When Mt Fuji is referred to as Fuji-san, don’t be fooled into thinking (like this author once was) that the honorific suffix is added out of respect for the sacred mountain. ‘San’ in this case is not an example of anthropomorphism but simply an alternate reading of the kanji for mountain (山). Yet, having just returned from my pilgrimage to the dormant volcano, I’d like to stick to my initial conviction. If there's ever a large bump on the earth’s surface that deserves reverence equal to humans, it is undoubtedly the majestic Mt Fuji.
Hopping on a bus in Shinjuku, we start making our way to the iconic mountain, featured in countless corporate logos, woodblock prints and establishing shots of Tokyo in Hollywood films. After an hour and a half past picturesque flatlands dotted with rice fields, we arrive at Otsuki Station where the shiny Fujisan View Express, launched in April this year and thus the newest member of railway company Fuji Kyuko’s fleet, awaits us.
The toritetsu (trainspotters) in the group – apparently everyone except me – whip out their cameras and begin photographing the burgundy-coloured train and its slick first-class carriage, where patrons can enjoy afternoon tea while admiring the scenic vistas zipping past.
A few minutes into the 45-minute ride en route to Kawaguchiko Station, the snow-capped peak of today's protagonist peers behind a hill and soon dominates the landscape in its full splendour as the train zooms onwards. Cameras emerge out of their bags once again while the train makes brief stops in spots where the mountain is best visible, allowing passengers to create their own rendition of the ‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’.
After alighting at Kawaguchiko, we are on the bus once again and arrive at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in less than half an hour. The festival grounds are home to lush fields of pink and purple flowers ('pink moss') in full bloom, stretching out against a backdrop of Fuji in all its glory. See it once and you’ll no doubt appreciate why this place has inspired so many artists and poets. You can also try out regional delicacies from the many food stalls on site and rest your weary legs at the foot onsen facing Fuji – a treat for both the eyes and the feet.
The Shibazakura festival is on until May 29 and can be conveniently combined with a stop at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park – especially if you opt to stay the night at the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa right next to Fuji-Q. Best start planning your trip right away...
