CLIMB MOUNT FUJI: A QUEST FOR IMMORTALITY

Text by: DANI LIVESEY | Design by: MARGIE SHIMABUKURO

MOUNT FUJI , Japan’s tallest mountain (and active volcano) has ignited adventurous spirits and people’s imaginations for a millennium, so much so that there are many stories and myths surrounding the peak that parts the sky.

One such legend postulates how the mountain was named; it tells of a bamboo cutter who discovered an infant inside a shining stalk of bamboo who grew into a beautiful young woman named Kaguya-hime. The emperor Mikado fell deeply in love with the young woman, but alas, it was a love that could not be, for Kaguya-hime was of the moon people and needed to return home. To comfort the emperor, she sent him a letter and attached to it a small taste of the “Elixir of Life” which granted immortality, hoping it would help mend his broken heart. Life without Kaguya-hime, however, was not worth living forever in the emperor’s eyes, so instead he sent his guard on the arduous journey of finding and climbing the tallest mountain so the letter might be burned where it could be seen from the moon. The legend concludes that even now, the smoke of the ever-burning elixir can be seen from the top of the peak. And, because of this, the word for immortality—fuji—became the name of Japan’s most iconic mountain.

Following the path of the emperor’s guard and summiting Mount Fuji is a point of pride for many who are stationed here. The hiking stick sold at Station 5 and branded at huts along the way serves as a memento that must be earned over the course of a once in a lifetime experience. If the mountain of immortality is calling to you, then it’s time strike out on your own quest with Tours+ this summer with their five-day Mount Fuji adventure (dates are offered throughout July and August).

The itinerary of the trip is as follows:

Day one of your journey begins by departing Okinawa for Tokyo, before checking into the New Sanno Hotel and attending a class on how to navigate Tokyo using the subway and trains.

Day two includes a walking tour of Asakusa, complete with a bird’s eye view of the area, before heading to Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), one of the most photographed locations in Japan, famous for its huge red lantern. Next, there’s a visit to Shrine Street, full of vendors selling sweets and souvenirs, before passing though the Hozomon Gate and entering the courtyard of Senso-ji temple. The day concludes with self-guided exploration of Tokyo.

Day three starts with a walking tour of Ueno Park where folks will learn about Saigo Takamori, the real last samurai. The park includes shrines, temples, art museums, history museums and the National Museum of Nature and Science which has a life-size whale outside. The tour ends with a visit to Ueno Tashagu shrine, built in 1627 to honor Ieyasu Tokugawa the first shogun of the Tokugawa.

Day four is when folks begin their epic journey up the mountain at 2:30 a.m. by boarding a bus and heading to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (arriving at approximately 5:30 a.m.) where walking sticks may be purchased, and preparations can be made for the climb. Climbers will make the summit and witness the stunning views of the valley floor as the sun rises, washing everything in glowing golds and reds. The bus will depart the mountain at 6 p.m. that evening for the drive back to Tokyo to enjoy some well-earned rest.

Day five, travelers leave the wonders of Tokyo and fly back home with new stories of adventures, feeling immortal and brandishing their hard-earned walking stick.

For more information on this tour, and other upcoming offerings, call 646-3502 or visit Tours+ online at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours. | OL