It’s hard to find a word or phrase to describe how I felt at my first glance of Mount Fuji…. Maybe awe-struck, surreal and/or humbled. It was like seeing a painting come to life. It felt like Mother Nature showing off just for me. Definitely a moment I’ll never forget! And the reason I love to travel.

Mount Fuji is much more than just a mountain; it is the cultural and spiritual heartbeat of Japan. It is famous for its near-perfect symmetry. It’s exceptionally graceful, conical shape is very rare in nature.

Reaching 12,389 feet high, it is still considered an active volcano, even though it has NOT erupted in over 300 years. Many people have it on their bucket list to climb to the top and watch the sunrise … I only can wish that my legs could carry me that far… and I’m really not into trekking in the snow.

This “perfect” mountain has been said to define the world’s perception of Japanese art. The most famous example is Katsushika Hokusai’s series, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes the legendary Great Wave off Kanagawa. These works significantly influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet during the 19th century.

Mount Fuji‘s Peak, from the 8th Station to the Summit is privately owned by the Fujisan Hindu Sengen Tasha Shinto shrine and protected by UNESCO World Heritage. Despite being private property, the shrine allows public access to the summit for hikers and tourists.

Our lodging here for 2 nights is a Villa at Hoshinoya Fuji Resort, Cabin 503. The view of Mount Fuji is 100% PERFECT …complete with full bloom cherry blossom trees and a lake. We have sat for hours just admiring this stunning peaceful view and taking amazing photos.

The balcony has a little fireplace and a table with a large heated comforter… Perfect for us to curl up under in the cool weather and enjoy our Shabu-Shabu (hot pot dining) and a glass of champagne with fresh strawberries we found at the local market.

The negative might be climbing the 133 steps from our room to the dining hall… (about 30 of those steps without a handrail 😩) which has resulted in room service a couple of times. Bless her heart, Connie went all the way up to the very top of the resort climbing 295 steps only to peer down through the forest and not be able to see Mount Fuji.

Suggestions for travel to Japan …

If you plan to travel by train, please remember to allow time for platform switches to avoid any unnecessary stress😝

Always minimize activities the first day or two and build up to the 15,000+ steps you’ll be doing in an attempt to “see it all” in each area…especially if you’re over 50… and not just referring to age😉

Travel light…3 changes of clothes is plenty. If you need a BIG suitcase (maybe just to bring home souvenirs), you can use their efficient and economic service which is very reliable to forward it to a future hotel and just take a change of clothes in your back pack or carryon for a 1 or 2 night stay in between stops.

Don’t bring American cash. Every place wants yen or credit cards…and some of the great local places in small villages, only take yen. Your ATM card is perfect to get yen when you arrive.

If you’re staying in a hotel, don’t bring an umbrella, shampoo, condition, lotion or hair dryer…they all have really nice stuff for you to use.
Their electricity is 110 and American plugs work everywhere.

Well, time to head back to reality …and our families and friends, whom we always miss after a couple of weeks of exploring.