I've never climbed Mt. Fuji, and maybe I never will (I have no desire to hike in a long line of people!), but I have now climbed ON the famous mountain, and I am very happy that I did!
After visiting the Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Shrine (for luck during our hike), we drove out and up Mt. Fuji. At the 5th stage we parked and met our guide for the hike, Mina Hase, a lovely young woman with a passion for nature. With rain suits provided by Mina, we set out on a nature walk.
The pace was very slow because Mina taught us about fauna, flora, and geology (in excellent English) as we followed the path. This would be a wonderful hike for those with children as it was extremely informative and Mina gives you tasks as you walk (ex. find this color, listen for this sound,...).
Our hike was more side-to-side, than up and down. We made our way through a mysterious forest that contantly changed its appearance. This hike is an easy one, but the reward, viewing the Houei Crater, was much more than we deserved!! Absolutely breathtaking!
As we did not have much time, we walked back the same way we came, and due to contantly changing weather, it seemed like a completely different trail. For those who want to make a day of it, other trails branch out along the edges of the crater - all were very inviting!
I would like to recommend Mina Hase and the Whole Earth Nature School to anyone interested in hiking/exploring the Mt. Fuji area. Not only do they walk to the crater, they also hike to the top of Mt. Fuji, explore lava caves, do night time animal tracking, wasabi field walking, river trekking, and more! They can plan an excursion for serious hikers, beginners, families,... any type of group.
You can also go it alone to the Houei Crater, but be aware that the weather on Mt. Fuji changes radically within minutes. During our hike the fog got so thick we could hardly see. Then, it was gone and we were cooking under the sun. Be very prepared and have some good maps!
You can also go it alone to the Houei Crater, but be aware that the weather on Mt. Fuji changes radically within minutes. During our hike the fog got so thick we could hardly see. Then, it was gone and we were cooking under the sun. Be very prepared and have some good maps!
Whole Earth Nature School http://wens.gr.jp/
165 Shimoyuno, Shibakawa-cho, Fuji-gun, Shizuoka-ken 419-0305
Phone: 054-466-0152
Mina is currently working on a different project, but she can sometimes guide a tour if requested.
For any English language coorespondence, e-mail: kokusai@wens.gr.jp
Mina is currently working on a different project, but she can sometimes guide a tour if requested.
For any English language coorespondence, e-mail: kokusai@wens.gr.jp
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