Our community products at Stars and Stripes are geared toward one very important thing: giving you the tools to make the most of your time while stationed in the Pacific we’re going to help you get off base and explore eye-popping day trip or fun festival that really lets you dive into the local culture help you take some baby steps and then set you free with the knowledge that if you ever get lost or are looking for some travel tips one of our magazines or special supplements or click on one of our community websites or Facebook and Instagram pages to get all the free information you seek So how do we compile the thousands of stories that are at your fingertips besides partnering with dozens of outside organizations from around the world And then there’s our team: writers Hyemin Lee (Korea) Takahiro Takiguchi and Luis Samayoa (mainland Japan) and their editor that’s them in the photo on the front page hard at work we go out and experience things first-hand so we can tell you about it during a 5-day gathering at our headquarters in Tokyo page designers and web team could brainstorm story ideas and discuss how to best display and tell the tales of our adventures And it was a week to show Hyemin a little bit of what Japan has to offer on this And what better way to do that than take a day trip and what his tropical paradise-influenced take might be on a mainland excursion a thing or two about getting the most out of a day trip And if you’re visiting Japan for the first time the iconic volcano can be seen from so many places in the mainland so our team decided to work its way around the mountain from afar enjoying the picturesque views of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures Hyemin definitely got a taste of Japanese culture Shoji was able to revisit a trip from decades ago and Luis found out what it’s like to pile into a van and hit the road for 9 hours what they liked and what they would probably skip next time and let our crew tell you about themselves and show you how to enjoy a day of picking tea leaves and sipping green tea wakeup to hop into an OV loaded up with five sleepy colleagues headed to Japan’s iconic Mt or it might sound like fun; for us it was both…even if we didn’t get back until midnight headed northwest to experience the rolling green tea fields of Fujinomiya and crowded sites of Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi but we all got to know each other better and had a great time exploring together Read along and let our travel tales guide you next time you plan to visit the Mt Located in the center of Shizuoka Prefecture on the foothills and lower slopes of Mt Fujinomiya is a scenic city developed as a home to a magnificent Shinto shrine The small city with a population of around 133,000 accommodates a lot of renowned Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples along with beautiful waterfalls and mysterious lakes which boasts the nation’s largest green tea production at 25,200 tons per year Within Fujinomiya you’ll find many farms with sprawling green tea bushes with Mt Fujinomiya offers one of the four trails to start an ascent to Fuji’s peak the area also has many attractions for tourists to enjoy year-round Here are some of the must-see attractions Fujinomiya City has to offer: Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is the head shrine of the nation’s 1,300 Sengen (or Asama) Jinja that enshrines Mt This holy site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the grounds spread beyond the shrine buildings and field in the city Fuji from the Eighth Station up are also included in the shrine grounds Fuji became common and a stop at the 1,216-year-old Shinto shrine was a must to wish for a safe climb check out the magnificent “honden” main hall as it is built in a distinctive “sengen-zukuri” style with a two-story gate tower you will find a large pond called Wakutamaike (literally which pumps out no less than 2.8 tons of spring water every second as its melting snow travels through the aquifer made of layers of lava and volcanic rock before bubbling up from the ground The spring water flows into the Kanda River running through the entire city Only a stone’s throw from the main torii gate of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Omiya Yokocho is a small alley home to dozens of food and souvenir shops Fujinomiya Yakisoba noodles and Fujinomiya Oden hot pot along with free Fuji spring water from a fountain Designated as part of Fuji World Heritage sites Shiraito-no-taki (literally waterfalls of white threads) is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful 100 waterfalls Fuji falls as thin streams that resemble white threads across the 150-meter-wide and 20-meter-high cascade Go down to the base of waterfalls along the short walking trail then you can enjoy the cool and refreshing mist Lake Tanukiko is a tiny and quiet lake known as a nice camping and fishing site you can enjoy the “Diamond Fuji.” This phenomena is when the sun appears to rise out of the Fuji peak in the morning making it appear as though Fuji has a diamond glittering at its peak the Asagiri Plateau is a large pastureland where dozens of dairy farms are situated As the name Asagiri (foggy morning) indicates the high altitude gives the plateau a cool and comfortable summer and the plateau can easily be covered with fog With the nice views of green pastures and majestic Mt the plateau offers one of the most popular hang-gliding and paragliding sites in Japan Drop by Asagiri Kogen road station to sample tasty “milk soft cream,” a soft-serve ice cream freshly made from local dairy Tea-leaf-picking at Yamataka Sakurai Seicha Tea Farm Tea leaf picking and factory tour: 1,000 yen Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka Prefecture offers an impressive view of vast bright green tea fields spreading against the backdrop of the majestic volcano my fellow writers and I stopped to enjoy tea leaf-picking and a facility tour at Yamataka Sakurai Seicha tea farm and led into a greenhouse to learn how to pick the perfect green tea leaf The tea bushes in the greenhouse were short and picking leaves was pretty easy We noticed that there were both light- and dark-hued leaves and Sakurai advised us to pick the lighter ones He said the light green leaves provide a fresher tea leaves can be harvested four times a year in Shizuoka – from April to May around bon season (mid-August) and from September to October the first harvest around April or May is called ‘shincha’ (the first tea of the year) and has the best full-bodied flavor and sweet aroma,” Sakurai said Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its enormous tea production the prefecture produced no less than 25,200 tons of tea or about 36.1 percent of all national tea products (69,800 tons) Shizuoka’s tea is in high demand and is often ranked alongside Saitama Prefecture’s Sayama Tea and Kyoto Prefecture’s Uji Tea as one of the best Shizuoka is blessed with mild temperatures clear water and well-drained soils comprised from Fuji lava making it a suitable place for great-quality tea Sakurai said he and his family have been producing quality tea for over 70 years After filling our basket full of fresh tea leaves we walked through Sakurai’s tea field and went up a hill overlooking the grounds we were able to catch a glimpse of the snowy peak above Our next stop was to check out some of the tea production process at the farm’s factory dried and crushed before being bagged and sold Though we didn’t process the leaves we picked we were able to take them home and attempt to complete the production process on a smaller scale with a pan or microwave Sakurai suggested watching a YouTube video or searching for instructions online to complete the process Sakurai’s wife demonstrated how to brew tea and extract the umami flavors of the premium tea leaves from the farm She showed us the proper way to cool down the water and heat the tea cups before pouring the water over the tea leaves on a small sieve sitting on the teapot opening twice and three times to experience the evolution of flavor The strength and subtle sweet taste is adjusted with the steeping time and water ratio When I sampled changing the flavor of the same tea leaves in several pours I noticed that the first service of tea and the second had a completely different flavor and aroma The second pour was smoother with a milder aroma compared to the sweet and sour richness of the first brew The tea farm also has a small shop where you can buy a variety of tea You can enjoy tea leaf-picking and tea tasting at Yamataka Sakurai Seicha from April to October Fuji World Heritage Center Shizuoka in Fujinomiya City is within a 2.5-hour drive from most military bases in the Kanto Plain and is a great place to learn about the majestic symbol of Japan This stunning building features a comprehensive overview of Mt Fuji’s geological makeup and other interactive exhibits The exterior of the building features a unique modern inverted cone shape with a lattice design made with locally-source cypress wood Although it was a bit cloudy when we visited we saw the V-shaped building clearly reflected on surrounding artificial pond which reminded me of the famous view of “Sakasa Fuji,” or inverted Fuji reflected on a lake the design and exhibits were even more striking than I imagined The museum exhibit path follows a 193-meter spiral slope up five stories where every section features time-lapse videos from each of Mt by walking up the slope and watching the videos Silhouettes of mountain climbers are projected onto the screens and sounds of the wind and footsteps played over speakers to increase the illusion of climbing As the silhouette climbers often stop for breaks and meals visitors can rest and enjoy various exhibits on the third Some of the exhibits feature touch-screen monitors that provide facts about Fuji in Japanese There are exhibits on the animals that live on Mt the aspects of the mountain as an active volcano and the effect it has had on the arts and religion in Japan a theater plays a 15-minute video about the birth of Mt not only have you gained physical achievement but you’ve also attained plenty of knowledge about the majestic mountain there is an observation deck for a view of the real Mt The clouds didn’t allow us to enjoy the view during our visit When I got out of the museum to see the inverted-cone-shaped museum once again I felt the 3,776-meter-high symbol of Japan even closer to me Note: The museum is close to the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Jinja Shinto Shrine and so there is also a large vermillion torii gate at the entrance of the center Japan’s symbol mountain is a 100,000-year-old stratovolcano Located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain with an altitude of 3,776 meters That fact has not stopped over 200,000 yearly visitors seeking to hike up to the top of this iconic volcano during the hiking season from July through September Fuji and the surrounding area are popular destinations for day trips and staycations as well as the Oshino Hakkai (eight ponds) to enjoy beautiful views and crystal-clear water The majestic mountain is not only considered a sacred site but also is a muse for countless artists and writers who have produced masterpieces dedicated to its beauty Fuji and its surrounding area were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed as a “sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.”  