Mt. Fuji
Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains.
Bullet Train
I left the station in Kyoto and headed towards the mountain. When it appeared along the train ride it was beautiful.
Panoramic Ropeway
The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends 400 meters from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchik to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo. From the observation deck, which sits more than 1000 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the lake below and of Mount Fuji.
While most visitors take a round trip on the ropeway, there is also a hiking trail from the observation deck down the forested mountain slope which takes about 30 minutes to descend. A different trail leads from the observation point 300 meters uphill to a small shrine at the summit of Mount Tenjo, from there the trail continues on to Mount Mitsutoge, a popular day hike with good views of Mount Fuji.
