Mount Fuji

It was widely reported last year that Mount Fuji was overcrowded due to over-tourism, and there was an excess of litter and trash as well. Especially since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fuji has been a popular hiking destination for those around the world. However, park staff are worried about the condition of the Mountain as well as the preparedness of those who climb it, mentioning people who do not wear the appropriate clothes like sandals or do not allow their bodies to adjust to the altitude and become sick. Mount Fuji’s hiking season is usually from July to September, but it closed early in 2023 due to these various problems.

To combat these issues, new rules have been put in place this year. Now, hikers on the most popular trail (Yoshida) must pay 2,000 yen to climb. The three other trails will remain free. Additionally, only 4,000 people will be allowed to hike the Yoshida Trail per day and they will not be allowed to enter from 4pm to 2am. The new time limit is so that people do not come at night and rush through the trail to see the sunset since this often times causes altitude sickness. 

The government hopes that with these guidelines Fuji will be in better shape and climbers will also have a better experience. I personally haven’t climbed Mount Fuji, so anyone with experience, let us know what it was like!

Lani

Japan’s Tourism Numbers Continue to Rebound

There is some good news for Japan’s tourism industry. COVID is officially over. December’s tourism numbers broke records and saw the biggest numbers ever.

It even exceeded 2019’s December figures by almost 10%. Not too shabby. This certainly shows that Japan is still of interest to citizens of the world who wish to experience things that are unique.

It’s been said that Japan’s numbers are so impressive that some organized tours are having difficulty with arrangements due to the massive demand. I guess it’s been hard to make hotel reservations and other necessary things due to a lack of supply.

This definitely bodes well for the future. Japan’s tourism industry has been a cornerstone of its economy for years. Shinzo Abe even wanted to make it one of the most important pillars. COVID put a stop to those plans, but now we know it’s only temporary. Things are quickly returning to normal.

Brett

Japan’s Passport Becomes Powerful Again

Japanese passport holders can consider themselves quite lucky, as the document entitles the individual to visa-free travel to more countries than most others. It’s even more powerful than the American passport, which came as a bit of a surprise to me. If you’re a Japanese citizen, are you planning a trip?

After years of COVID restrictions, Japanese seem to have returned to a state of pre-pandemic life. Travel, as you could imagine, is a big part of that formula. Having a Japanese passport is certainly a benefit because it makes international travel that much easier.

Japan also benefits from not being a party to any international hostilities, so people in other countries aren’t likely to show any animosity. Of course, there are exceptions, as I’m sure a few of Japan’s neighbors to the west would not be very welcoming. But they are the exceptions.

It may be winter, but it’s still a good chance to travel. I would encourage any Japanese passport holder to take advantage of the benefit they are born with. People in most other countries can only wish they were so lucky.

Brett

A Tranquil Escape to Hoi An: Where Sunrise Meets Vietnamese Hospitality

Hoi An, a hidden gem nestled along the eastern coast of Vietnam, recently captured the hearts of my family and me during a week-long trip.

Our trip commenced with a 5-hour plane ride from bustling Tokyo to the serene city of Danang. A short 45-minute taxi ride transported us to our sanctuary – the Palm Garden Resort, graciously situated next to the picturesque beach.

Every day, I eagerly rose at the break of dawn to witness Hoi An’s captivating sunrise. To my amazement, I found the beach brimming with activity even at such early hours. It seems the Vietnamese cherish their mornings just as much as I do.

Hoi An’s climate was notably warmer and more humid than Tokyo. Our previous visit in April had offered a more comfortable climate, but the allure of the old town remained unchanged.

Despite the weak yen, Vietnam proved to be an economical and enriching experience. Nearly everything, from meals to everyday essentials, cost roughly half of what we would expect to pay in Tokyo. Even a refreshing 350ml beer from a convenience store was a mere ¥100.

The Vietnamese people showered us with their warmth and hospitality throughout our stay. Their genuine friendliness added to the charm of Hoi An’s ancient town, where vibrant yellow walls and well-preserved architecture showcased the town’s rich history.

Hoi An is more than just a destination; it’s a sensory journey. From the serenity of its shores to the allure of its bustling streets, Hoi An welcomed us with open arms, leaving us with treasured memories of this remarkable Vietnamese gem.

Laurence