The home of Mt. Fuji and Shogun "The prefecture that has it all!"
Shizuoka Prefecture strategically located near the centre of Japan counts nearly 4 million diligent, friendly and culturally talented people justifiably proud of their achievements. It produces fully a third of the country's ndustrial shipments thanks to a thriving industrial base ranging from musical instruments to automobiles, it also boasts of world-class companies such as Yamaha Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Located in Japan's approximate geographical centre, Shizuoka Prefecture is perhaps best known as the home of fabled Mt. Fuji.
Foreign tourists are sure to enjoy a gamut of wonderful activities in Shizuoka, from trekking up the mountain to the comforts of the 'ryokan' (traditional hotel) and numerous 'onsen' (hot-springs) in which to relax after an exciting day of activities. Colourful and joyful year-round festivals, spectacular fireworks displays, historic sites, and fascinating museums are all within the boundaries of this particularly fortunate prefecture. No wonder the legendary Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu chose to live in Shizuoka thus stamping it as the unofficial capital of the land during the 17th Century.
Thanks to the benign climate and general wealth, the people of Shizuoka are known for their mild, friendly and open manner. They never fail to greet the foreign visitor with warmth and a heart-felt welcome to the pleasant land that may very well owe much of its good fortune to the 'gods' that keep a benevolent eye from the vantage of mystical Mt. Fuji.
Mt.Fuji - The very symbol of Japan, Landmark of Shizuoka Prefecture -
Mount Fuji, reigns over Shizuoka Prefecture as an omnipresent, powerful and yet benign ruler. The conical shaped volcano last showed a fit of ill-temper in 1708, the last recorded eruption. At 3776 meters it is Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people.
Mt. Fuji view from Susono City: Susono City
Climbing Mt. Fuji - See landscapes of breath-taking beauty from the mountain top -
A well-planned excursion with proper clothing (the top of the mountain is very cold), along with snacks and fluids, taking it easy without undue exertion, relatively fit people of all ages can make it to the top. It is estimated as many as a third of the hikers are foreign tourist anxious to witness for themselves the spectacle and to enjoy the camaraderie on the trail with other like-minded folks, be they Japanese or from far away lands.
Climbing Mt. Fuji
Go-rai-ko - Special viewing of the Rising Sun -
Witnessing the sun rising from beyond the horizon from the top of Mt. Fuji is called 'go-rai-ko'. It's an awe-inspiring and spiritual event, so dramatic it is likely to moisten the eyes of the most jaded of onlookers. In fact, many people are seen unabashedly shedding tears so moved are they by the unfolding scene; a moment of joy and peace, a show of sensitivity in the presence of a moment of perfection.
For this very special treat, viewing the sun majestically rising over the Land of the Rising Sun from the highest possible vantage point, many hikers start on their way a day ahead. Depending on fitness it can take from five to seven hours to reach the summit and two or three hours to descend, all in all a rather arduous day. The effort is rewarded with spectacular scenery and the view at dawn can be a soul-satisfying event never to be forgotten.
Go-rai-ko (possible to see around 4:30am)
When to climb? - The best season for climbing -
The months of July and August are the climbing season. During this period the mountain is usually free of snow, the weather is relatively mild, access by public transportation is easy. From October to May, climbing to the summit is highly perilous due to extreme wind and weather conditions and a high risk of avalanches.
Most people start climbing from the 5th stage (or a newly created 5th stage). The ascent of Mt. Fuji is divided into several stages, Gotemba-guchi trail, Subashiriguchi trail, and Fujinomiya-guchi trail (we suggest the latter trail).
1. FUJINOMIYA-GUCHI
2. GOTENBA-GUCHI
3. SUBASHIRI-GUCHI
It offers the shortest route on foot to the summit, since the new 5th stage is located at 2400 metres elevation. There is a guidance center at the 5th Stage providing information about the mountain, and a first aid center located at the 8th Stage.
With its long volcanic ash slides, this route presents something of a challenge as an ascent and is definitely recommended only for the fittest and experienced walkers.
This is a course anyone of any age or fitness can enjoy, and there are good opportunities for viewing the flora and fauna special to the mountain.
< Access > JR Shin-Fuji Station --- 2 hr 15 min by bus JR Mishima Station --- 1 hr 45 min by bus
< Access > JR Gotenba Station --- 1hr by bus
< Access > JR Gotenba Station --- 45 minutes by bus
< Estimated hiking hours to the top > 4hrs. and 30min.
< Estimated hiking hours to the top > 5hrs.
< Estimated hiking hours to the top > 6hrs. and 20min.
Located in Japan's approximate geographical centre, Shizuoka Prefecture is perhaps best known as the home of fabled Mt. Fuji. 