Here are some interesting facts about the symbol of the Land of the Rising Sun: Fuji is 3,775.63 meters (12,389 ft) tall; 1,200 square kilometers of footing area (equivalent to Okinawa Island (1,208.29 square kilometers); and about 1,400 cubic kilometers of accumulation (equivalent to 17 years’ worth of tap water usage in Japan (1385.5 cubic kilometers.)  The lowest average temperature of the mountain peak is -18.5 degrees Celsius (-1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and its highest temperature is 6C (42.8F) in August Fuji’s main crater is 780 meters (2,560 feet) in diameter and 240 meters (790 feet) deep A walk around the mountain top along the 3-kilometer trail takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete about 221,000 people hiked the trails to the peak of Mt There are four climbing routes to the mountain peak (available from July to early September.)  Yoshida Route: 7 kilometers (a 6-hour hike) Subashiri Route: 7.5 kilometers (a 7-hour kike) Gotemba Route: 11 kilometers (a 7.5-hour hike) Fujinomiya Route: 5 kilometers (a 5-hour hike) FUJINOMIYA’S YAKISOBA A NOURISHING NOODLE DELIGHT Once we walked through the Fuji World Heritage Center in Fujinomiya our next stop was for lunch at Omiyayokocho a popular food yokocho alley near Sengen Taisha shrine This yokocho is a side street with several booths offering light foods like omusubi (rice balls) I was looking forward to trying this signature local noodle It was on my wish list since it earned the Gold Grand Prix in the B1 Grand Prix 2006 a competition to pick the best local food in the country Near the entrance to the street was an official antenna shop of Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society In addition to classic Fujinomiya yakisoba I chose a large serving of the classic Fujinomiya yakisoba for 800 yen (about $5.33) since this was my first time trying it I wanted to know how the standard one would taste before spicing it up I took a seat at a table in the middle of the yokocho with my coworkers Fuji spring water from a water spout in the center of the dining area and there were many other customers waiting by us I felt fortunate I only waited 10 minutes for my food to arrive I was struck by the exceptional texture of the noodles It was a textbook example of “mochi mochi men,” meaning pleasantly sticky and chewy noodles It was fun to chomp on the noodles served with cabbage and green onion Although the taste of its sauce was on the modest side dried pork fat and red-pickled ginger had me hooked The sardine powder was especially working its magic on the flavor Fuji’s fresh spring water felt like a luxury without spending too much Fujinomiya Yakisoba is arguably one of the most famous pan-fried noodles in Japan Its origin dates to right around the time when flour became available after World War II thanks to Government Appropriation for Relief in Occupied Areas (GARIOA) It was a favorite among women who worked for yarn-making factories This is a signature food of Namie Cho (town) in Fukushima Prefecture Its recipe is believed to have been invented about 50 years ago to satisfy laborers with hearty meals It typically features noodles three times thicker than regular ones Considered one of the three major yakisoba along with Fujinomiya and Yokote yakisoba this type of pan-fried noodles is unique to Ota City in Gunma Prefecture Although there is no strict definition of what Ota Yakisoba is it is often recognized as “kuroi yakisoba” (black pan-fried noodles) because of its dark-colored sauce Ota Tourist Association notes that it arguably has its origin in Yokote Yakisoba which was introduced thanks to laborers from Akiba Prefecture This is a type of pan-fried noodle unique to Akita Prefecture Known for its thick and straight noodles with a square profile Yokote Yakisoba is typically topped with an egg sunny-side up and soy-sauce-pickled vegetables Recognized as a unique recipe of Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture Sechiyaki looks almost exactly like okonomiyaki The difference is the noodles are grouped and coated with egg without using flour The name is thought to be derived from the word “sechigau,” which means to “make a mess” or “bully” in Gobo dialect there was Omiya Yokocho Puku-Ichi advertising a super cool Mt Fuji shaped ice cream for 450 yen (about $2.93) I was first in line and immediately asked for the bright blue ice cream topped with a white scoop to look like Mt I was a bit disappointed with a lackluster clear cup with blue and white ice cream that did not resemble Mt To this day I can’t even recall the flavor of the ice cream Imagine my shock when Denisse walked over to the shop ordered and received the very ice cream I wanted but didn’t get I looked at her in envy as she licked away at her Mt It was like I was a kid who got regular chicken nuggets when everyone else got dinosaur-shaped ones Not yet confident in my Japanese language skills to ask the staff to correct my order SHIZUOKA HAMBURG CHAIN SAWAYAKA WORTH THE WAIT   On our way back from Fujinomiya and Fujiyoshida we swung by sumiyaki (charcoal grill) restaurant Sawayaka Learning that this chain is popular for hamburger steaks and that it is limited to Shizuoka Prefecture for quality control I was especially looking forward to trying their signature menu items with funny names like “genkotsu (knuckle)” and “onigiri (rice ball).”  we learned that we would need to wait 70 minutes and many customers were waiting at the door Although my initial instinct was just to drop the plan and go back to Tokyo some folks in my group were adamant that we should stick to our original plan we were able to check on the remaining time to wait on smartphones When we were finally back at the restaurant and guided to a table I could not wait any longer to place an order Sawayaka’s menu offered many options for hamburger steak like “tedzukuri (hand-cooked),” “cheese,” “yokubari (greedy),” in addition to those mentioned above I just went with the first one on the list which happened to be “genkotsu” (1,250 yen I was too tired and hungry to give any more consideration but to couple it with an A set (rice and a drink for 517 yen more) The restaurant’s interior was warmly lit and comfortable a server asked me to hold up a paper placemat I followed the instructions not knowing what it was for meat juice began gushing out and sizzling against the placemat The table mat could have served as a drool bib as well One bite was more than enough to get hooked the hamburger steak tasted exceptionally sweet and soft which has been loved by the people of Shizuoka for almost 50 years not only tasted good but also made even a first-time customer like me feel nostalgic as well We had more than one hour drive back to Tokyo I was glad I got to try Sawayaka’s hamburger steak I will say with confidence that no trip to Shizuoka would be complete without a stop at a Sawayaka for a generous Sumiyaki Restaurant Sawayaka (Gotemba Interchange branch)  and holidays) *Subject to change during New Year’s holidays *Numbered tickets issued starting at 9:30 a.m Yamanashi Prefecture’s Fuji Five Lakes are home to impressive landscapes including a great view of Mount Fuji Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular and busiest The lake is surrounded by many hotels and activities for visitors in the summer for the fragrant lavender and in the fall for the colorful foliage Don’t forget to sample (or cook) the local dish hotou This miso-based broth soup features flat and thick noodles and chunks of hearty local vegetables like pumpkin Below is only a sample of all the beautiful spots to see while you’re in Yamanashi military bases in the Kanto Plain; 30-minute drive from Camp Fuji.) ENJOY TRADITIONAL INDIGO-DYEING NEAR SCENIC FUJI LAKE offers a hands-on Aizome Japanese indigo-dyeing experience Aizome indigo dyeing is one of the traditional crafts that has captivated Japanese culture for centuries When I visited the tiny wooden studio to join a beginner-friendly an instructor welcomed me and showed me dozens of samples of dyed T-shirts saying I could dye virtually any type of clothing I chose and to use different shibori tie-dyeing techniques to produce a unique product of my own techniques and indigo liquids were available at the studio I decided to dye a T-shirt using the so-called “murakumo (cluster of clouds) shibori” tie-dyeing method with lighter-hued indigo liquid The instructor brought me a plain white T-shirt and asked me to wet it with tap water before spreading it on the table to apply the murakumo shibori When I spread out the wet T-shirt on the table the instructor demonstrated the murakumo shibori She crumpled the wet shirt and made countless wrinkles with her hands then crunched it with all her strength into a small cylinder shape only the surface of the cylinder-shaped shirt can be contacted and dyed blue in the tank and the other part of the shirt remains undyed in white,” the instructor said Following her instruction and with her aid I tried to do the same and finally crunched my T-shirt into a cylinder shape then firmly tied it up at the three points with linen strings After confirming the T-shirt was firmly tied up the instructor allowed me to dip it into a large tank of light-hued indigo liquid I kept holding the shirt while swinging it in the tank to apply the liquid to the entire shirt for a couple of minutes until the instructor asked me to remove it I was so excited when I spread it out and saw the shirt was perfectly dyed and adorned with deep blue hues and intricate patterns indigo liquid oxidizes when it is exposed to oxygen and percolates the fabric I rinsed out the excess indigo dye and set my shirt out to hand dry “There are no failures in the art of Aizome indigo-dying and your T-shirt looks beautiful with your own patterns and hues,” the instructor said while looking at the freshly dyed T-shirt I was glad that a clumsy person like me could dye a whole T-shirt so easily The success of my first attempt led me to making a second shirt for my wife this time using the tsutsumaki (wrapping with a pipe) shibori pattern Both shirts came out great and the hour-long workshop was a good way to get a hands-on experience with this vibrant Japanese craft HEARTY HOTOU: GETTING REACQUAINTED WITH YAMANASHI’S SIGNATURE NOODLES Hotou is a hot pot noodle dish unique to Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185) I encountered this local dish when I traveled around Mt We fell in love with the delicious noodles and it became our family tradition to cook it in our own way when I learned there was