Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest mountain is Mount Fuji which reaches a height of 3776 meters. It has an almost perfect cone shape and is considered by Japanese as a sacred place. Many people have been awed by the splendor of Mt. Fuji, and it is very evident in the thousands of art work using Mt. Fuji as the main object.
The last time Mt. Fuji erupted was in 1708 which makes it a dormant volcano. On a clear day, you can see it from Tokyo or Yokohama, and it is magnificent!
To get to Mt. Fuji easily, you will need to take a train ride on the Tokaido Line. However, if you are interested in seeing the best view of Mt. Fuji, use the shinkansen and go towards the direction of Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. When you get to Sun-Fuji Station, look out from the right side of the train, and you will witness Mt. Fuji in all its beauty. This view is about 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo.
Onsen
Japan is rich with natural hot springs. In every region of Japan, you will see them. There are many kinds of hot springs which are all beneficial to your health. A hot spring is mainly a natural water form that has water that is warm to hot, and can be very relaxing and soothing to the senses. It’s nature’s own bathtub.
You should consider an overnight stay in one of the hot spring ryokan because this is truly going to be one of your most memorable times in Japan.
Winter Snow Sports
Japan has one of the most beautiful snow resorts in the world. It has been the stage for the Winter Olympics games twice already. There are more than 500 ski resorts, some of which even have the luxury of their very own hot springs.
Some of the more popular ski resorts are found in the northern part of Japan, more specifically, in Tohoku and Hokkaido, as well as in Nagano and Niigata. There are also some one lift resorts that are smaller in size but not in beauty.
Skiing season starts in December and lasts until April of the following year, and even if there is a lot of snow, the temperature is barely below 10 degrees.
The great part about visiting these ski resorts is that you won’t even need to bring any equipment with you. There are skis, boots, and poles for rent which average about 4000 Yen for the complete set.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
A visit to the Imperial Palace is on a first come, first serve basis. It only allows a tour group of 9 persons maximum, and is conducted by the Imperial Household Agency staff. If you are interested in this 50 minute tour, you must check with the tour dates because this particular tour is not an ordinary tour. They have limited tour hours as well as tour days.
Sumo Tournaments
Who hasn’t heard of a sumo wrestler? This is you chance to see one up close since there are 6 annual sumo tournaments in a year. This year, the tournaments will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.
Sumo wrestling is considered an art form in Japan, and more a battle of the mind than of the body.
