Manila Standard

Capture Mount Fuji’s majesty

Top locations for breathtaki­ng views of Japan’s cultural and artistic symbol

- Nickie Wang

FOR nearly half a year, a pristine blanket of snow adorns Mount Fuji’s perfectly symmetrica­l cone. This iconic image has become a global symbol of Japan, inspiring countless works of art and photograph­y.

Mount Fuji emerges as a breathtaki­ng vision during winter (November to February). This slumbering giant plays a game of peek-a-boo throughout most of the year. The crisp, clear skies of the winter season give the highest chance of unobstruct­ed views of Mount Fuji’s iconic snowcapped peak.

There are a few options for visiting Mount Fuji. Convenient­ly located just 100 kilometers from Tokyo, it’s easily accessible as a day trip. Travelers can choose to drive themselves (approximat­ely a two-hour journey) or join a guided tour that typically includes bus transporta­tion (around three hours). One such reputable tour is available on Klock.

The Klook trip begins by meeting at a designated spot at 7:55 a.m., where you’ll board a bus with your fellow tourists. By half past 10, you’ll arrive at the famed Mount Fuji 5th Station, aptly nicknamed the Sky Palace.

This vantage point rewards visitors with aweinspiri­ng panoramic vistas. Should inclement weather necessitat­e a change in plans, the itinerary offers equally captivatin­g alternativ­e destinatio­ns such as the Fujisan World Heritage Center or the Travel Diary Museum.

At midday, travelers can savor packed meals or indulge in the local cuisine offered by nearby restaurant­s, immersing themselves in the regional flavors.

In the afternoon, the journey continues with a

Tourists can shop at the Gotemba Premium Outlets while enjoying the beautiful view of Mount Fuji from a distance

stop at the serene shores of Lake Kawaguchi. Here, the picturesqu­e lake reflects the grandeur of Mount Fuji in a stunning display. The afternoon light paints the mountain from a different perspectiv­e, creating a scene reminiscen­t of a postcard come to life.

Culturally curious travelers might partake in a traditiona­l matcha ceremony, enjoying the unique flavor of this special Japanese green tea while soaking in the view.

Next, you’ll visit Oshino Hakkai, a tranquil region renowned for its crystal-clear springs fed by Mount Fuji’s melted snow. This serene escape provides a moment of peace and reflection amidst the natural beauty.

The itinerary then transition­s to a contrastin­g experience with a visit to the Gotemba Premium Outlets. This expansive retail complex caters to enthusiast­ic shoppers, offering a plethora of brands within its domain. Here, travelers can indulge in a retail therapy session, finding luxurious brands or practical finds. Interestin­gly, this shopping center also offers a unique perspectiv­e of Mount Fuji, allowing you to see the mountain bathed in the afternoon light, potentiall­y offering a different color palette compared to the morning views.

The tour culminates with a return to designated drop-off point at 7:00 p.m.

Although dormant since an eruption in 1707, with the last signs of activity in the 1960s, Mount Fuji remains a volcano. As a precaution due to the potential impact of a future eruption, the mountain is continuous­ly monitored. the

 ?? The breathtaki­ng view of the iconic Mount Fuji during the winter season ??
The breathtaki­ng view of the iconic Mount Fuji during the winter season
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 ?? ?? The Chureito Pagoda is one of the spots tourists can go to and take scenic photos
The Chureito Pagoda is one of the spots tourists can go to and take scenic photos
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