Mount FujiLake Kawaguchi in the foreground of Mount Fuji, Chūbu region, central Honshu, Japan.(more)
Tourism in the area is highly developed, with amusement parks, botanical gardens, ski resorts, and other recreational sites. Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the lakes (at 2.5 square miles [6.4 square km]), is one of the most popular resort areas. West of the mountain, the valley between Mount Fuji and Mount Kenashi also hosts numerous golf courses and other attractions. Southeast of Mount Fuji is the wooded volcanic Hakone region, well known for its hot-springs resorts at Yumoto and Gōra.
The area’s abundant groundwater and streams facilitate the operation of paper and chemical industries and farming. Cultivation of rainbow trout and dairy farming are other activities.
Mount Fuji is also a major destination for recreational climbing. Hundreds of thousands of visitors ascend the mountain each year, most during the official climbing season from July 1 to August 26, often beginning at night in order to reach the summit at sunrise.
In the early 21st century, increasing visitor numbers have raised concerns about congestion, environmental impact, and safety, particularly during the short summer climbing season. In response authorities have introduced measures such as limits on the number of climbers on certain routes, the imposition of access fees, and restrictions on overnight or off-season access.
AloJapan.com