Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3776 metres. It's a volcano which last erupted in 1707.


© Chika

If you fancy climbing Mount Fuji, the best time is on a week day during the first two weeks in July. At this time the weather should be fair and you avoid the crowds. You're advised to climb part of the way on your first day and then sleep overnight in one of the mountain huts, rising very early the next morning to reach the summit by around 05:00 for sunrise. It's not supposed to be a really challenging climb but altitude sickness can affect some would be climbers.

If that all sounds a bit too arduous, Mount Fuji is surrounded by five lakes, the most popular of which is Lake Kawaguchi. Relaxing in the hot spring baths by the lake while admiring views of Mount Fuji sounds more alluring to me.