake at the bottom, Kofuji in the middle and Fuji at the top.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

There’s no guarantee the weather gods will be shining on Mt Fuji any day of the year, but your best chance for clear skies is during winter (December to February). For pictures framed by cherry blossom go in spring (March to May). If you want to tackle the climb to the summit, July and August is the official hiking season.

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Mt Fuji, the quintessential Japanese postcard shot.

VIEW IT

For most visitors, glimpsing Mt Fuji from afar ticks the bucket list, and some of the best places to see it are from the shores of the Fuji Five Lakes, scattered nearby. The most popular is Lake Kawaguchiko, easily accessible by public transport from Tokyo (jrailpass.com). For the most dazzling vistas, cruise across the water to the northern side of the lake and pray for a cloud-free sky ($13 adults, kids half price, www.fujigokokisen.jp). Other top viewing spots include lakes Saiko and Motosuko, and the towns of Hakone and Kamakura.

CLIMB IT

Get your glutes pumping on a trek to the summit, considered a pilgrimage by many Japanese. There are four walking trails up, and most hikers tackle the climb over two days. The most popular is the Yoshida trail, about 10 hours return and accessible from the town of Kawaguchiko (fujisan-climb.jp). Stay in a mountain hut overnight and rise early to conquer the summit in time for sunrise, paying your respects at the Shinto shrines on your ascent.

EXPERT HACK

For a less-touristy experience stay on the Izu Peninsula, and don’t miss the chance to climb to the summit, says Inside Japan Tours marketing manager Harry Sargent.

“Izu has some wonderful traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), stunning coastal scenery, and still the chance to get those classic views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. The climb is a bucket-list item for every Japanese person and comes with deep spiritual meaning in a country that reveres every aspect of nature, from the tiniest flower to the greatest mountain of them all. The atmosphere and camaraderie on the climb is unique. And don’t be surprised at being overtaken along the way by a few sprightly Japanese pensioners!”

Views from Mt Fuji.

SELFIE MOMENT

Wearing Mt Fuji as a hat from a prized lakeside vantage point, preferably with a few sprigs of cherry blossom over your shoulder.

COMFORT ZONE

Seeing Mt Fuji is easy, although many people find travelling in Japan more comfortable with a tour group or guide. If you’re tackling the summit, brace yourself for a butt-burning challenge.

GET ME THERE

Qantas, Jetstar, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways fly direct to Tokyo from various Australian cities. Inside Japan Tours offers small-group, self-guided and private tours of Japan.

SEE NEXT

For another classic snow-capped volcano, visit Cotopaxi in Ecuador. But be warned, this climb is not for amateurs.

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Originally published as 11 things to know about Mt Fuji