a hotou workshop on how to make it I knew I had to take it and learn the authentic recipe I was looking forward to learning everything from kneading noodles to making the broth a small restaurant about a 10-minute drive from Lake Kawaguchi and I sat in the tatami room of Fujiya to go over the recipe “It takes only flour and water to make hotou noodles while all-purpose flour is common for home cooking,” Muira said adding that the noodles I would be making in the class were meant to have a relatively hard texture The first step was to mix 100 grams of flour and 50 cc of water I quickly moved my hand in a circle until a dough started to form kneading fast and strong was key to getting it right The next step was to spread the dough on a thin sheet with a rolling pin “The dough will be stretched into a circle or an oval,” Miura said just keep on pressing on the same surface.” I tried my best to form a perfect circle of dough as if forming the base of a pizza The final step was to slice it into noodles I was supposed to fold the dough in three and slice it I was concerned about the unusual shape of my dough “The edge of the dough may result in an oddly shaped noodle but it will taste especially great,” she said it was time to let my noodles bathe in miso-based broth along with squash it was finally time to try the final product The gentle taste of the broth went very well with the chewy noodles and veggies Enjoying the hotou brought back memories of my first encounter 15 years ago Off to the side on my table were six small jars of Yamanashi Prefecture’s signature seasoning These spicy seasonings included togarashi (chili) powder magma and shibikara (electrifyingly spicy) One spoonful of miso soup sprinkled with the basic suridane later The red chili powder paired with bonito flakes and many more spices created a complex taste that is hard to describe I ended up trying all the types of suridane making my soup super red hot and so delicious I couldn’t stop sampling the suradane with the remaining broth I am sure I was sweating like the guests on the YouTube show “Hot Ones.” However who sweat and start swearing once they can’t eat their spicy wings anymore suridane somehow made me smile and want to keep eating more I could score a bottle of suridane as a souvenir to try at home I spent about an hour and a half at Fujiya working on the hotou The pace of the workshop was partially self-led so if you’re looking for a class where the instructor is guiding you every step Although the focus of the workshop was mostly on the noodles and not the broth I still enjoyed the process and working on it at my own speed hotou dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185) and originated in Yamanashi Prefecture Houtou was a staple in the mountainous areas of the prefecture since it was difficult to cultivate rice there The recipe was valued as it didn’t take long to cook and the noodle dish went very well with vegetables and meats Making the thick noodles in broth was even an important skill for women to learn in preparation for marriage As for why the noodle dish is called “hotou,” one theory suggests that the name was after Lord Takeda Shingen (1521 – 1573) cut ingredients with his “hotou” (treasured sword) This spicy and versatile condiment appeared in the Fujiyoshida area during the Edo Era (1603-1868) BE PREPARED FOR CROWDS AT OSHINO HAKKAI’S PRIZED PONDS Oshino Hakkai in Yamanashi Prefecture is known for its ponds The ponds’ water is fed from snow melted from Mt it is filtered through porous lava layers underground creating crystal-clear pure spring water we can drink from a thatched-roof house and crystal-clear ponds It looked amazing online with vibrant colors and not too many people But one thing I have learned about Japan since living here is how overhyped the expectations are compared to reality I saw a beautiful reflection of the old house and Mt I immediately saw tour groups in the gift shops by the second pond It was very crowded even though it was late afternoon the workshops and the museum were already closed I visited the gift shops first to browse around and get a feel for the place ranging from magnets and photos to even alcohol it’s a cool place to find unique gifts from the region They also had a small soft serve ice cream shop inside I decided to go with vanilla since I already had so many sugary snacks during the trip I watched in amusement as people took selfies they have a small water fountain where you can get a taste of Mt Denisse managed to fill a bottle of water up while Mr I also noticed fish swimming in some of the ponds it was a very peaceful place to stop by and browse the waters are not as blue as online and it was crowded My expectation was cyan blue waters and a beautiful orange sunset sky but all I got was clear waters and average lighting it was a nice place to visit if you’re nearby or planning a trip FUJI AND MORE AT OISHI PARK AND KAWAGUCHIKO NATURAL LIVING CENTER sometimes things don’t always go according to plan Originally Denisse and I planned to mountain bike near Fuji but commute time and lunch cut our activity time short With the other writers off to experience some local activities we headed to Oishi Park at the edge of Lake Kawaguchi for the stunning views and sprawling garden the first thing that caught my attention was the beautiful lake and Tourists were trying to get the perfect photo along the garden’s many pathways The garden at Oishi Park featured hundreds of roses of many different varieties There were also bunches of lavender just days away from blooming A gazebo covered in vines and roses was a central point in the garden and a stunning frame for Mt A walk around the park only took about 15 minutes and inside the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is a souvenir shop and a classroom for cooking and craft workshops there are also vendors selling snacks and local produce it sells soft serve ice cream cones in flavors like grape We decided a walk along the garden earned us another ice cream break I was very excited to try the ice cream here and did not let the disappointment of the Fuji ice cream from earlier discourage me from getting one at Oishi Park I had my mind set on a matcha-peach swirl soft serve cone for 500 yen except for the lavender one since that reminds me of laundry detergent unphased by the possibility of soapy ice cream The delicious matcha soft serve fused well with the juicy peach flavor Denisse liked her ice cream and said it wasn’t soapy at all — I had to take her word on it our cones both looked as advertised and the treats were only made better by the view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt If you don’t mind the crowds and waiting in line for the interesting floral flavors Oishi Park and its stunning surroundings are worth a visit Payments: They accept yen and credit cards KITAGUCHIHONGU FUJI SENGEN JINJA A BOUNDARY BETWEEN MOUNT’S HOLY GROUNDS The Land of the Rising Sun is home to 81,000 Shinto shrines outnumbering it’s the nearly 50,000 convenience stores Shinto is Japan’s indigenous animistic religious practice in which spirits of nature Shrines are considered houses for those gods You may have already visited some popular shrines like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo large torii gates and unique architecture create the perfect back drop for great travel photos Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengen Jinja by Lake Kawaguchi is one of the nation’s largest forest shrines spanning 99,000-square-meters Ditch the crowds to this quiet place tucked into a corner of Fuji’s surrounding landscape reconnect with nature and experience its unworldly calm towering cedar trees and stoic stone lanterns leading up to the shrine were overwhelming The shrine is one of those dedicated to Mt as “sengen” is related to Shinto animistic worship to it and other majestic volcanoes Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengen Jinja was constructed in the year 788 but its torii gate was there long before as a symbol of the boundary between Fuji’s holy grounds and the secular world I bowed once before the large torii gate and passed through it on the side yielding to the deity who is supposed to walk through the torii in the center The shrine is home to very large cedar trees which were said to be upwards of 1,000 years old The sprawling grounds of the shrine contain many buildings including two housing guardian deity statues a stage for Kagura (a sacred Shinto performance) a main shrine hall and a temizusha fountain sheltered by a 300-year-old wooden building I purified myself at the temizusha fountain by taking a ladle with water and rinsing both hands and mouth before walking up to the impressive main shrine hall where I prayed for a successful trip with my coworkers bowing once and tossing a coin into the offering box bowing deeply twice and clapping my hands twice was a torii gate marking the start of the Yoshida Trail that There were about 10 tiny red shrines lined up along the path on one side and red banners donated by worshippers along the left Climbers who start at this trail stop at the shrine to purify their body and mind before making the steep climb to the top also has a similar trail entrance at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine for those using the Fujinomiya Trail to make the journey up Although I didn’t pass through the torii gate and walk any further I enjoyed taking deep breaths to inhale the extremely refreshing air there reminding me of the countless pilgrims who dropped by the shrine to offer their prayers for thousands of years DON’T MISS THE TASTY ICE CREAM WHILE TRAVELING JAPAN I’ve been in Japan a long time – nearly a decade I know a thing or two about traveling around the country No matter where you go or what tourist trap you find yourself in around this beautiful country you’re sure to find some interesting desserts and when I saw the Fuji ice cream for 450 yen (about $2.93) at Fujinomiya’s Omiya Yokocho food alley I’m not sure what Luis did wrong when ordering at the Puku-Ichi counter but I pointed at the picture and the lady had my Fuji cone in my hand in seconds which tastes sort of like a mix of cream soda and lemonade but the ice cream was more for a visual delight than a tasty one but my writer with the sad cup of ice cream sitting next to me shooting daggers my way could’ve had something to do with it the Fuji cone is cute and not so expensive for a novelty item o’er on the other side of Fuji at Oishi Park next to Kawaguchiko I made sure to grab a lavender-rose swirl soft serve for 500 yen — a risky choice that could’ve easily been a laundry detergent disaster I was pleasantly surprised that both lavender and rose could taste so sweet and creamy Luis was happy with his matcha-peach swirl soft serve so I was not on the receiving end of the ice cream envy Though I wanted to partake in another unique flavor of ice cream in the area during this trip trying some of the weird and interesting flavors of ice cream I’ve found while traveling around Japan is a fun and tasty experience I really recommend Maybe you’re not brave enough for the floral flavors just know there is something for everyone at the many ice cream stands you’ll find in Japan Read now > Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more. In 2013, Mt. Fuji was granted UNESCO World Heritage status as it has ‘inspired artists and poets and been the object of pilgrimage for centuries.’ The inspirational nature of the mountain also lies at the heart of our engineering design for Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre in Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture.  One of the highlights of the centre is the funnel-shaped structure which contains a 193m spiral slope where visitors can undergo a simulated experience of ascending Japan’s tallest mountain.  Realising the funnel-shaped structure is particularly challenging due to the high seismicity of the region. With a base diameter of 10m and rises to a height of 14m while unfurling to an ellipse with a maximum diameter of 46m to support the expansive roof surface, it is an integral part of the global structural system for the scheme to work structurally as well as architecturally.  Our structural engineer designed this structure, composed of an efficient system of steel lattices, as the primary structure that bears the gravity loads and resists the seismic forces for the entire volume, while the central core, spiral slope and the steel props all provide additional stability. Arup also coordinated closely with the contractor and steel fabricator to determine appropriate construction sequencing and methods to maintain a degree of precision.  The region around the building site is well known for an abundance of natural spring water from the rain and snow cascading down from Mt. Fuji. Our early stage research found that the spring water maintains a temperature of 15°C all year around. By effectively utilising the temperature potential of the spring water in the heating and cooling systems within the facility, we managed to reduce the energy consumption by 20%.  The utilised spring water is further used as service water for flushing and watering plants. Further overflow of the spring water feeds into the water feature for reflecting the iconic ‘inverted’ Mt. Fuji structure.  Funnel-shaped structure with a 46m diameter, 14m height, and 10m base designed to resist seismic forces using steel lattices and coordinated construction Spring water from Mt. Fuji, at 15°C year-round, reduced energy use by 20%, supported heating, cooling, flushing, plant watering, and reflected the 'inverted' Mt. Fuji structure If you'd like to speak to one of our arts and culture experts then please get in touch by completing the form. La aeronave desapareció el 8 de marzo de 2014 Chinese national was first rescued by helicopter while on the Fujinomiya trail I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Chinese national had to be rescued twice in one week from Mount Fuji after he returned to the mountain peak to collect his phone The 27-year-old student living in Japan was rescued for the first time on Tuesday by a helicopter while on the Fujinomiya trail, about 3,000m above sea level on the mountain's Shizuoka Prefecture side The student climbed Japan's tallest peak in the off-season and was unable to descend the trail after he lost his crampons the device that is attached to the bottom of climbing shoes The student returned to the mountain days later to recover his belongings that he left behind, including his phone, Kyodo News reported. Police said they received a call from another climber at around 12.50pm on Saturday informing them of the student suffering from altitude sickness The Shizuoka prefectural police's mountain rescue officers found the student on the 8th station and brought him back to the 5th station on a stretcher He was then handed over to the fire department Climbers are discouraged from hiking Mount Fuji during the off-season due to the risk of death or injury from harsh conditions The climbing season traditionally begins from 1 July and stretches up to September with over 200,000 hikers attempting the summit annually Japan’s iconic mountain has seen a surge in tourists in recent years, sparking concerns over overcrowding, pollution, and disruptive behaviour by tourists. Japan in March announced it will introduce a ¥4,000 (£20) entry fee for all four main trails of Mount Fuji starting this summer. Earlier, only the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture had a ¥2,000 (£10) fee. Now, Shizuoka prefecture will also charge for its three trails, which were previously free. Shizuoka is home to three of Mount Fuji’s four main climbing trails – Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba. According to the World History Encyclopaedia, dreaming of Mount Fuji is considered a sign of good fortune in Japan. Beyond the shrines on the mountain itself, more than 13,000 shrines across Japan are reported to be dedicated to Mount Fuji. Many feature small-scale replicas of the mountain, allowing those unable to climb the real peak to make a symbolic pilgrimage. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Kavre March 23: Mandandeupur municipality of Kavrepalanchowk district has established sisterly relations with Fujinomiya city of Japan.      the two cities now have agreed to exchange issues related to agriculture social and cultural activities.      A team led by Fujinomiya Mayor Hidetada Sudo made a formal announcement to this effect after an official visit to Mandandeupur municipality today.      Tok Bahadur Waiba and Sudo signed and exchanged the agreement by organizing the second special session of the municipal assembly-2081 BS.      has made special coordination to that end" The mayor described it a matter of pride that the developed nation Japan has established sisterly relations with the city hoping it would lead to further progress in the exchange of agriculture educational and cultural activities here.      "The relationship would prove to be a milestone in the development of Mandandeupur as Japan has been providing abundant support to Nepal's efforts for development in the past as well" Sudo termed the beginning of relations between the two cities as historic and expressed the belief that it would further highlight various dimensions of the two cities in the days to come.      "Now the relations between our two cities will continue to deepen," he said A team of people's representatives from Mandandeupur signed a sisterhood agreement with Fujinomiya municipality during its visit to Japan in the third week of last January.(RSS) Phone : +977-1-4222921 Email : risingnepaldaily@gmail.com Acting Editor-in-Chief(Print) : Bhimsen Thapaliya Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Despite an overall decrease in Mount Fuji climbers this summer Shizuoka Prefecture has reported a significant increase in visitors to its three climbing routes Subashiri and Gotenba trails in the prefecture saw a combined total of 89,459 climbers a 6.4 percent increase from the previous summer This also marked a 4.4 percent increase from the summer of 2019 exceeding pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels for the first time the total number of climbers on the mountain dropped 7.7 percent to 204,316 compared to the previous year This decline is believed to be due to the newly introduced daily access limit and fee at the Yoshida trail in Yamanashi Prefecture the most popular route taken by over half of all Mount Fuji climbers The Yoshida trail opened for the season on July 1 while the three trails in Shizuoka opened nine days later the Yoshida trail experienced a 16.3 percent decrease in climbers compared to the previous year This marks a 23.4 percent decline from 2019 the Fujinomiya trail saw a 7.4 percent increase while the Subashiri trail experienced a substantial 19.8 percent increase with 22,830 climbers the Gotenba trail counted a 13.4 percent decrease to 13,411 possibly attributable to a 12-day malfunction of the infrared sensor used to count climbers As the number of climbers on the Shizuoka routes surged so did the revenue generated by donations from visitors Prefectural officials ask climbers to pay a voluntary conservation fee of 1,000 yen ($6.90) a record 74.3 percent of climbers paid the fee generating the largest amount ever at 66.41 million yen an increase of 5.1 million yen from last year The prefecture plans to introduce daily access restrictions and mandatory fees on its three routes next summer similar to those implemented on the Yoshida trail Mount Fuji’s Yoshida trail may cost more to climb next year Shizuoka to tighten safety rules on Mount Fuji climbers Yamanashi to cap Mount Fuji climbers at 4,000 per day Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka Prefecture offers an impressive view of vast bright green tea fields spreading against the backdrop of the majestic mountain We were greeted by owner Yutaka Sakurai and led into a greenhouse to learn how to pick the perfect green tea leaf The tea bushes in the greenhouse were short We noticed that there were both light and dark-hued leaves and Sakurai advised us to pick the lighter ones He said the light green leaves produce a fresher the prefecture produced no less than 25,200 tons of tea or about 36.1 percent of Japan’s tea products (69,800 tons) Shizuoka’s tea is in high demand and often ranked alongside Saitama Prefecture’s Sayama Tea and Kyoto Prefecture’s Uji Tea as one of the best clear water and well-drained soil comprised from Fuji lava making it a suitable place for quality tea Sakurai said he and his family have been producing quality tea for three generations and more than 70 years After filling out baskets with fresh tea leaves Our next stop was to check out the tea production process at the farm’s factory Sakurai’s wife demonstrated how to brew tea and extract the umami flavors of the farm’s premium tea leaves She showed us the proper way to cool down the water and heat the teacups before pouring the water over the tea leaves on a small sieve sitting on the teapot opening The strength and subtle sweet taste are adjusted with the steeping time and water ratio When I sampled the changing flavor of the same tea leaves in several pours Yamataka Sakurai Seicha (Tea Farm and Factory) Tea leaf picking and factory tour: 1,000 yen Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan the climbing routes on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mount Fuji opened Climbers can now access the summit via the Subashiri The Yoshida trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side opened on July 1 The climbing season for all trails will end on September 10 Shizuoka Prefecture has introduced an online registration system requiring climbers to pre-register or climbing through the night without resting and to encourage better adherence to climbing etiquette The system requires climbers to submit their climbing plans and indicate whether they will stay overnight in a mountain hut Those who have not pre-registered must receive a briefing on the rules at each trailhead (the 5th station of each trail) climbers who have not reserved a mountain hut will be requested to refrain from climbing after 4 pm As of July 9, approximately 24,000 people have registered. The prefecture has not set a limit on the number of climbers. According to Shizuoka Prefecture, the number of climbers on the prefecture side in 2023 was 84,086, almost as many as the pre-pandemic level of 85,677 in 2019. Due to factors such as the weak yen a further increase in inbound visitors is expected this year (Read the article in Japanese.) