Underrated Beautiful Mountains
Mount Fuji
A towering symbol of Japan’s natural beauty, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) tall. It is located on Honshu Island, and its stunning asymmetrical shape is often depicted in traditional Japanese art. Mt. Fuji is an active volcano and last erupted in 1707-08. The mountain is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors every year, who hike the trails to the summit, take in the breathtaking views from the top or simply admire it from afar. Mt. Fuji is also a revered location for spiritual practices and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its impressive height of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), Mt. Fuji is a renowned natural landmark of Japan, embodying the country’s beauty and culture. This mountain, located on Honshu Island, boasts a strikingly unique form that has inspired countless works of traditional Japanese art. As an active volcano, Mt. Fuji’s last eruption dates back to 1707-08, making it a force to be reckoned with.
Despite this, it continues to attract thousands of tourists annually, who flock to its trails to hike to the summit, witness the stunning views from the top, or simply gaze upon its majesty from afar. Furthermore, Mt. Fuji is not only a popular travel destination but also a sacred site for spiritual rituals and has even been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Fuji, it is important to take note of the climbing season which is from July to September. Also, there are different routes you can take when climbing the mountain. Japan’s pride, Mt. Fuji, stands tall as the highest mountain in the country and is a world-renowned site. It boasts of being an active volcano, its last recorded eruption dating back to 1707. If you wish to scale this beauty, plan your climb between July to September when it’s open and research the various routes available.
If you’re headed to Fuji, there are various options for the route you can choose depending on your level of fitness and experience as a climber – whether you’re an amateur or an experienced climber who’s tackled other Japanese peaks like Yakushima Island, found to the south-west of Tokyo, or Mount Tateyama in Nagano Prefecture or Mount Ama Dablam.
Multiple paths are available to ascend Mt. Fuji, consisting of:
The Ōta Pass houses the widely loved trail known as Yoshida Route. It is an approximately 7-8 hour journey that reaches the peak of Mt. Fuji, providing awe-inspiring views along the way.
The Kawaguchiko Route is a commonly taken path that begins at Kawaguchiko Station. It usually takes around 5 hours to complete and provides a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji as trekkers hike up the trail.
Starting from Toganoi Station, the Fujinomiya Route spans for a duration of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Mountain Cotopaxi
Rising majestically above the terrain, Mt. Cotopaxi commands international recognition as a distinguished mountain peak. This towering cone is a functioning volcano that towers over its surroundings, adding to its allure. One of the world’s highest volcanoes, it reaches a soaring height of more than 5,000 meters. This stunning mountain is situated in Ecuador and its last notable eruption dates as far back as 1877.
Ascending to the peak of Mt. Cotopaxi is deemed one of the most arduous climbs globally, with a mean altitude rise of over 4,000 feet daily. During the initial fortnight, trekkers will traverse a steep mountainous path and then conquer a sequence of ropes and ladders whilst progressing toward the apex.
The duration of the trek to reach the peak varies between three to five days, depending on your fitness level and the amount of time spent resting at each stop throughout the journey!
Mt. Popocatepetl
Mt. Popocatepetl has an elevation of 5,426 meters and is the second-highest peak in Mexico. It is an active stratovolcano and is located in the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos. Its last major eruption occurred in 2000, and it continues to pose a threat to nearby cities with its occasional ash emissions and minor eruptions. Rewritten: Standing at 5,426 meters, Mt. Popocatepetl is Mexico’s second-tallest mountain.
Located in the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos, this stratovolcano remains active and poses a danger to nearby communities due to periodic ash emissions and minor eruptions. Its last significant eruption took place in 2000.
Located in the vicinity of Mexico City, Mt. Popocatepetl is a towering volcano among the top three peaks in the nation. It is renowned for its yearly explosion which takes place between the months of May through September.
At 7,200 feet above sea level, Mt. Popocatepetl boasts a northern slope with a steep elevation change of 1,300 feet per mile and a more gradual southern slope at 900 feet per mile. This mountain has been a prime destination for climbers for 150 years and remains a top choice for those seeking a thrilling ascent in Mexico.
The crater lake nestled within the mountain has made it popularly known. The lake, occupying the crater’s entire expanse, spans about 10 kilometers (6 mi) in diameter, constituting an essential component of Mt. Popocatepetl’s overall mass.
For over 500 years, the volcano has been inactive; however, sporadic eruptions still occur periodically. One such eruption occurred in 1887, resulting in the death of four individuals and causing injuries to 70 more individuals. The volcano erupted continuously for six hours without a break!