Mount Fuji, Chubu, Japan

5Karen E 5:00 PM Feb 23, 2020

Iconic landmark
Since travelling to Japan in my teenage years and seeing Mt Fuji from our bullet train I have had a fascination with it. On my next trip it was in the clouds! On my third trip I did a day tour to 5th station and several other spots which were meant to offer you extensive views but it was again in the clouds. This time I was determined to spend a few days in the area so that I gave myself every opportunity to see it in its full glory. As it was March the snow was too far down the mountain so fifth station was closed. Our Airbnb in Lake Kawaguchi had magnificent views. We sighted the mountain from the train and then travelled by bus to our destination. Clear skies and the most incredible views. It was quite chilly at Lake Kawaguchi but well worth the effort. We hopped on a bus that took us to several spots where you could pay for a day pass and jump on and off as often as you like. Got so many amazing photos, my friends who were with us were blessed as they didn’t realise how elusive it can be. Mt Fuji is very dear to me due to my heritage (my grandma is Japanese and my grandpa met her after the war) and I see it as the symbol of Japan and one to be treasured. I have not finished yet I aim to get back and do the climb! Also when travelling on the train ask for the side with views, I didn’t have to ask when booking all my train travel they just automatically put us on the best side every time to experience the best views.

5Jürgen K 5:00 PM Mar 6, 2020

Winter Hike Fuji from 3rd to 5th station
Dear Hikers, I just want to give you a nice hike recommendation in case you visit mount Fuji in times, where the 5th station is closed. We went in February and were quite disappointed that we were not allowed to go to the 5th station by car. Security persons were even blocking us to hike the road further up (for safety reasons of course, as always in japan). We then drove down to the third station and from there took a hiking trail all the way up to 5th station. That was an awesome experience, since we've had an amazing viewpoint only for us. The trail is well marked in the app maps.me and start a few meters up the road from the third station . It took us (usual fitness, but young) 2 hours each way. There was some snow, some ice, and one or two trees on the way, but in total it was defenitely doable =) I would have safed us some time when starting from 4th station, but it was not possible to escape the useless workers there. I can highly recommend you taking this trail when you want to do a hike on fuji where nobody else is in winter =) Cheers