New Mt. Fuji Eruption Safety Recommendations

Above, a bullet train (Shinkansen) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time Japan's Mount Fuji erupted was in the early 1700s.

It is still considered an active volcano, just dormant. But that's not stopping Japanese authorities from providing recommendations for public safety in case the mountain decides to erupt.

According to Travel and Tour World:

The Japanese authorities have released new recommendations urging residents to remain indoors in the event of a possible eruption from Mount Fuji. An expert panel has classified ashfall into four distinct levels of severity, advising evacuations for wooden structures experiencing more than 30 cm of ash. The guidelines stress the importance of having emergency provisions for at least seven days, avoiding the use of cars, and effectively managing ash accumulation. Public readiness and awareness are key components of the recommendations.

In light of potential volcanic threats, the Japanese government has issued updated guidelines advising residents to stay indoors if Mount Fuji erupts, causing significant ashfall across the Tokyo metropolitan area. This comes after thorough evaluations by an expert panel assembled by the government. While Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, last erupted over 300 years ago and the likelihood of another eruption is low, these new regulations aim to prepare the public for any unforeseen events.

To read more, go here.

Time Out: Guide To Hakone

Above, a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR to Japan took place. It was sponsored by G-FAN magazine. 60 Godzilla/Daikaiju Eiga fans went on the tour.

One of the stops (an overnighter) was Hakone. The stop included Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and a fireworks show at Lake Kawaguchi.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a guide to Hakone, with the best things to see and do.

They begin with:

The mountainous town of Hakone lies about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious tradition as a hot spring town – its name even appears in Edo-era (1603-1868) rankings of Japan’s best onsen.

But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. It’s got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano, as well as a jaw-dropping view of Mt Fuji on clear days. These are our top picks of things to do and see around the area, from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to posh but relaxed Gora, which is still one of the most in-demand neighbourhoods for moneyed Tokyo folks looking for a second home.

To see the guide, go here. 

Things To Know If Travelling To Japan This Year

Above, the Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer

It is funny how Japan for years clamored for more foreign tourists. Now that foreigners have coming into the country in droves, Japan is deeply concerned with overtourism.

Much of this overtourism is due to the weak yen. This is drawing foreigners as Japan is seen as a huge bargain as a result. One the other side of the coin, the weak yen is keeping Japanese citizens to refrain from foreign travel (Hawaii is a good example).

Condé Nast Traveller has an article on what four things we should expect if one is planning to travel to Japan this year.

They begin with:

Japan is experiencing a serious boom in tourism since the pandemic. With visitor numbers crossing three million in March this year, parts of the country are taking several measures to fight overtourism. Tourists must pay a fee and reserve a spot to hike Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail. The alleys of the geisha district are also out of bounds. Here’s what you need to know if you travel to Japan this season.

To read more, go here. 

Fees and Cap On Mt. Fuji Climbers

Above, a Shinkansen (bullet train) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Yamanashi prefectural government, in an effort to curb over tourism on Mount Fuji, has voted to implement fees and a cap on the number of people climbing the mountain per day.

USA Today reported:

Tourists looking to climb Mount Fuji will now have to pay a 2,000 yen ($13) fee per climber for entry. There will also be a cap of 4,000 visitors allowed to scale the mountain per day.

Likewise, stricter guidelines will be put in place to control the people who do hit the trails, including official guides who will supervise the trails and advise people who are engaging in dangerous or inappropriate behaviors such as sleeping beside the trails or wearing sandals for the hike (a more common problem than you'd think.)

To read more, go here. 

Mount Fuji Is "Screaming" From Too Many Tourists

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that Japan's Mount Fuji has a problem: too many tourists.

Years back, hiking Japan's volcanic symbol was somewhat a rarity. Not so many people hiked it. Today, the mountain is drawing too many people, causing an ecological problem for the mountain and a headache for authorities.

