Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji, rising above the clouds, is symbolic of Japan and has provided a spiritual basis for the Japanese since ancient times. This 12,385ft high, dormant volcano is world renowned for its symmetry and serenity. Located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Mt. Fuji is the main attraction of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Snow-covered tranquility in winter, vital and energetic presence in summer -- these seasonal changes glorify our national treasure. From near or far, from plane or train, one cannot behold the sight of Mt. Fuji without marvelling at its beauty.   Heavy volcanic activities, ended in 1707, sculptured the present gentle shape of this beautiful mountain. Records indicate that climbers of Mt. Fuji have a long history. Early on, this sacred mountain was climbed by pious people who endured hardships for several days in their quests. In 1892, Walter Weston, the pioneer of modern mountain climbing in Japan, reached the top. Many climbers, regardless of age or gender, have since visited the summit in the climbing season of July and August.   Spring brings cherry blossoms to the foot of Mt. Fuji in mid-April, followed by the blossoming of vermilion azaleas, which announce the coming of summer greenery. As snow is found above the Fifth Level(2,400m, 7,872ft) until the end of June, the opening day for climbers is July 1. The alpine roses and other alpine plants start to bloom in time to be enjoyed by the first climbers of the season. Mt. Fuji's summer is relatively short. Entry is closed and preparations for winter are made after the Fujiyoshida's Fire Festival in late August. The dramatic climate changes on Mt. Fuji are evident in the striking difference between the climate of the south slope and that of the north slope. The temperature differs by about 20 degree centigrade (68 degree Fahrenheit) between the top and the base, resulting in an annual average temperature of -6.6 degree centigrade(20 degree Fahrenheit). The atmospheric pressure at the summit is only two-thirds of that at the foot of the mountain.  At the end of October or the beginning of November, the temperature in the foot of Mt. Fuji is around 10 to 15 degree centigrade.

Accommodation at the Mt. Fuji

HIGHLAND RESORT Hotel 5-6-1, Shin Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 403-0017 Tel: 0555-22-1000     Fax: 0555-22-3115 Hotel and Mt. Fuji Entrance Conference Hall "Fuji" on the second floor with maximum 500 seats French Restaurant on the top floor (12th floor) Twinroom Fujikyu Highland The Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park is right next to the HIGHLAND RESORT Hotel. A giant among amusement parks, Fujikyu Highland's many attractions include a plenty of scary ride machines and romantic rides. Newer attractions "FUJIYAMA" include the world's largest roller coaster.    "FUJIYAMA"

Excursion

Yamanashi MAGLEV Test Line On the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line extending 42.8 km between Sakaigawa and Akiyama of Yamanashi Prefecture, various confirmation tests are being performed to obtain a final perspective of Maglev feasibility. The "Superconducting Maglev" allows ultra high speeds of around 500kmph. Furthermore, because it allows contact-free levitating operation in principle, it is able to not only reduce noise and vibration in comparison with conventional iron wheel-on-rail systems at the same speed but keep a high level of safety against earthquakes at high speed traveling. This system can be said to be an ideal mode of transportation for the coming generation. Superconductivity     When certain metals are cooled below a specific temperature, their electric resistance vanishes. This phenomenon is known as "superconductivity". Once current is applied to a coil made of superconductive metal, it continues to flow permanently and without loss. This coil can generate dozens of times stronger magnetic field than that of permanent magnets. For the Maglev, a bundle of extremely fine niobium-titanium alloy (superconductive metal) wire is embedded in a copper matrix in order to improve the stability of superconductivity. This wire is cooled with liquid helium to become a superconductive state.

Fifth Station of Mt. Fuji This is the highest point on Mt. Fuji that can be reached by car. On a clear day there are spectacular views of the Northern and Southern Japanese Alps in the distance, and a commanding. The bus tour attendees are recommended to take sweater and windbreak jacket. Typical temperature is around 5 degree centigrade, depending on the climate on the day.

