For your travel considerations, give a thought to this: Fujiyoshida, a city located at the base of Mount Fuji, is upgrading the climbing experience for tourists. If you thought climbing Mount Fuji consisted of merely blister rashes and stunning vistas, you are mistaken.
Further along the Yoshida Trail, which is perhaps one of the best access points to the summit of Mount Fuji, there is now a mountain lodge alongside a newly constructed hiking path towards Fuji-san. These advances include internet access which is included on the mountain, a comfy lounge, and food vending outlets that serve northeastern Japan’s most commonly eaten noodle dish. Hikers, there’s something tasty waiting for you!
Need equipment? There’s no need to panik that much. You can also rent hiking and trail running shoes which include proper reserved restrooms. Finally there’s a reprieve from plain nature restrooms!
Here’s a little history lesson: after the construction of the Fuji Subaru Line Tohoku freeway, which goes directly to the 5th station, there has been a marked decrease in the number of people using the first universal leg of the hike, the lower part of the trail. It appears as if people have decided to stop doing warm ups. So the city upgraded this part of the Fuji area to incentivize people to do the less journeyed hiking paths.
They are also looking to launch additional marketing strategies, particularly for the vibrant heritage of the region—ancient shrines, historical landmarks, and other sites of great importance that are connected to Mount Fuji’s spirit.
At the same time, other neighboring areas are starting to heat up as well—some areas have begun to impose hiling fees to manage the influx of tourists and to deter those “rogue” climbers who decide that hiking at two in the morning is a good idea. (Spoiler: It’s not.)
As a whole, Fujiyoshida is reminding tourism enthusiasts that the true journey begins way before the final summit. And now, with better food, better internet connection, bluest of the blue Japanese skies, and centuries-old rooted stories?
So, the next time you plan on climbing Mount Fuji, perhaps think of taking your time and enjoying the view from the bottom. Because more often than not, the beauty lies in the places we choose to overlook.
