Page 158 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

Did You Know?
The sunrise seen
from Mount Fuji is
called goraiko – an
overwhelming sight.

Mount Fuji, framed by
blossom and reflected
in Lake Kawaguchi

3
MOUNT FUJI AND

THE FUJI FIVE LAKES

富士山と富士五湖
! F5 ⌂ Shizuoka & Yamanashi Prefecture £ Fuji-san, Kawaguchi-ko,
Gotenba, Mishima (Tokaido Shinkansen), or Fujinomiya @ Summer only,
from all stations to the nearest 5th stage, also direct from Tokyo (Shinjuku
Stn west side or Hamamatsu-cho) to Kawagu chi-ko, Gotenba, and Lake
Yama naka n Fuji-Yoshida; city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp
At 12,390 ft (3,776 m), Mount Fuji (or Fuji-san) is Japan’s
highest peak by far, its near-perfect cone floating lilac- INSIDER TIP
Tips for Walkers
gray or snowcapped above hilltops and low cloud. A
true Japanese icon, its silhouette is famed the world over. You can only climb from
July to mid-September.
To catch the sunrise,
Dormant since 1707, this volcano first erupted 8,000–10,000 years start at the 5th stage in
ago and its upper slopes are formed of loose volcanic ash, devoid the afternoon, sleep in
of greenery. Until 150 years ago, Mount Fuji was considered so a hut at the 7th or 8th
sacred that it was climbed only by pilgrims; women were not stage, and rise early to
allowed until 1868. Today, the hiking trails, which are divided into finish the climb. Watch
ten stages, are traversed by a host of climbers. The Fuji Five Lakes, out for altitude sickness
at the foot of the mountain, offer sports facilities and various above the 8th stage.
attractions, including the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.
158

158-159_EW_Japan.indd 158 19/02/2019 12:00

EW Must-see template v2.1 – 18th October 2018
Fonts: Aptifer Sans LT Pro, Posterama Text, Soho Gothic
Pro, Soho Pro, ITC Caslon 224