Sight-seeing

The Highland Resort is surrounded by a wide variety of sightseeing and nature spots. Fijigoko Fujigoko refers to the five lakes around the northern foot of Mt. Fuji: Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko. In ancient times, lava flow from the volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji spread across the area, damming up rivers and resulting in the formation of these lakes. Lake Yamanaka   The most easterly located and the largest of the Five Lakes, Yamanakako is also the third highest lake in Japan. Known for its summer recreation opportunity, Yamanakako attracts many young people for yachting, windsurfing, and tennis, for which the number of courts has recently been increased. A number of school athletic clubs find this the ideal training site. Marimo, spherical waterweed, was found here in 1956, inspite of being said to grow in only cold districts. It was named Fuji Marimo and is a Prefectural Natural Species.   (Area: 2.45sq.mi., depth: 52.5ft, circumference: 8mi, altitude: 3,218ft above sea level) Lake Kawaguchi   Kawaguchiko lies at the center of the other lakes, and because of its easy access, provides a foothold for sightseeing around the Mt. Fuji area. The extensive sightseeing and accommodation facilities attest to the popularity of this lake. The only island of the Five Lakes is found here, and the view from kawaguchiko Ohashi is magnificent. As with Yamanakako, recreation opportunity are endless: boating, yachting, windsurfing, fishing, and cycling along the lake shore. The spectacular view of Mt. Fuji from Kawaguchiko provides the perfect subject for many artists and photographers: In spring, Sakasa Fuji (The image of the mountain reflected on the lake), and cherry blossoms in full bloom viewed from the north side of the lake: In summer, Herbland and Mt. Fuji: these are all symbols of Japanese beauty.   (Area: 2.17sq.mi., depth: 71.5ft, circumference: 12.37mi, altitude: 2,729ft above sea level) Lake Saiko   This quiet lake surrounded by dense forest has been named "The Lake of the Maiden." Reminiscent of clear deep blue eyes, the color is somewhat mysterious. Aokigahara Jukai Forest has lined the western side of the lake for centuries.   (Area: 0.86sq.mi., depth: 298ft, circumference: 6.52mi, altitude: 2,952ft above sea level) Lake Motosu   The water temperature of Motosuko, the ninth deepest lake in Japan, never gets below 39 degree Fahrenheit, making it the only one of the Five Lakes which does not freeze in winter. Motosuko, along with Saiko and Shojiko, was formed by lava crawling across what is now Aokigahara Jukai Forest and into the enormous lake that once dominated the area. These three lakes, at 2,952ft above sea level, remain connected by underground waterways. The motif of Mt. Fuji and the lake on the five-thousand yen note is a view from Motosuko taken by photographer Koyo Okada.   (Area: 1.95sq.mi., depth: 436ft, circumference: 8.02mi, altitude: 2,952ft above sea level) Lake Shoji   Shojiko is the smallest among the Five Lakes and 82ft deep. With remains of lava flow still observable, Shojiko has long been a popular sightseeing spot. Hotels were built as long ago as the Meiji Period, which began in 1868, and many guests from foreign countries have visited since then. Fishing is good at all five of the lakes, and Shojiko is a well-known site for catching plenty of herabuna, crucian carp.   (Area: 0.33sq.mi., depth: 83.6ft, circumference: 1.55mi, altitude: 2,952ft above sea level) Kawaguchi-ko Museum of Art On display are works by masters Taikan Yokoyama and Kai Higashiyama. The paintings of Mt. Fuji on display were selected on the theme, "a place where people, nature and culture converge." Itchiku Kubota Memorial Gallery Itchiku Kubota is famous Japanese contemporary artist for creating the Flowers pattern dyed textiles "Itchiku Tsujigahana". Highly acclaimed both at home and abroad, many of Kubota's finest works are on display here. Lake Kawaguchi Herb Pavilion Tour the beautiful herb garden, take part in a class where you can enjoy making a wreath by hand, or simply drop into the shop to choose from a variety of sweet scented harbs. Kawaguchi-ko Muse Pavilion On display, you'll find popular works by the doll maker, Yuki Atae, in a style known as "sculpture in cloth". You'll enjoy displays that range from fairy tale figures to lifelike portraits. Yamanaka-ko Takamura Museum of Art The Takamura collection includes automobiles, traditional Japanese paintings and art nouveau works. Special features are a classic car collection and paintings by Taikan Yokoyama. Yamanaka-ko Hana no Miyako Koen(Lake Yamanaka Flower Park) In this expansive flower park, visitors will discover poppies, tulips and many other varieties flourishing as they come into bloom. Fuji Golf Course The Fuji Golf Course has long been a part of the Mt. Fuji area tradition. This public course offers a challenging game in stunning setting.