Mount Fuji
Mt. Fuji is one of the icons
of Japan,
its most distinguishing physical landmark. The highest mountain in
Japan with a peak of 3776 meters (12,290 feet), it is the dream of
Japanese climbers to scale the summit. However, the climbing season is
limited, from July to August. Although the climbing season is only two
months, more than 300,000 climbers tackle Mt. Fuji every summer. Mt.
Fuji is more than just a mountain of snow--it is an active volcano.
Visiting Japan during the winter months meant views of Mt. Fuji would
be from a distance, since even the lower access roads would not be open
for several months. The photo to the left shows the summit of Mt. Fuji
from the highway to Tokyo, while the photo
to the right is a view of
the mountain from a nearby park. The hotel where we stayed was
sandwiched between Mt. Fuji and Lake
Ashi, a body
of water lined with hot spring resorts. The photos below show two
of the popular vessels plying Lake
Ashi. To the bottom left is a three-decker cruise ship. Those with
a yen
(and the yen) for something more
antiquated can tour the lake on a
traditional
Japanese ship, which 
offers
great views of Mt. Fuji. (photo to the
lower right)
