Hakone

Exciting attractions for visitors on holiday in Hakone include O-waku-dani, where volcanic fumes still bear a trace of the Hakone Volcano; Lake Ashi-no-ko created in the crater of the Hakone Volcano; Susuki-sogen , of Sengokuhara, translated as silver grass field and a stone Buddha and stone towers situated in Moto-Hakone. Transport options to the attractions include the mountain railway, a cable car, ropeway, and a cruising boat.

The Hakone Tozan Railway is an attraction in itself. The the train is unique in that it repeats switchbacks three times to go up the steep slope from Yumoto, the entrance of Hakone, to Gora. The train runs on the steepest slope (80/1000) among the railways in Japan. The mood of Hakone is characterized in the journey on the train as you look down into the valley of the Haya-kawa River, through the greenery. The streets of Hakone, with their exotic and somewhat retro atmosphere, are a principle reason for those that choose holidays in Hakone.

At 3776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. The nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and accordingly a holiday to Mount Fuji is, for some, a pilgrimage as well as a vacation.  Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days.An easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.Do however bear in mind that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year. If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort.

Odakyu Railway operates between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station. The one way journey by the "Romance Car" limited express takes about 85 minutes and costs 2080 yen. By slower express trains (kyuko), the journey takes about two hours, requires one transfer at Odawara Station, but costs only 1190 yen. Direct highway buses operate every 30 minutes between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and the Lake Ashi area in Hakone (among other places the buses stop at Togendai and the Hakone Prince Hotel). The one way journey costs about 2000 yen and under good traffic conditions takes about two hours.

Tourists are advised to schedule their visits to this special mountain during the climbing season which is from July to August.

These months are ideal because of the good weather, accommodation options and convenient transportation. It is possible to see Mount Fuji any time of the year, which actually changes with the seasons.

Best Time to go to Mount Fuji for the Weather

Because Japan is a country which has four seasons, the visitors can get a good view of Mount Fuji that changes every time. A combination of the peak and cherry blossoms can be seen during the spring and one can enjoy climbing the mountain without snow. Red and orange leaves can be seen on and around the mountain in autumn creating beautiful picturesque scenery. Last but not the least, the snow will be seen covering the whole mountain during the winter, which reveals the most famous views or pictures of Mount Fuji. Apart from the summer months, temperatures at the peak are usually below freezing with the average temperatures falling around 19°F (-7°C ). Although the summer months are warmer it can still be rather cold and even get freezing temperatures.

When to go to Mount Fuji for tourist related activities

Other than enjoying a climb to Mount Fuji in Japan, tourists can also spend some time to learn more about the people and the culture of the country by taking part or just observing one of its most celebrated events. Here are a couple of the most observed events: Shogatsu – One of the biggest festivals in Japan, Shogatsu is celebrated by eating soba noodles as the clock strikes 12:00 midnight and families reunite, play games, exchange gifts and eat specially prepared foods.Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival) – The term actually means’ viewing of flowers’ and that’s what the Japanese men and women do during the festival. Friends and family gather for parties and picnics day and night beneath blooming cherry blossoms for revelry and fun. This by the way happens between March and May depending on the blossoming of flowers and this is a nationwide celebration.There are travelers who visit Japan specifically for the blossoming trees and the serenity they provide. Visiting during this time of years also provides visitors with a window into some of the traditional Japanese culture.