The Straits Times reported:

TOKYO - With its millions of visitors every year and the buses, supply trucks, noodle shops and fridge magnets, Japan’s Mount Fuji is no longer the peaceful pilgrimage site it once was.

Now the authorities have had enough, saying the number of hikers trekking up the world-famous volcano – night and day – is dangerous and an ecological embarrassment.

“Mount Fuji is screaming,” the governor of the local region said last week.

Hailing its religious importance and its inspiration to artists, Unesco in 2013 added the “internationally recognised icon of Japan” to its World Heritage List.

But as has happened in places such as Bruges in Belgium or Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain, the designation has been both a blessing and a curse.

Visitor numbers more than doubled between 2012 and 2019 to 5.1 million, and that is just for Yamanashi prefecture, the main starting point.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Tourism Boom Stirs Accident Jitters

Above, climbers with lanterns climb Mt. Fuji at night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent weeks, accidents at U.S. national parks have been making news. Just last week, a woman fell off a mountain at Grand Teton National Park to her death. There have been other accidents as well.

Concerns over similar accidents by climbers of Japan's Mount Fuji has made the news today.

From Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- As foreign visitors return to Japan in droves for the first summer since 2019, authorities in the country are bracing for another potential surge -- in the number of accidents at tourism magnet Mount Fuji and on the nation's roads.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the estimated number of foreigners who visited the country in June exceeded 2.07 million, more than 16 times the same period last year when arrivals were heavily restricted by travel curbs designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As for Mount Fuji, according to the Ministry of the Environment around 42,000 climbers visited Japan's iconic peak in the first 16 days of July. That represents a jump of 40% from the comparable number four years ago, the last summer before Japan introduced travel restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Though not typically considered a dangerous climb, Mount Fuji can be problematic for some. In a regular year, more than 1,000 visitors get lost during the summer climbing season. Some visitors attempt what's called a "bullet climb" -- going up and down without reserving spaces to stay overnight in mountain huts -- without bringing enough equipment and without proper planning.

To read more, go here. 

What It's Like To Ride Japan's Bullet Trains

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Hikari Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most enjoyable things to experience in Japan is taking a ride on one of their famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens.

I have ridden several of them. including the Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto over the years. It is on this route that Mount Fuji can be seen on clear days.

Monica Humpries took the Hikari to Kyoto and was thrilled with the experience and she writes about it (with plenty of photos) for Insider.

She begins with:

I've had the luxury of sitting underneath glass-dome windows as my Rocky Mountaineer train barreled between Colorado's mountains.

I've peered into a rainforest as a commuter train headed out of Sydney, Australia, and into the bush. 

But nothing could have prepared me for the excitement of riding my first bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If one wants to ride a bullet train with a Japan Rail Pass, they better do it before October 1. The price of rail passes go up that day.

To read more, go here. 

Opposition To Mt. Fuji Railway Plan

Above, a view of Mt. Fuji from a passing Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, our G-TOUR tour group took a bus ride to one of the fifth Stations on the slopes of Mount Fuji in Japan. 

Now, one of the governing prefectures of the mountain is considering building a rail line to a fifth station. This plan is facing stiff opposition as Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is seen as a "sacred mountain" by the Japanese. 

Above, the summit of Mt. Fuji during a stop while en route to a fifth station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported: 

With Thursday marking the 10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji’s designation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, authorities are debating how to curb the number of tourists on Japan’s highest mountain and ease the environmental burden tourists create.

The government of Yamanashi Prefecture, which is located on the northern side of the 3,776-meter peak, is considering building a railway from Mt. Fuji’s foot to the fifth station on the existing Fuji Subaru Line toll road.

Although the prefecture plans to start technical surveys soon, some parties have expressed opposition, arguing that the mountain’s designation as a World Heritage site emphasizes its significance as a “sacred mountain.”

