Mt. Fuji Sightseeing

Ever since we arrived to Japan I've been talking non stop about seeing Mt. Fuji one day. On a "clear" day (which doesn't really exist during the summer months here) many say that you can see Mt. Fuji from the top of the Fleet Recreation building on base or from Zushi Beach off in the distance. I've been to both spots a few times and haven't seen her once! I finally gave up on hoping for clear weather and booked a Mt. Fuji Sightseeing trip with our base's MWR program. It was an early start to the day and a three hour drive to our first stop. Above is one of our first glimpses as the fog cleared of Mt. Fuji as we were driving closer.

After a three hour drive from Yokosuka, it was another an hour and a half drive up the mountain, we finally arrived at the 5th station...the farthest you can get by car or bus. From here it's a 6-8 hour climb to the summit!

Getting to the 5th station made me realize that I would love to climb Mt. Fuji during the three years we are here in Japan. Climbing season is July and August, the only two months you can climb without a permit. Even in mid, July there is snow at the top of Mt. Fuji. The Japanese see Mt. Fuji as a symbol of their country and often times climb the mountain several times in their lifetime. We saw a group of climbers headed up as we were visiting the fifth station, even some children going up with their parents!

It was beautiful being this high up (about 7,500 ft.) above the mountains and high up above the clouds!

 On our way home, we also stopped and visited Mt. Fuji Peace Park, Mt. Fuji Visitor's Center and the Sengen-jinja Shrine. It was a very long day and we didn't get home until late but overall I would definitely leave the driving to MWR. Not only can you kick back and rest between stops but you don't have to worry about directions, driving in traffic or paying any tolls!

Entrance to Sengen-jinja Shrine. This is also at the base of Mt. Fuji and is another (much longer) climbing trail.

 Just as in Japanese homes, you must also remove your shoes when entering any shrines or temples. They provide slippers for you to wear inside...