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Japan Mayor Hidetada Sudō and other Fujinomiya delegates presented an art gift to Santa Monica Sister City Association President Jeffrey Jarow and Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete at Santa Monica City Hall A celebration of culture and community typically half a world away from Santa Monica residents took place this past week. In its first visit since 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic, a delegation from Fujinomiya, Japan, came to Santa Monica as part of the ongoing Sister City relationship between the two locations The Santa Monica Sister City Association acts as a liaison between the city and its international partners such as Fujinomiya as well as the cities of Kizugawa Greeted at the Santa Monica Airport with signage celebrating their arrival the 25-member delegation traversed Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area during its stay including a trip to Universal Studios despite the less-than-favorable weather conditions at the time the delegation (including Fujinomiya Mayor Hidetada Sudō) visited the Soka Gakkai International-USA World Peace Ikeda Auditorium the Le Méridien Delfina hotel and Santa Monica City Hall the delegation and various Santa Monica officials took part in a traditional exchanging of gifts with Santa Monica Sister City Association President Jeffrey Jarow complimenting the Fujinomiya gift presentation by saying the wrapping looked like it was "done by machine." City officials received gifts such as artwork and a copy of Akira Isonisi’s book "Fuji from the Sky," while the Japanese delegation received tidings from the City’s Travel and Tourism Department and the Santa Monica Police Department One of the gifts from the City was a neon version of the famous Santa Monica Yacht Harbor signage showing his respect to Sudō and his delegation’s long-term commitment to the Sister City program because he respects me for being a head of this," Jarow said of the mayor Other Santa Monica dignitaries at the City Hall visit included Santa Monica City Manager David White Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Superintendent Dr Antonio Shelton and Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete who added that she is "grateful" for the visit and the enduring sharing of culture between the cities The sharing of culture goes both ways, as local residents have visited Fujinomiya including for a 2015 girls’ soccer tournament the Santa Monica delegation was taken to several tourist attractions The two cities have also continued to partner through student exchange programs another endeavor that meets the statement of the Sister Cities International network created in the 1950s and it works because people love the exchange," Jarow added Another sister city visit is on the horizon with a delegation from Hamm in the weeks before the summer homestay exchange program gets underway thomas@smdp.com SHIZUOKA--Three hikers died on Mount Fuji in the two days after climbing trails opened on the Shizuoka Prefecture side A male climber was found collapsed after 2 p.m on July 10 on the Fujinomiya trail near the 3,776-meter summit is believed to have fallen from a rocky slope near the mountaintop was found motionless at the original seventh station on the same trail the following day at around 4:30 a.m a hiker was discovered slumped over between the eighth station and the summit at 5:10 p.m The Yoshida trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of the mountain opened on July 1 (This article was written by Hisashi Homma and Tomoko Adachi.) Kumamoto village flooded again; 2 die in Nagasaki slide Dugongs likely inhabit broad areas around Ryukyu Islands Two larger-than-life heroes and their allies are brought together by the hand of fate or perhaps something more sinister as they embark on adventure so big it spans the Pacific Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches January 26 Pre-order now to get the Hero's Booster & Special Job Set to level up faster and get two new jobs Although it was a bit cloudy when I visited I saw the V-shaped building clearly reflected on surrounding artificial pond visitors can rest enjoy various exhibits on the third The clouds didn’t allow me to enjoy the view during my visit A study conducted by the Ministry of the Environment found that during the 2021 climbing season (July 1 to September 10) 78,548 climbers passed the eighth station of Mount Fuji This total is just a third of the 235,646 climbers in 2019 (in 2020 all four trails on Mount Fuji were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic) seems to have been the result of the restricted capacity of mountain lodges as well as the inclement August weather and the tendency for climbers to stay at home during the pandemic the ministry installed infrared counters near the eighth station of each of the four trails (Yoshida and Fujinomiya) to record the number of climbers followed by 11,409 on the Fujinomiya trail The figures for the Fujinomiya and Gotenba trails may not be fully accurate since the counters malfunctioned on some days but in any case the overall number of climbers was extremely low compared to the yearly average since 2011 of over 200,000 climbers According to a climber counter set up by the city of Fujinomiya (Shizuoka Prefecture) at the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail the number of climbers that were not counted by the ministry totaled 12,009 Data on individual days reveals that the highest number of climbers was 4,563 on August 28 The daily average for weekends and holidays was 1,843 while the average for regular weekdays was 1,007 Created by Nippon.com based on data from the Ministry of the Environment The time of day for climbing the mountain varied greatly with many passing through the eighth station between 9 and 11 am It is assumed that those arriving at the peak in the morning are mainly day-trip climbers while those arriving in the evening stay at one of the mountain lodges above the eighth station and those arriving around midnight intend to watch the sunrise from the summit Banner photo: Climbers view a sunrise from atop Mount Fuji on July 19 If visitors to Japan have been to Mount Fuji But Mount Fuji — which last year was included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites — actually straddles two prefectures (i.e. an area under the radar to American travelers that provides an alternate way to view Mount Fuji — one arguably more scenic less touristy and more affordable than Hakone “which reflect the essence of Fujisan’s sacred and artistic landscape,” were jointly included on the UNESCO World Heritage listing and many of these sites are located in Shizuoka Prefecture offers an excellent starting point for visitors wanting to take a closer look at Japan’s most famous mountain Hongu Sengen Taisha ShrineFujinomiya is home to the most famous shrine in the region which was built in 806 AD and recently celebrated its 1,200th anniversary one of the designated sites in Mount Fuji’s UNESCO inclusion is the head location of the more than 1,300 shrines that make up the Sengen sect the enshrined deity — who is said to be the protectorate of ocean voyages farmers and safe childbirth — attracts a large following The shrine’s gorgeous grounds are home to more than 300 cherry blossom trees planted to honor the deity who has the nickname “Princess of Flowering Trees.” Climb Mount FujiFujinomiya’s proximity to Mount Fuji means that is the perfect jumping-off point for travelers wishing to climb the mountain Of the five total routes to Mount Fuji’s summit the Fujinomiya-guchi route is the shortest way to the top The 5-kilometer route takes four to seven hours to ascend and another three hours for the return trip Attractions at the summit include the Sengen Taisha Okumiya Shrine a branch of the Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Shiraito FallsBecause of the large amount of snowmelt from Fuji’s summit Fujinomiya is home to a large number of natural ponds The most famous waterfall in the area is Shiraito Falls which rises approximately 65 feet high and stretches nearly 600 feet across Shiraito was listed among Japan’s “Top 100 Waterfalls” by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment If visiting Japan’s Mount Fuji from the city of Fujinomiya The view of Mount Fuji and Fujinomiya from Ryokan Tachibana a traditional inn with 20 luxury guestrooms and an outdoor hot springs but now offers a theme park-style list of activities Guests at Makaino Farm can choose from a variety of onsite dining locations SkyAsagiriAdventure enthusiasts will enjoy jumping off a summit directly in front of Mount Fuji on the paragliding experience offered by SkyAsagiri Skilled paragliders have been known to stay in the air all the while enjoying the views of Mount Fuji Newbies can make a tandem jump with an instructor for a ride that lasts about 10 minutes www.skyasa.com Lake TanukiAnother must-see site near Mount Fuji is Lake Tanuki a location that is particularly famous for its spectacular views of the mountain visitors can enjoy a dual view of Mount Fuji as it reflects perfectly in Lake Tanuki’s still waters when the sun rises just behind Mount Fuji’s summit the sun’s reflection also twinkles back from the lake a tableau that has been nicknamed “Diamond Fuji.”  