Yamanashi Prefecture is considering running a light rail transit (LRT) system on tracks to be laid on a 28-kilometer section of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road. An LRT is a low trolley with limited noise and shaking.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo's Shinkansen Guide Video

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji while en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that foreigners can travel again to Japan, here's something that will be helpful if one is planning to travel outside of Tokyo to other cities.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted a video guide for using the famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens, while in Japan. 

According to the video posting:

Wondering whether the Shinkansen (that’s the bullet train) might be the best way to get from one part of Japan to another? This a comprehensive guide to taking some of the fastest trains in the world, from speeds to seat reservations, luggage and the Japan rail passes.

Here's the video:

What To Know About Using A Japan Rail Pass

Above, a couple of Japan Rail Passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the perks of being a foreign tourist to Japan is that it allows tourists to use different Japan Rail Passes. Rail Passes allow tourists to explore Japan by rail (including bullet trains) and save money at the same time.

I've used them several times during my eight trips to Japan.

The Travel has posed an article on everything you should know about using Japan Rail Pass.

They start it off with:

Every year, millions of people flock to Japan to witness its marvelous and most iconic attractions, including Mount Fuji, Imperial Tokyo, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, historic Kyoto, the Island Shrine of Itsukushima, and much more. They can use the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto when heading to Mount Fuji or take the subway train to a specific place of interest. The simple fact of experiencing the country’s world-leading railway system is just a unique and quintessential part of a Japan trip.

However, those who want to save a lot of money when using the Japanese transportation system can spend some time learning about the convenient and special Japan Rail Pass. This applies to tourists who plan to save much money when exploring a lot in Japan.

Above, a shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

What You Can See From Japan's Shinkansens

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen arriving at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is one thing visitors to Japan should put their "bucket list" it is taking a train trip aboard one of Japan's famous bullet trains, or Shinkansen.

The first time for me was taking a Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami in 2001. The longest for me was from Tokyo to Fukuoka in Kyushu. 

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are several Japan Rail Passes for foreign visitors available for unlimited use in set numbers of days. Along with Shinkansen trains, rail passes can also be used for JR commuter trains and subways.

If one is considering such a ride aboard a Shinkansen and would like more information, The Travel has posted a detailed article on them, including their history and evolution.

They start it with:

If we can revere technology and the marvel of engineering, Japan triumphs over it. The new needle-nosed bullet train of Japan called "Shinkansen" which literally means "New Trunk Line" or Super Express has garnered a lot of attention.

About Shinkansen

Operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group Companies, this train is recommended for any long-distance, be it between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, Hokkaido to Kagoshima, Shinkansen covers most of Japan. A mesmerizing experience to watch all the coveted destinations of Japan on this journey makes it a more attractive proposition.

The speed of the train is a maximum of 320 km/hour or 199 mph. So, 500 km can be traveled in 2 to 2.5 hours surprisingly. Quite spacious and luxurious, one can relax around and bask in the glory of nature. Also, free Wifi is available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. The train is famous for its speed, reliability, and safety.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's First "Highest Altitude Fireworks Display" At Mount Fuji

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Plans are underway for Japan's "first highest altitude fireworks display" from the lower slopes of Mount Fuji.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - Though fireworks are most commonly associated with summer festivals in Japan, there’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy them year round; and during the colder months when skies are clearer, the colorful displays contrast against the dark of night and appear to shine brighter than ever.

On the 18th of December this year, the lower slopes of Mount Fuji will become the setting for "Japan’s highest altitude fireworks display" when approximately 5,000 fireworks will be launched from the second station of the Fujinomiya trail.

The display will be taking place at Amusement Park Grinpa, which is located at the second station of the Fujinomiya trail (with most hikers starting their Fuji climb from the fifth stations, it’s also a great opportunity to get acquainted with the lesser-visited lower end of the trail).

Seventeen years ago (it hardly seems that long ago), the first G-TOUR had the tour group at Lake Kawaguchi for a fireworks festival. Silhouetted against the night sky was Mount Fuji. It was a display that the tour group never forgot. 

