city TRIP

fujiyoshida

Unique, beautiful, idolized, sung about, described and painted. A 3,776-meter-high, almost symmetrical cone. The Fuji or Fujisan, as the Japanese call it, is probably the symbol of Japan par excellence. A sleeping volcano, an object of worship and a source of artistic inspiration. 

The best way to experience this landmark up close is to come to the small town of Fujiyoshida, the gateway to Mount Fuji. Hope for good weather, get up very early, get on your bike and grab the best spot in Oishi Park for perhaps the most coveted photo of any trip to Japan.

But Fujiyoshida is not only Fuji. The Chureito Pagoda, the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine hidden in the forest, 5 crystal clear, picturesque lakes and the nearby cute village of Oshino Hakkai with its 8 ponds, to name but a few of the other highlights.

Enough reasons, therefore, to take a look away from the mountain, even if it is obviously difficult.

Japan, October 2019. | All words and photos by The Sturgheons.