Drive Into Mt. Fuji
The peak of Mt. Fuji doesn’t seem that hard to reach, considering the elegant shape of the mountain, however, you should be reminded that Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in the country. The elevation of 12,385 feet is still not a casual walk for ordinary hikers, and the weather is volatile, enough to strand hikers in unexpectedly rocky and volcanic earth.
Mt. Fuji, admired for centuries among the entire country, still offers many ways for visitors to enjoy the summer, regardless of what they expect – from adventure to scenic walk. The mountain appears different in summer, when the snow cap disappears from the iconic mountain top, but there are multiple locations for even more different views of the mountain. For those who need another option to enjoy Mt. Fuji, arrange a car ride and head to Japan’s tallest mountain.
Wind Up the Mountain
One of the passages into the national park area at the bottom of Mt. Fuji is accessible via the Fuji-Subaru Line, a toll road that connects about 18 miles between the Kawaguchi-ko exit of Chuo Highway and the Fifth Station. Winding upward, passing First through Fifth Stations, is a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and local towns spotted far down amidst the deep nature that extends from Fuji’s hillside. Right after the toll gate at the entrance of the passage, don’t miss the treble clef painted on the lane: About 1 mile from the toll gate, “melody point” streches 1,148 feet. When a car drives over the grooved pavement, a famous Japanese song can be heard, generated by the grooves in well-calculated spaces. Although the melody may not be recognizable for non-Japanese visitors, the elaborate mechanism is worth experiencing. It is recommended to drive through the melody point at the steady speed of 30 mph for the best sound and steady melody.
The toll is 2,000 yen ($21) for regular cars for the 18.6 mile road up to the Fifth Station, and the Line will be open year around unless heavy snow affects the road condition.
Reach the Elevation of 7,562 Feet
Mt. Fuji is marked with 10 different levels from the bottom to the top, and the Fifth Station is where most hikers start for the summit. At the highest point accessible by car, this is a very popular destination for many visitors who prefer an easier way to enjoy the mountain, and after many hair-pin curves along the Fuji Subaru Line, it is a relatively relaxing and hospitable atmosphere, with ice cream stands, souvenir stores, horseback riding, and Japanese restaurants.
Among the stores is a post office: This tiny post office provides regular mailing service with a special Mt. Fuji stamp on any envelopes and postcards. Self-addressed, or addressed to families and friends, a Mt. Fuji postcard with the special stamp and this small station’s postmark is a very popular commemorative particularly among foreign tourists.
Get Close and Feel Mt. Fuji
Right before the Fuji-Sub aru Line reaches the final stop at the Fifth Station, make a quiet stop at a small parking area with a hidden walkway into the woods that leads into the hillside of Mt. Fuji. Although the elevation is merely 7,218 feet high, the volcanic woods have enough ups and downs to leave you breathless. The walkway leads to Okuniwa, the back yard, which lies just behind the official Fifth Station, and is the perfect trek to experience Mt. Fuji’s true nature as well as its volcanic texture.
The Fifth Station is at the vegetation habitat limit, and Okuniwa shows you the colorful nature and dynamism of the mountain. It is not too much to say that Okuniwa has better views of Mt. Fuji than the actual Fifth Station because of much less crowds and untouched shrubs. As you walk deeper into the woods, strangely curvy larch branches prove the harsh wind and wild climate at this elevation. Local lore says that Tengu, the legendary Japanese human-shaped creature with a Pinocchio-like nose used to come to Okuniwa to enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji. Today, people pay tribute to Tengu with the small shrine at one of the best scenic spots of Mt. Fuji.
Beyond this point, the mountain comes into view with a very strong and wild appearance: With the high-altitude forest and unique vegetations over dark volcanic dirt, the mountain is not the elegant icon known to the world any more. Rather, the dark and even cruel mountain environment surrounds visitors as if to remind humans of the real character of the famous mountain.
——- Nori Akashi : Public Relations Manager at the New York Office of JNTO
Japan National Tourism Organization New York Office
11 W. 42nd St., 19th Fl., New York, NY 10036
TEL: 212-757-5640 www.japantravelinfo.com
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