Too bad that tourists won't be able to see this display since the country is closed to foreign visitors. Hopefully, this display will be an annual event after the pandemic ends.

To read more, go here.

Japan Travel Planning: Mount Fuji

Above, Mount Fuji as seen from an Osaka-bound Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With travel to Japan seemingly opening up to those who are vaccinated next month (I'll believe it when I see it), now's the time to study what the country has to offer for vacation planning.

World Atlas has posted information on Japan's tallest mountain peak: Mount Fuji.

They start with:

Rising to an elevation of 3,776.24m, Mount Fuji - also referred to as “Fuji-san” in Japanese, is considered the tallest mountain in Japan. Mount Fuji is situated close to the Pacific coast in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in the heart of the large island of Honshu, about 100km to the southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area. Geologists classify Mount Fuji to be an active stratovolcano, which last erupted from 1707 to 1708. The mountain is considered as the world’s 7th highest mountain peak of an island and Asia’s 2nd highest volcano that is situated on an island. 

To read more, go here. 

Seasons And The Best Time To See Mount Fuji

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Shinkansen train to Osaka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to my last trip to Japan in October 2015, I had visited Japan seven times and during those trips I had not been able to get a clear daytime view of Mount Fuji (whenever I was in its vicinity).

The first time I was able to see it was at night in 2004 while at Lake Kawaguchi for a fireworks festival.

My only time I was able to view it in daylight was during my 2015 trip while taking a Shinkansen train to Osaka.

For those planning to visit Japan and wish to see Japan's most famous mountain, Live Japan has information on the best viewing months so tourists can plan accordingly (once the pandemic is over).

They begin with:

Mount Fuji isn’t always visible from Tokyo and even if you stay for a week, weather and season might have it hide behind clouds the entire time. But for most people, seeing Japan's most famous mountain is at the top of the bucket list. So, to help you plan: when are the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji?

Which season is the best, when is the best time of the day? And how is the weather at Mt. Fuji connected to how it looks? We’ll tell you when to best see Mount Fuji in all its glory from various angles!

To read more, go here. 

Best Discount Train Deals and Passes From Tokyo

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from an Osaka-bound Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Japan finally reopens to foreign visitors, there are deals to be had while in the country.

One of the best deals for foreign tourists are those offered by Japan Rail and other rail companies.

Time Out Tokyo has posted some of the best discount train deals and rail passes for excursions from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Japan’s legendarily efficient train network is a thing of beauty. We love being able to zip around the country on a shinkansen for a weekend getaway, but that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. A trip from Tokyo to Osaka can cost around ¥15,000 one-way.

Thankfully, Japan’s railway companies offer package deals for trips on a budget. Deals can include shinkansen tickets to and from your destination, unlimited public transport once you’re there, and even discounts on local attractions. 

Whether you want to spend a day exploring Tokyo, take a day trip to Nikko, or travel to Osaka for the weekend, be sure to check out these deals before you book your next trip. 

To read more, go here. 

Aerial Tours of Mount Fuji

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gee, it is too bad that none of us can go to Japan at present for a vacation trip, for a domestic airline in Japan has come up with something that sounds interesting and fun.

It's an aerial flight over Mount Fuji.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

SHIZUOKA--As airlines around the world struggle to navigate industry turbulence caused by the pandemic, a regional carrier is getting a lift thanks to one of Japan’s national symbols: Mount Fuji.

While Japan's highest summit remains closed to visitors due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Fuji Dream Airlines Co. is managing rock-solid sales on a sightseeing flight that lets passengers enjoy the view from up above.

The special tour has become so popular that tickets sell out immediately almost every time it starts accepting reservations.

Using a chartered plane that can accommodate about 80 passengers, the flight offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Japan Alps, Kurobe Dam and other landmarks for 60 to 90 minutes.

