Mount Fuji, JAPAN
Airing Date: Nov 18th, 2002
Tokyo in Japan is a 10 hour flight from Sydney. With a population in excess of 12 million people, its an extremely busy and crowded city that attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Shinjuku is the busiest part of Tokyo and therefore the busiest part of Japan, but the frantic rush around the city is actually organised chaos.
The perfect way to escape Tokyos city congestion is to head to Mount Fuji for a scenic adventure with Sunrise Tours. They offer regular bus tours to Mount Fuji starting at 9am.
Mount Fuji is still an active volcano and last years earth tremors were a gentle reminder of her power. The last major eruption was in 1707 but the sheer size of the eruption left no question about her explosive powers. In this eruption the ash spread all the way to Tokyo 100 kilometres away.
The first stop on the tour is the Mount Fuji Visitors Centre, which offers great views of the snowcovered mountain.
The tour continues to the Highland Hotel for lunch, then onto Hakone and Lake Ashe. Fed by an underground spring, Lake Ashe is the only lake in the area not to freeze in winter. Boat rides across the water are a popular after lunch activity, and the boats usually take around 15 minutes to get from one side to the other. Although the lake doesnt ice over, be sure to bring a warm jacket as it still gets very cold.
Once youre ashore, swap the boat for the Mount Komaga-take cable car and prepare for a speedy ride. The cable car zooms to the top in just seven minutes. From 1327 metres above sea level, riders see both the Hakone National Park and the other side of Mount Fuji.
The quickest way to return to Tokyo is the on the bullet train, which travels at an incredible 230 kilometres an hour. The ride back to Tokyo takes just 40 minutes.
The facts:
Thai Airways International flies to Tokyo. Prices start from $2056 from Sydney and $1467 from Perth. Includes taxes and subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
One day Fuji Sunrise Tours can be booked through Sachi Tours in Australia and cost $400 per person, twin share including lunch, all transport and one night at the Shiba Park Hotel in downtown Tokyo.
Sachi Tours
Tel: 02 9338 2345
