Driving in Japan Part 16 : Mount Fuji and The Beautiful 5-Lakes Region

Many people have said that it is important to climb Mount Fuji once in your life, but only a fool makes the journey to the summit twice!  Actually, given the unpredictable weather conditions in Japan, it should be no surprise that many people have actually never seen the mountain at all.  Whatever the case, I also recommend climbing it at least once, and it is best to do it in September when it is still hot but the hoards of visitors have disappeared.

Well, I have seen it several times, both from the air and from land, in all kinds of conditions.  Driving around the Mt. Fuji area is an absolute must for there are all kinds of interesting places to visit, and mostly only reachable by car.  The 5-lakes region to the North of the mountain is particular beautiful on a sunny spring day, and some of the most stunning landscapes of the area with Mt. Fuji in the background can be had from here.  Also of particular interest in the Izu-hanto area with its colorful history and pretty seascapes.  There are hot springs, sea-side resort hotels and even some pretty decent surfing at times.  Izu-hanto should best be avoided during warm holiday long weekends as it gets totally bombarded by Tokyo folks looking for some outdoorsy experience.  Good luck!

The Mt. Fuji park region actuall covers three prefectures and the mountain itself is accessible from all three.  To the south-west is Shizuoka Prefecture, to the east Kanagawa Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture comprises most of the north part of the park area.  All three are worth visiting and each offers a little bit of its own unique flavor to your visit.

So a challenge goes out to all readers:  Try and guess from where this photo was taken!  The answer is quite interesting.  Meanwhile, enjoy the ongoing summer we still seem to be having!

Martin Werner Zander, Partner Smith’s School of English

マーティン・ワーナー・ザンダー

Owner of the Smith’s School in Kotoen

月謝制のスミス英会話　甲東園校　仁川　門戸厄神　逆瀬川