The flight is attracting attention as a popular form of tourism amid the pandemic, even though the travel plan was first introduced in 2010.

It is a welcome boon in a devastating year for the industry, this airline included.

Fuji Dream Airlines was forced to ground all its flights from late April to mid-May due to the coronavirus outbreak.

To read more, go here. 

Mt. Fuji Gets First Snow Dusting

Above, a bullet train view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This may be seen as a good omen for skiing enthusiasts in Japan. Yes, there are two ski resorts on Mount Fuji.

One of the biggest symbols of Japan, Mount Fuji, got its first dusting of snow.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun: 

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji got its first dusting of snow of the season, the central Japan city of Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture announced on Sept. 21.

According to the city, cooler temperatures prevailing over the four-day long weekend that started on Sept. 19 turned rain that had been falling on the mountain into snow, leaving a light sprinkling of the white stuff near the peak.

 To read more, go here.

Mount Fuji Officially Closes, Barricades Placed

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Shinkansen train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to COVID-19, the governments of Shizuoka and Yamanashi have packed up Mount Fuji and put it into storage for the remainder of the year.

Well, not exactly, but the mountain is now officially closed.

SoraNews 24 reported:

In an ordinary year, we’d be just a few weeks away from the start of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season, with hikers headed up Japan’s tallest mountain to rise above the summer heat and appreciate the country’s natural beauty from a one-of-a-kind vantage point. 

2020 has been anything but ordinary, though, with the coronavirus disrupting just about all aspects of life. So instead of officially opening the mountain to hikers on July 10, as had been the plan, the governments of Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures recently announced that Mt. Fuji (which straddles the border between the two prefectures) will be closed to visitors for the entire summer, and in effect the remainder of the year, since the climbing season was scheduled to end on September 10. 

They’re serious about the restriction, too. This week Yamanashi’s Fujiyoshida City, where the Yoshida Trail (one of the most popular routes to the peak) starts, installed barricades to prevent hikers from making their way up Fuji’s slopes.

 To read more, go here.

Study: Mt. Fuji Ash Would Paralyze Tokyo

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Coronavirus aside, here's something interesting from Japan.

If a major eruption of Mount Fuji should occur, it would paralyze Tokyo in just three hours. This is something that should be considered since several of Japan's volcanoes have erupted over the past several years.

According to News On Japan:

A Japanese government panel says Tokyo would become unable to function as the country's capital in about three hours if a large-scale eruption of Mount Fuji were to occur. 

When Mount Fuji last erupted in December 1707, it spewed ash for more than two weeks. Several centimeters accumulated in the city of Edo, which later became Tokyo. 

The government panel simulated what would happen if an eruption of that scale were to occur today, covering the greater Tokyo area with volcanic ash. 

It found that the ash would likely reach central Tokyo and the neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama just three hours after the eruption.

To read more, go here. 

6 Best Day Trips from Tokyo During the Olympics

Above, a visit to Mount Fuji is at the top of Tokyo Cheapo's list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is unknown to me just how many readers of this blog are planning to attend the Olympics this summer in Tokyo, but the suggestions for some day trips out of Tokyo can apply to all tourists.

Tokyo Cheapo has a list of six best day trips from Tokyo during the Olympics.

They begin it with:

Whether you’re coincidently in town during the Olympics or coming over to cheer on your country, your visit during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is going to be a summer you’ll never forget. While there’s always plenty of excitement buzzing through the streets, sometimes, to recharge, you need to escape the city—even if just for a day. 

Luckily, Tokyo is surrounded by some of the most incredible day-trip opportunities, many of which are available in tidy package deals that not only save time on the organization side, but usually save you money too. From the majestic Mt. Fuji to the verdant valleys of Nikko, the Ghibli Museum to Gunma’s bountiful fruit farms, get out of the city and in touch with a different side of Japan. 

To make your choice easier, here’s a round-up of some of the best day trips you can take during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

To read more, go here.