At an elevation of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan. Since ancient times, it has been revered as an object of worship by the Japanese people and honored as the “Sacred Mountain.” This beautiful peak is arguably Japan’s most important symbol, enjoying fame both domestically and internationally. In June 2013, Mount Fuji was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its graceful form has inspired the works of many artists, and even the reverse side of Japan’s 1,000-yen banknote features an image of Mount Fuji—testament to its profound significance in the hearts of the Japanese people.
The elegant and gently sloping profile of Mount Fuji makes it a mountain that is relatively easy for the public to climb. From mid-September to mid-October each year, the mountain begins to be capped with snow, which remains until June of the following year, and in some cases, remnants of snow can still be seen as late as mid-July. Therefore, the best time to climb Mount Fuji is from the official opening of the climbing season in July until the closing ceremony at the end of August. During the summer climbing season, nearly 300,000 climbers visit each year to pay homage and witness the beauty of Mount Fuji.
In June 2013, Mount Fuji was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Originally, the goal was to have it registered as a “natural heritage” site, but it took approximately 20 years before it was successfully listed as a “cultural heritage” site—the efforts of the relevant organizations and people finally paid off. However, it is worth noting that Mount Fuji was not initially able to be registered as a “natural heritage” site due to environmental issues such as littering by tourists. Now, with improved toilet facilities at mountain huts, higher ethical standards among climbers, and the elimination of littering at the mountain’s base, Mount Fuji has become a stunningly beautiful sight in all 360 degrees.
Would you also like to explore the beautiful Mount Fuji? The months of July and August are the most suitable seasons. Summer gear can be kept to a minimum, there are plenty of climbers so you don’t need to worry about getting lost, and mountain huts provide bedding and meals—even first-time climbers can feel at ease. Time Out Travel’s 2016 Summer Mount Fuji Summit & Hot Spring Enjoyment 5-Day Tour is now open for registration. Come and conquer Mount Fuji with Time Out Travel.