Lake Tanuki offers a variety of outdoor activities so visitors can leisurely wander throughout the forested area with a full circuit taking about 30 minutes to complete There’s also a wetlands area — the only wetlands at the base of Mount Fuji — that is home to a variety of plants Makaino FarmFar off the radar for most visitors is the charming Makaino Farm the facility struggled to make ends meet until the owners converted it into a public attraction although the farm still produces dairy  from cows and goats it also boasts a theme park-style list of things to do A variety of dining options are located on site Specialties here are ice cream as well as a specific style of yakisoba fried noodles that can only be found in Fujinomiya The farm has plenty of activities for children including an extremely popular rent-a-goat area Families can check out a goat for a select period of time (usually 20 minutes) and children then walk their adopted goat throughout the park www.makaino.com/index.html(Japanese only) Ryokan Tachibana FujinomiyaThis delightful ryokan (traditional inn) features 20 luxurious guestrooms all of which present stunning views of Mount Fuji via floor-to-ceiling windows While this is a traditional Japanese inn in every sense with several outdoor hot springs and authentic Japanese cuisine it offers a number of special features that make it perfect for Western travelers especially those unaccustomed to Japanese tradition A few rooms provide beds for guests who prefer not to sleep on the floor an almost unheard of tool in Japanese ryokan so guests with mobility issues don’t need to navigate the stairs between the guestrooms and the public areas The staff members speak limited English but are incredibly warm and will go out of their way to ensure guests have a fantastic experience Fujinomiya City Tourist Association Guidebookwww.fujinomiya.gr.jp(Opens PDF) Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Associationwww.shizuoka-guide.com Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 The Japanese Softball Association announced today the schedule of the women's softball All-Star Series Women's softball keeps flourishing around the world With softball's Olympic return confirmed for Los Angeles 2028 top-notch competitions in the next few years features now the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals this summer the Asian Games in 2026 and the Olympic Games in 2028 You can count USA and Japan among the top contenders in all these competitions will open with Game 1 on Thursday July 4th at Vantelin Dome Nagoya This stadium will be the stage for the inaugural game of the WBSC Premier12 2024 in November is excited with the opening game of the series being played in her backyard “The first game of this year’s Japan-USA series will be held at Vantelin Dome Nagoya and I am very happy and humbled that it will be held in my hometown," said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist "In 2026 the Asian Games will be held in Aichi Prefecture so I hope you will take this opportunity to look forward to the success of the Japanese team." which hosted the 1998 Women's Softball World Championship Game 3 will see both teams returning to Yokohama Stadium (Yokohama City) where they faced each other for the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ticket sales and broadcast opportunities will be announced at a later date Sitemap Media Data Protection Contacts Avenue Général-Guisan, 45 CH-1009 Pully | Switzerland The WBSC is recognised as the sole competent authority in Baseball and Softball by the International Olympic Committee Shizuoka Prefecture--A 73-year-old man killed himself after allegedly stabbing to death his ailing wife and chronically ill daughter in their hospital rooms here on Sept Police responding to an emergency call at around 2:20 p.m bleeding in separate rooms of the neuroscience hospital where they had been admitted to the suspect told the hospital’s receptionist that he came to visit his wife and daughter Police believe the man attacked Seiko first The two women died at the hospital while the man was sent to another hospital who has had a chronic illness and been hospitalized Chizuko was also hospitalized after suffering a stroke the suspect was visiting his wife and daughter in their wards almost every other day A neighbor said she saw the suspect pacing nervously back and forth in front of his house on the morning of the stabbing She said the man became withdrawn and isolated after his wife fell ill suggesting the recent family crisis played a part in the tragedy (Tamotsu Sugao and Arata Mitsui also contributed to this article.) Police: Victims in arson attack died from stab wounds Bloodstained clothes found at home of suspect in triple murder 2-year-old dies after father likely left her in car as he teleworked faces trial over insult of widower on Twitter Teen arrested on suspicion of hitting girl prior to a deadly arson The ordinance also includes restrictions on entry between 2 p.m to prevent “bullet climbing,” or climbing through the night to reach the summit TOKYO – The Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly has passed an ordinance that will require a ¥4,000 entry fee to climb Mt Subashiri and Gotemba trails in the prefecture and climbers will receive an entry pass after being given instructions about hiking through a smartphone app Staff will be on hand 24 hours a day to check the passes at huts located near the fifth station of each route Climbers will be required to stay overnight at a mountain lodge when beginning the climb during the restricted hours has also decided to raise its toll to ¥4,000 by amending an ordinance If you have done all of this and still can't find the email SHIZUOKA--Along with registering to climb three trails to Mount Fuji's summit from Shizuoka Prefecture climbers will be urged to take a "manners lesson" on the internet in advance from this summer The aim is to alleviate congestion atop Japan's tallest peak and warn climbers of the danger and suggest necessary precautions and behavior For the hiking season from July through September prior registration will be accepted from June 10 There will be no entry fee or limit on the number of climbers for the three routes of Subashiri Mount Fuji lies between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures The Yamanashi side will start restricting the number of climbers on the Yoshida route of Mount Fuji to 4,000 per day and requiring 2,000 yen ($13) fees for each person In response to Yamanashi's new requirements Shizuoka Prefecture will start the registration procedures and manners instruction to prepare for the expected surge in climbers from its side Climbers will enter information such as the number of people starting time and hut reservation information on Shizuoka Prefecture’s home page and through other means They will also be asked to watch a video to learn about appropriate gear and precautions to prevent overnight climbing or trying to ascend in light clothing Climbers will show the code to staff at the mountain be issued a wristband and begin their ascent Staff will stop unregistered climbers at Fuji's fifth station But those climbers will still be able to register and take the online learning session in the parking lots or the fifth station of each route and then be permitted to climb after receiving a wristband climbers without a hut reservation will be asked to refrain from starting the ascent ‘bullet climbing’ raise concerns on Mount Fuji Climbing limits are being set on Mount Fuji to fight crowds and littering You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos "data-img-src" : imgSrc } = buylink %> />><%= itemTitle %> Search Global Hitachi GroupProducts & Services Hitachi GroupCorporate Information Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement but may be subject to change without prior notice Conceptual image of the system based on the next-generation manufacturing model at AMADA Fujinomiya Works From gliding around Mt Fuji on a bike to creating Hanko in the city there is endless possibility at around Mt Fuji There are a few things that always come to mind when one thinks of Japan Whether climbing it or just gazing at its majesty from afar For those looking for the best views of the mountain as well as insight into its history and associated culture look no further than two of the cities resting at its feet: Fuji and Fujinomiya One of the best ways to explore what this area in Shizuoka Prefecture has to offer is by booking an experience with Enya Mt Fuji Ecotours Although the tours start from deep in the countryside the tour operators offer a pick-up service from Shin-Fuji Station If you think the views of the peak are beautiful during the car ride from the station wait until you arrive at the Ecotour base camp Mt Fuji and the Japanese countryside” When told we would be cycling around the mountain I had flashbacks to a previous adventure climbing the peak It was a monster of a climb that lasted all night on an endless road filled with steep inclines and jagged rocks In the words of Thanos: “Impossible.” The reality wasn’t as treacherous as I had imagined Pedaling around the base of Mt Fuji on an Ebike was pretty easy The electric bicycle has all the gears you’d expect to find on a normal gear bike plus five electric motor assist modes which go from a little assistance to hyper-charged superbike The 20km route leads through secret marshlands This manmade lake and campsite is popular with photographers looking to get a snapshot of the legendary Diamond Fuji which is when the sun sits directly above the summit vast body of water with unobstructed views of the mountain The path around Lake Tanuki is smooth and without any steep climbs or sharp turns making riding around it almost as easy as popping on the kettle The marshlands visited during the ecotour are teeming with life Wild animals roam the forests and on quiet days one might even come across a mountain goat and other unusual wildlife while surrounded by cedar tree forest thick enough to completely block out Mt Fuji I foolishly enquired as to what other animals one might see here The answer came swiftly: “Bears.” I paused and quickly mounted my Ebike for a swift escape Fleeing the dense forest through winding roads and small hidden villages freewheeling down never-ending hills – Mt Fuji chasing us the whole way – I realized there’s no better way to explore these lands than on an Ebike As their homes have been built on the mountainside it’s no wonder that the people of this area have a deep respect for and an almost symbiotic relationship with the active volcano Some go as far as to worship the volcano as a protector and provider Mt Fuji provides an abundance of pure water filtered through layers of volcanic rock The water acts as the lifeblood of the area and used to power hydro generators and produce delicious rice The trout raised in these waters are clean enough to be eaten raw but are equally delicious fried or baked The flavors are lighter than that of wild trout and yet still boast a distinct wild taste For the chance to chat with a Fuji city resident we recommend staying at 14 Guest House Mt Fuji The accommodation is easily accessible from the 14th stop (hence the name) on the Tokaido line from Nihonbashi Station and the owner is a born-and-bred Fujinite with deep connections to the city’s culture Always open to giving an impromptu tour of the city Suzuki is extremely knowledgeable about the town (and its secrets) The guest house has strong connections with local artisans enabling those who stay there to try their hand at hanko crafting More than just writing Japanese characters with ink the style of calligraphy we tried is a fusion of old and new Armed with a blank canvas and various colored inks I was given free rein to write and draw to my heart’s content Although equally difficult to master as traditional calligraphy this freeform style matched perfectly with the freeform nature of my time in the city of Fuji I continued the cultural education and signed up for an experience in making my own hanko (Japanese seal) a hanko is akin to a personal signature used to sign formal documents The hankos one can create at Han No Ozawa are more for fun rather than for official use but carving your name in kanji into solid rock is not only memorable but extremely satisfying With a smile and cheerful demeanor throughout the lesson hanko master Ozawa guides his students through the intricacies of hanko making His expert skills make carving the solid rock look as easy as writing your name in the sand with a finger I found this sand to be impossibly tough to penetrate with the blade feeling more like a phantom limb than an extension of my person after a few practice runs on some throwaway seals and the gentle guidance of Master Ozawa I managed to complete my own hanko – and gained new respect for this traditional art Enya Mt Fuji Ecotours: www.mtfujiecotours.com Fujinomiya City: https://travelfujinomiya.com/ 14 Guest House Mt Fuji: www.14guesthousemtfuji.jp Han No Ozawa: ozawahanko.thebase.in Today's print edition Home Delivery The Shizuoka Prefectural Government said Wednesday that it will launch an online registration system for Mount Fuji climbers on June 10 The use of the registration system will not be mandatory but registration will require the viewing of a video on climbing rules and etiquette.