Winter in Japan for a Californian may pose some challenges, but for "travel junkies: it is certainly an opportunity we are worth the risk! This particular itinerary involved passing through Tokyo, en route to Atami -- an hour’s ride by Bullet train or Shinkansen, roughly two by regular train --to the famous hot spring resort area south of the city, or what overzealous, knowledgeable office buddies might describe as "the Hampton's of Japan." More dependable travel literature, though, offers the following reassuring information proclaiming Atami's "spectacular night views [that] serves the eastern gateway to the Izu Peninsula." Also highly recommended by A Guide to Shizuoka Prefecture prepared by its Government Tourist Division is Atami Baien, a stunning collection of" 850 plum trees that blossom between late December and early March attract [ing] many visitors"

Despite Atami' s ample charms though, the enthralling attractions of this brisk, little resort town will be left for another issue in favor of still another captivating destination accessible by a little more than a half hour's ride by bus or private car from here: Mt. Fuji. As in all world-famous tourist attractions, nothing really prepares a visitor for the actual experience. Jukokutoge, a convenient local vantage point station that can be reached from Atami has a viewing lodge from which the cable-car ride takes the eager sightseer still higher up to a point where it is boasted by locals. The view at one time included "five countries ruled by feudal lords" and, of course, the majesty of Mt. Fuji.

Undoubtedly, world-renowned Mt. Fuji is Japan's most famous symbol worldwide offered by many "as providing a spiritual basis for the Japanese since ancient times." Tallest of the country's 77 volcanoes, Mt. Fuji rises magnificently on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, the latter one being home to Atami. There is also no disagreement about its height, towering at 12,388 feet above sea level, so named which means "Iofty peerless peak:' The serenity of the now-considered dormant volcano is rivaled only by its celebrated symmetry: an elegant, breathtaking cone generally claimed as a perfect peak. Our previous source proposes another theory provided for the mountain's name; apparently it comes from the Ainu word futchi meaning "fire."

The gentle shape of Mt. Fuji's slopes today was ironically sculptured by heavy volcanic activity that started several thousands of years ago and ended in 1907. Even though, it is considered "a new volcanic mountain by geologic: standards." More precisely that activity began about ten thousand years ago when the lzu peninsula, then an island, rammed against Japan's main island Honshu where Shizuoka in turn is located. Although it has erupted numerous times in the past, its present lovely shape is attributed to a specific eruption that occurred five thousand years ago.

Dramatic climate changes on the mountain make this national treasure even more captivating. These marvels are augmented by an abundance of flora and fauna: "more than 300 types of plants, including alpine varieties, and more than 130 types of birds." The changing of the seasons along with its spectacular views provide a never-ending and compelling allure to mountain climbers all throughout Japan and around the world who converge on Mt. Fuji for the mountain-climbing season during the summer months of July and August. The local attendance alone is placed at 300,000 climbers annually ascending the mountain -- held by the Japanese since antiquity as a sacred peak -- to worship there.

Mt. Fuji, rising above the clouds! Think about it: spectacular in its "snow-covered tranquility in Winter," (Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Division) alluring in spring when cherry blossoms adorn the foot of the mountains, and unforgettable in summer when blooming vermilion azaleas announces its coming, followed by all manner of alpine plants and roses at the height of the season.