Wintering in Japan: Mount Fuji

There’s something magical about snow-capped mountains, and especially so for the symmetrically gorgeous Mount Fuji. Standing at 12,389 feet, Japan’s highest mountain is also an active stratovolcano built up by numerous layers of hardened larva, volcanic ash and pumice.

Even though it can get pretty cold, winter is the best time to visit Mount Fuji because of clear views. We were told that it’s not always visible due to clouds so I feel especially lucky I got to experience two beautiful days there.

Owaku-dani Valley

The first stop on my trip was Owaku-dani  Valley, which translates to the Great Boiling Valley. It’s also known as O-jigoku, or Great Hell. Once you arrive at the active volcano valley, you’re hit by intense steam and the putrid smell of sulphur. I suppose that’s how some people picture hell, full of hot smelly sulphur steam. But does hell have a view of the gorgeous Mount Fuji? I think not! Once you get used to the smell and steam, it’s a fascinating place to explore. The views of Mount Fuji from Owaku-dani are unrivalled! There are several hiking trails that start there but you have to be decked out in proper hiking gear because the ground may be rocky and slippery.

Black Eggs?

A bunch of Japanese people were crowded around tiny picnic tables eating eggs with pitch black shells. The shells is blackened from soaking in the sulphur rich boiling waters but the rest of the egg looks like a normal hard-boiled egg. The Japanese believe that eating a black egg will lengthen your life for another seven years. Unfortunately the eggs are sold in packets of five so I didn’t get to try one. I don’t think chowing down on five eggs would have been worth the 35 additional years of life! Plus cholesterol.

Ryokan (Traditional Japanese inn)

To have the full Japanese experience, you need to stay in a traditional ryokan which can range from small family-run inns to large hotels with hundreds of rooms. I stayed in a hotel catered to international tourists because their onsens (hot springs) are segregated according to gender. That may not be the case for a smaller, family-run establishment and I didn’t want to risk it!

Each room had tatami floors and futon beds which were surprisingly comfortable. Everyone is given a yukata (traditional robe) to change into. You can wear that to the communal breakfast and dinner provided by the innkeeper and to the onsen too. Dinner was INCREDIBLE! Fresh lobster sashimi with a steamboat of other seafood. It was heavenly!

The Onsen Experience

There were two hot springs pools, one inside the building and one right outside (but covered by a tall fence). In order to maintain the integrity of the water, guests aren’t allowed to wear bathing suits or their towels into the pool. You also have to shower before entering the pools and it was rather funny seeing all these bashful naked Asian (obviously not Japanese) women scurrying from one spot to another trying to cover up their bits. The outdoor pool was my favorite, partially because I was alone, but it was also cool to look out and see all these giant trees surrounding me.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, definitely consider visiting Mount Fuji in winter to take soak in the gorgeous surroundings while enjoying delicious food. The best part of the entire experience? Soaking in the hot springs while snow falls around me. Just heavenly!