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Mount Fuji straddles Shizuoka and the neighboring prefecture of Yamanashi As the Yamanashi Prefectural Government has decided to introduce a ¥2,000 fee for those climbing the mountain on the Yoshida route in the prefecture as well as a daily limit of 4,000 climbers there are concerns that climbers may rush to the Shizuoka side the Shizuoka government hopes that climbers will fully observe proper etiquette after watching the video It is also considering creating an ordinance to collect fees from climbers in the next fiscal year schedules and mountain lodges where they plan to stay At the fifth station of each climbing route checkpoints will be set up for climbers to present the QR code and then receive wristbands as well as rush climbing and ill-prepared climbers have become problems amid a surge in visitors from abroad In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. these trains rocket through rice feels and Mt transforming once-distant locations into viable day trips from the heart of Tokyo Imagine hopping on a train in NYC -- beer and lunch in hand -- and arriving in Chicago in two hours Now imagine that Chicago is a 14th century city rich in samurai history or a sacred mountain covered in dense forest land and waterfalls.  Our top shinkansen day trip destinations include the great outdoors and some of the most coveted bites in the world And each gives travelers a chance to sample different facets of Japanese culture a short ride from Tokyo -- whether you’re exploring for a day or an extended stay.  MORE:  Spend 10 incredible days in and around Tokyo Tsutenkaku tower in Osaka, Japan | simonlong/Stone/GettyOsaka“The kitchen of Japan” is a charmingly gruff dive into Japanese bustle Why you’re there: Nicknamed “the kitchen of Japan,” Osaka embraces the tradition of “eating your way to bankruptcy.” It’s a little rowdier and less buttoned-down than other parts of polished Japan but that’s part of the charm in this buzzing catch the Tokaido shinkansen line and travel 2.5 hours to Shin-Osaka station (grab a seat on the right-hand side of the train for a great view of Fuji) Shin-Osaka is just outside the center of Osaka jump on the metro and head to your first destination What to do: Grab a coffee and stroll around Osaka Castle whose grounds are especially beautiful in spring and autumn The Nishinomaru Gardens have over 600 cherry trees and a tea house where you can sip matcha and take in the view hop over to Shittenoji temple to ascend the five-story pagoda of one of Japan’s oldest monuments.  Shinsekai is Osaka’s warmly gruff vision of the future modeled half on Paris and half on New York it’s a joy to explore the alleyways packed with artists Indulge in kushikatsu for lunch: the district’s signature (and lesser-known) fried skewers are served with piles of fresh cabbage and a sweet dipping sauce.  stopping off at the unusual Lione-esque Namba Yasaka shrine do not skip Doguyasuji street: it’s the go-to shopping spot for chefs and home cooks where you can score everything from traditional knives to takoyaki machines the city’s buzzing entertainment district and riverside restaurant hub Strike a pose with the iconic Glico Man -- the most famous of the brightly lit signs lining the river Hozenji yokocho and the nearby temple make an unexpected detour or just continue the feeding frenzy at Kuromon market.  The final train to Tokyo leaves at around 9.30pm stay to explore Dotonbori at night and crash in a capsule hotel -- they were invented in Osaka after all -- before catching the first bullet train back in the morning.  Must eat and drink: The most famous dish in one of the world’s most famous food cities is takoyaki: small balls of batter stuffed with squid and topped with a sweet dark sauce and mayonnaise then sprinkled with fish flakes and seaweed Hit up any of the many stalls with a decent queue at Dotonbori to give it a try.  The weightier counterpart is a tongue-twister and stomach-filler okonomiyaki grilled,” it’s a cabbage pancake with myriad options head to Mizuno for a Michelin-mentioned version or to Ichiaki to grill your own with a cold beer and a view of the river.  the city is also the secret inventor of kitsune-udon: Topped the noodles sit in a simple broth and are a nod to foxes -- kitsune  -- which are considered to be the messengers of the God… and who love fried tofu.   MORE:  Avoid these rookie mistakes in Tokyo UnsplashTraveling may be on pause, but that doesn’t mean your dreaming and planning has to be. With The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Card earn 6X Points at 7,000+ hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy™ and 2X Points on all other purchases The Shiraito Falls and Mt. Fuji in the distance | Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world/Moment/GettyFujinomiyaA spiritual journey amid the forests and falls of Mt Why you’re there: Shizuoka prefecture is a step into nature: With the famous Mt Perched on the southwestern slopes of the iconic mountain the city of Fujinomiya is a starting point for hikers but there’s plenty to see even if you’re not planning a trip to the clouds and stunning views of Fuji are all on the menu along with some great local delicacies.  Getting there: One of the shortest and most affordable bullet-train options from the capital Shin-Fuji station is just over an hour from Tokyo on the Tokaido Line hop on a Fujikyuko bus to Fujinomiy: It takes half an hour and costs a few hundred yen What to do: A mere 15-minute walk from Fujinomiya station will get you to Fujisan Sengen Shrine Dedicated to the prevention of volcanic eruptions it is over 1,000 years old and surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees With plenty of festivals throughout the year try to time your visit to coincide and watch as lanterns Start with Shiraito Falls: an easy half-hour bus ride away the nearly 500-foot-wide waterfalls have an unusual silk-like appearance and are considered among the most beautiful in Japan the local 4-mile Legend of Yoritomo walking route explores the area’s historical sites -- including samurai legacies -- via riverside strolls.  bus or bike to Tanuki Lake and the Asagiri Highlands but be sure to get up-to-date maps and bus schedules from the tourist office as routes and times can change throughout the year For those wanting to avoid buses altogether a six-hour stretch of the Tokai Nature Trail will take you from Fujinomiya to Tanuki Lake with suspension bridges If you’re really looking for outdoor adventures, you can experience the mountain’s raw power by whitewater rafting along the Fuji River, one of the three fastest rivers in Japan. Mt. Fuji Ecotours even has packages combining seasonal food and cycle tours as well as a town-walking food tour.  What to eat and drink: Yakisoba is taken to new heights as a local specialty in Fujinomiya The city’s unique take on the simple dish of fried noodles has helped promote it as a town of innovative cuisine Across from Fujisan Sengen Shrine is Omiya Yokocho an open-air food court with stalls selling yakisoba (approved by the local yakisoba society no less) and other local treats like rainbow trout and milk ramen Be sure to try local green tea (Shizuoka is famous for it) and tofu made using fresh river water.  Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture | Satoshi-K/E+/GettyKanazawaA 14th-century city with 21st-century style Kanazawa offers up a less hectic trip through time than its hugely popular cousin Famed for the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden and made Insta-famous by the gold-leaf ice cream the city retains its ancient traditions while embracing modernity Its compact size is far more manageable than Kyoto for a day trip too -- so while you may have to swap out that city’s golden pavilion for a golden dessert you’ll still get that ancient-Japan experience.  Getting there: Take a seat on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line and you’ll be in Kanazawa in two and a half hours The direct bullet train route was only completed in 2014 so it’s seeing a real surge in popularity thanks to the easy access What to do: Decide if you’re exploring the city by bike or bus: the former costs ¥200 for a day of unlimited rides while the latter costs ¥500 for a loop-bus day pass head to Higashi Chayagai: the wide streets are lined with preserved tea houses dedicated to teaching visitors about the lives of geisha A short stroll from the famous gold-leaf soft-serve of Hakuichi is the compact Yasue Gold-leaf Museum,  which offers insight into the unusual fortunes of the city Opt for the alternative tea districts of Kazuemachi or Nishi Chayagai if you’re after a quieter experience.  Seafood lovers should head to Omicho Market for lunch: the famous fish market is a mix of Tokyo’s Tsukiji and Kyoto’s Nishiki with street food options and sit-in restaurants to choose from then visit one of Japan’s most heralded gardens meaning “the six sublimities.” Once part of the castle grounds and streams as well as bridges perfect for kimono shots if you happen to be exploring in one.  the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum will catch your eye with striking outdoor sculptures and innovative design Housed in the creation of famed architect duo SANAA the award-winning museum is partially free to explore with permanent exhibits including the immersive Swimming Pool of Leandro Erlich along with other interactive displays.   there are countless museums nearby focusing on samurai life The moat-lined Nagamachi District is the center of the city’s samurai past with the earthen walls and paved streets transporting you back in time The Nomura Clan Samurai House is a popular spot but check out the nearby Shinise Kinenkan and the Kanazawa Ashigaru Museums too: they offer insights into the merchant and foot soldier’s sides of the story.  