Japan's highest mountain (3776m/12,385ft) is the only natural feature most visitors to Japan are sure they want to check out. Fuji-san is a perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone which last blew its top in 1707, covering the streets of Tokyo 100km (62mi) away with volcanic ash. On an exceptionally clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo, but for much of the year you'd be lucky to see it from 100m (328ft) away as Mt Fuji is a notoriously reclusive mountain, often hidden by cloud. The views are usually best in winter and early spring when a snow cap adds to the spectacle.

Officially the climbing season is July and August, and the Japanese, who love to do things 'right', pack in during those busy months. You can actually climb Mt Fuji at any time of year, but a midwinter ascent is strictly for experienced mountaineers. Whenever you tackle it, the climb should be taken seriously: it's just high enough for altitude sickness and the weather can be viciously changeable. The best time to reach the top is dawn - both to see the sunrise and because early morning is the time the mountain is least likely to be shrouded in cloud. This means either starting in the afternoon, staying overnight in a mountain hut (expensive) and continuing early in the morning, or climbing the whole way at night.