Crew Earth Observations (CEO) taken during Expedition 8 (2004-02-28)NASA
Mount Fuji is not only Japan's highest mountain (at 3,776.24m) but also its spiritual centre. There are 25 shrines and temples to be found on its slopes, and the mountain's iconic silhouette and snow-capped peak is now recognised around the world as a symbol of the nation itself.
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Click the arrows to take the Fujinomiya trail up the mountain. It's the shortest route up, though not the easiest. But this means it's not the busiest path - which makes it perfect for a challenging day trip. Set aside 5-7 hours for the 3.7km ascent.
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Take a moment to admire the view - we're already so high up - but don't forget the geology and flora of the mountain. As an active stratovolcano, Mt Fuji is made from layers of volcanic ash and rocks. At this altitude, hardy plants grow on the steep, mist-soaked slopes.
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About an hour's walking will take you to the Goraikou-sanso mountain hut. Above the low clouds, the landscape here is a little more desert-like, with dry, red rocks and little vegetation. The hut here offers a respite from the hard climb, save your energy, there's far to go.
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At the Mannenyuki-sanso hut, we're truly high above the clouds. The air is getting drier, windier, and colder, you may even see the first signs of snow. The altitude may be beginning to affect you here, so why not take a break and have a warming tea.
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The scene is unreal, it's like the surface of Mars. Step carefully, the summit isn't far.
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The last station, we've made it.
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We're standing on the rim of the crater. Banks of snow remain in the shaded parts of the landscape.
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As you walk around the rim, you'll climb the Hasshin-po, the Eight Sacred Peaks - an extra challenge, if you have it in you.
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Fujisan-cho Post Office
It seems remarkable, but if you do walk along the crater rim, you'll find the Fujisan-cho Post Office, the highest post office in Japan. You can send postcards with special stamps and postmarks to your friends and family, right from the top of the mountain.
Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: Fine Wind, Clear Morning (19c) by Katsushika HokusaiYamatane Museum of Art
Thanks for joining this tour of the sights of Mt Fuji. If you'd like to learn more about the mountain and its significance in Japanese culture, you can read about the work of Hokusai, whose famous book 36 Views of Mt Fuji has captivated viewers for over a century. Domo arigato!