What to eat and drink: Kanazawa’s food scene is bountiful with traditional dishes and DIY sushi available in equal measure with a duck hotpot known as jibuni being a particular Kanazawa favorite but you can try it year-round at spots like Gyohan or Yoshihisa as well as small cafes in Kenrokuen.  the go-to in Kanazawa’s market is a simple kaisendon: a rice bowl topped with a mountain of fresh seafood A crowd-pleaser that can’t go without a mention is COIL: a DIY take on hosomaki sushi complete self-service tea ceremony Round off the night with a local beer at one of the many craft-beer bars MORE:  Now that you’re back in Tokyo, it’s karaoke time The previously announced season 2 of the Masamune-kun’s Revenge anime has released 2 more character visuals featuring the side characters Neko Fujinomiya and Tae Futaba Studio Silver Link will return to produce the sequel and you can watch the announcement teaser video: Also read:The Dangers in My Heart TV Anime Gets Teaser VisualThe Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague Anime Gets Trailer and Key Visual with Suzuko Mimori voicing Neko and Azusa Tadokoro voicing Tae All the main voice cast is returning for the 2nd season and it includes Ayaka Ohashi as Aki Adagaki Saori Hayami as Kojuro Shuri and Inori Minase as Yoshino Koiwai Source: Official Twitter©HAZUKI TAKEOLA & Tiv ICHIJINSHA / Masamune-kun’s REVENGE Partners Shizuoka Prefecture—A slush avalanche occurred on the west side of Mount Fuji as strong rain fell in Shizuoka Prefecture but there was no damage reported to home or structures downstream The avalanche was first confirmed at around 8:20 a.m according to the land ministry’s Fuji sand erosion control office in Fujinomiya city in the prefecture A slush avalanche is a phenomenon in which rain and other factors increase the amount of moisture in the snowpack causing the totally saturated snow to flow rapidly downhill along with sediment A camera installed near the 2,000-meter elevation level of the valley captured the phenomenon The cascade then continued intermittently until around noon The sediment flow stopped at the Osawagawa river sand erosion control facility located at an elevation of 800 meters A slush avalanche occurs several times a year on Mount Fuji Heavy rainfall of 23 millimeters in total was recorded during the period from 8 a.m The land ministry office is investigating the scale of the avalanche Fuji eruptions confirmed after study of lakebed Deadly risks lie beneath beauty of backcountry skiing areas Loss of storied beach offers cautionary tale for rest of world Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo There are few buildings in Tokyo where on a clear day – if you squint hard enough – you can spot the snow-capped peak of Mt Fuji in the far distance. But nothing beats seeing Japan’s most iconic mountain up close with no skyscrapers obstructing your view At the new Gran Regalo Asagiri glamping site opening in Shizuoka this month you can look at Mt Fuji all day and gaze up at the starry night sky after sundown is roughly a two-hour train journey to the south of Tokyo It also sits at a higher altitude than Tokyo which means that the area is comfortably cooler during summer.  each can accommodate up to four people Every tent comes with its own deck for private barbecues as well as separate bathroom and shower so you won’t have to share facilities with other guests One tent in particular even has a small dog run attached for those who are travelling with their furkid.  Rates start at ¥19,360 per person per night without meals while packages that include breakfast and dinner start at roughly ¥33,000 per person Dinner spread includes grilled Asagiri pork but guests who opt to bring their own ingredients have the option of using the barbecue grill for a flat fee of ¥4,180.  Gran Regalo Asagiri is opening on April 23. You can now book your stay online.  Survey: tell us what living in Tokyo is really like for you Here are 8 award-winning travel experiences in Japan No more ¥100 sushi: conveyor belt sushi restaurant Sushiro to raise prices Japan will allow tourists to enter on a trial basis next month Japanese government says face masks no longer needed outside Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Japanese version I first climbed Mount Fuji in the summer of 2015 a dizzying ascent up the northeastern Yoshida trail accompanied by a group of friends from university who were as keen as I to summit Japan's tallest mountain we left from the fifth station shortly after 11 p.m to watch the famous Fuji sunrise.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); With a summer spring in our step and little gear we made it to the top in just over three hours and only realized our error as we huddled together for warmth in the wind-shadow of one of the huts at the summit clear skies and freezing air sucked the warmth from us while the effort of the climb and the early hour brought on waves of exhaustion Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division A large metal arm in a Japanese factory swept a cluster of fluffy white fabric rectangles off a carousel into a group to be wrapped in plastic before packaging for shipment The items were adult diapers being turned out by automated production lines that stretch for 80 meters at a facility run by Daio Paper in Fujinomiya near Mount Fuji.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Factory overseer Naoto Sugaya said output has grown year on year as he held a pair of the "paper pants" close to his thigh and explained their features stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo on clear days Japanese version please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent By Shu Saito / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Shizuoka — The first thing you’ll see when walking up the spiral ramp at the Mt is images of the mountain seen from the sea you can enjoy various views of the mountain the forest line — located 2,500 meters above sea level — and around the summit Silhouettes of climbers and wild animals can be found on the walls The sound of strong winds at the summit can also be heard visitors can feel a little like they are climbing Mt A video was created by showing multiple still images one by one at regular Fuji was registered as a World Heritage site in 2013 Volcanic activity is believed to have started about 100,000 years ago and eruptions over the past 10,000 years have changed the shape of the mountain repeatedly The present shape of the peak is said to have been sculpted around 2,300 years ago opened in 2017 as a facility to introduce the origins and history of Mt The building has a distinctive shape based on that of “Sakasa Fuji,” or upside-down Mt Descending the ramp from the top of the building visitors can enjoy exhibits on volcanology It may seem there are not so many exhibits but this is because the images and materials are shown only when requested on a touch screen The museum is designed to not overload visitors with information Visitors also can stop by the movie theater to enjoy images of Mt “Spriggan,” a manga serialized in a boys’ magazine from the 1980s to the ’90s stimulated children’s curiosity with the depiction of a super-ancient civilization that flourished at the foot of Mt Although it is unknown if such a civilization existed a tour of the museum makes visitors distinctly aware of the fact that Mt Fuji has been a part of people’s lives and culture throughout time I envied the people who grew up in the area around Mt The museum was established to preserve the value of Mt Fuji as an object of worship and a source of art for future generations It is an eight-minute walk from Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line as well as people with disabilities and their attendants Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports July marks the opening of Mt Fuji’s climbing season with this year’s opening ceremonies the first since Japan’s snow-topped volcano was recently granted UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status Julia Longbottom attended opening ceremonies held on 1 July at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and the Murayama Sengen Jinja Shrine in Fujinomiya City Ms Longbottom gave a speech recognising Mt Fuji’s newly-awarded World Cultural Heritage status: The culture and rich nature of Mt Fuji has now become a global asset to be passed on from generation to generation Mt Fuji continues to inspire people around the world with its dignified presence The relationship between Fujinomiya City and the UK started some 150 years ago when Sir Rutherford Alcock became the first foreigner permitted to climb Mt Fuji from the Omiya Sengen-guchi entrance in 1860 Mayor and others in commemorating Sir Rutherford by laying a wreath at the Murayama Sengen Jinja Shrine Ms Longbottom then visited Fujinomiya Nishi High School where she spoke to students on the UK-Japan relationship highlighting that a global human network is created by experiencing foreign cultures through opportunities such as studying in the UK and the British government’s Youth Mobility Scheme Such a network can build a foundation for strengthening Japan’s foreign relations and role in future international cooperation Members of the school’s Wandervogel Club previously joined a team from the British Embassy Tokyo when they climbed Mt Fuji to mark the opening of London 2012 in July 2012 Julia was presented with a happi coat designed by the school’s students illustrating Mt Fuji’s role in UK-Japan exchanges Before setting your sights on seeing the sunrise from Mt Fuji please consider the following advice from the Japanese National Police Agency: Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details SHIZUOKA — One kilogram of new Japanese green tea leaves grown in Fujinomiya sold for a record ¥1.96 million at the season’s first auction for new Japanese tea leaves held at the Shizuoka Japanese Tea Market in Shizuoka on Monday The handpicked and hand-rolled tea leaves were put up for the auction which marks the arrival of the new green tea season by the Fuji-Izu Japan Agricultural Cooperatives The new entity was created through a merger of eight agricultural cooperatives in the eastern part of the prefecture the first deal added ¥888,000 to last year’s highest price The buyer was tea company Fujinomiya Fujisan Seicha Co “Since these leaves grew under favorable weather conditions they look and taste better than last year’s,” an official at the cooperatives organization said The harvest of new Japanese tea leaves produced in the prefecture was limited by rain on the weekend and the trading volume on the day was 1,763 kilograms or ¥873 higher than last year’s average price about 400 officials and others checked the texture and aroma of green tea leaves and clapped their hands every time a deal was done Japanese version