3,776 meters of power.
Mount Fuji (Photo: ShutterStock)
In the wee hours of the night, after another exhausting day full of disappointments from the family agricultural land that once again remained dry and did not produce crops, suddenly heard a deafening noise by Viso, a Japanese farmer.
That powerful noise was so strong, that Viso was convinced that it was an earthquake.
He got up in a panic from his bed, grabbed his wife and children, and fled with lightning speed from the hut where they lived, when suddenly an extraordinary sight appeared before their eyes - a huge mountain that suddenly emerged from the bowels of the earth, and changed the life of Viso and his family from end to end.
The land began to prosper, the crops grew again and the whole area took on new life.
Following this, Viso decided to give the mountain the name "Fuji-yama", which in Japanese means the mountain that never dies.
According to an ancient Japanese legend, this is how the special relationship between Mount Fuji - one of the most visited mountains in the world - and the Japanese people, for whom the mountain is considered one of the most important symbols in the country's history, began.
But over the years, Fuji became not only one of the most important and beloved places in Japan, but in the whole world, and today it is considered the mountain with the largest number of climbers in the world, with about 300 thousand climbers every year.
Organized trip to Japan More information on the Pegasus Organized Trips website
3,776 meters of power
Mount Fuji, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013, is the highest mountain in Japan, rising to a height of 3,776 meters. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707, which stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures Mount Fuji can also be seen from the capital Tokyo, which is only 100 km away, and it actually consists of three different volcanoes, which were formed about 100,000 years ago, following repeated volcanic eruptions, which are also responsible for the creation of the five famous lakes at the base of the mountain (which we will get to later), many caves, hot springs and more.
Although it is possible to climb to the top of the mountain only in the summer months (July to September), about 300 thousand climbers visit it each year - thus making it the mountain with the highest number of climbers in the world - more than twice the number of climbers on the mountain that is in second place on the list.
The ascent to the powerful peak is also intended for those who have never climbed before and it takes between 5-10 hours (Photo: ShutterStock)
The climb to the top is not considered difficult and is usually done during organized trips, as in the case of the Pegasus company that organizes organized trips to Japan that include a visit to Mt.Fuji of course;
The ascent to the powerful peak is also intended for those who have never climbed before and it takes between 5-10 hours.
The climb is usually started at sunrise, when you get a breathtaking and powerful view of the mountain, which is divided into ten stations (the first station is at the foot of the mountain, while the tenth station is the summit).
You should know that the weather on the mountain can change drastically along the route;
Temperatures at the top range between 5-8 degrees and thunderstorms, even in summer, are not at all rare.
However, the warm clothing and the adrenaline that accompanies the unique journey make you forget the relatively low temperatures.
The most popular amusement park in all of Japan.
Fuji-Q Highland (Photo: ShutterStock)
Between the music forest and the five famous lakes
Besides climbing to the top of the mountain, around Mount Fuji there are countless special places and fun attractions and activities, such as the five famous lakes, temples and even a popular amusement park.
The Five Lakes of Fuji
: The five spectacular lakes of Fuji are considered one of the most visited places in the region, and rightfully so.
This is a popular tourist destination all year round, due to its many options - each of the five lakes is different from the other and so are the views from them.
There are also quite a few attractions around the lakes - from hiking, camping, fishing, boating and even museums, markets, cafes, shops and temples.
One of the more interesting museums in the area is the Ichiko Kubota Art Museum, which is located near the most visited lake of the five - Kawaguchiko.
This is a one-of-a-kind museum that displays the many intriguing works of Ichiko Kubota, who among other things used to produce kimonos using an ancient and unique method.
Fuji-Q Highland amusement park
: If the adrenaline of climbing wasn't enough for you, Fuji-Q Highland will do the trick.
The most popular amusement park in all of Japan is located at the base of the mountain, and is home to some of the best roller coasters in the country, including the world's steepest roller coaster.
In addition to roller coasters, the park also has many facilities for children, including "Thomas Land" - a complex based on the popular series Thomas the Tank Engine.
Also, throughout the park there are also many restaurants, cafes and even a hotel and spa.
The music forest
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Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
: Throughout Japan, there are many temples dedicated to the Shinto goddess, and one such is the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine located at the foot of the mountain.
Like many temples in Japan, it is also impressively built and divided into different wings.
You can spend long hours there and be impressed by the great power that resides in the place.
The Music Forest (Kawaguchi-ko Music Forest)
: The Music Forest, which is also located near the mountain, combines a small amusement park with a museum dedicated to special musical instruments.
In its central hall, antique music boxes, mechanical organs and other automatic musical instruments, mainly from European countries, are displayed.
In the main building you can also find a concert hall that hosts artists from all over the world.
The park is surrounded by European-style gardens, with the impressive Mount Fuji in the background.
There are many walking paths, manicured lawns, a canal and even a restaurant, shops and a rose garden.
"A wise man will climb Mount Fuji once in his life, a fool will climb it twice" (Photo: ShutterStock)
"A wise man will climb Mount Fuji once, a fool will climb it twice"
"A wise man will climb Mount Fuji once in his life, while only a fool will climb it twice," claim the Japanese, who have had a special relationship with the mountain for centuries.
Mount Fuji has been considered a holy mountain by the Shinto religion since the 17th century, and climbing to its summit is considered a sacred act and a path of purification for Buddhists.
Due to the fact that in terms of these two religions women were impure, and due to the fear that they would distract men in their spiritual journey, the local authorities decided to forbid them from trying to climb to the top of the mountain, and therefore, until 1872, climbing to the top of Mount Fuji was intended for men only.
Legend has it that the first woman to reach the top was Tatsu Takayama, who had to cut her hair and disguise herself as a man to do so.
As a result, she became a national hero and a symbol for the advancement of women's status, and from then until today, women also qualify for the summit of Mount Fuji on a regular basis.
Over the years, a special bond has been formed between the Japanese people and Mount Fuji.
In the Shinto religion, for example, Mount Fuji is believed to have special properties and hundreds of temples have been built at the foot of the mountain over the years.
Among the hundreds of temples there, the most important Shinto temple is Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, which was built back in 806 AD.
The temple stands in its place to this day, and is also famous for the 500 cherry trees that bloom anew every April.
There is no shortage of reasons to visit Japan - from the popular attractions, through the special people to the amazing food and the colorful nightlife, but it seems that Mount Fuji, one of the most important and sacred places in the country, was and will remain the definitive symbol, and one that attracted, attracts and will continue to attract millions of curious visitors to Japan for many years to come .
The article is sponsored by Pegasus Organized Trips Abroad - as part of its goal of promoting familiarity with world cultures and enriching knowledge.
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