Thursday 22 December 2011

View of Mt. Fuji from Izu Peninsula


EMU JR Central 371 series, "Asagiri", passes through Chitose-Funabashi Station on the Odakyu Line

Fuji is the highest and most symbolic mountain in Japan. It is located about 100km west of Tokyo and categorized as a "dormant volcano". Mt. Fuji last erupted in 1707, but it is still active because we sometimes detect volcanic tremors at the foot of the mountain.

We can see Mt. Fuji, the highest peak (3,776m) of the nation from our capital city of Tokyo. It is a very unique feature out of all the capitals in the world. But it is a bit far from the capital. So, to get a closer look at this beautiful volcano, Izu Peninsula is one of the recommended areas. You can see both the noble Mt. Fuji and the blue Pacific Ocean there.

Earlier this month, I rode the EMU JR Central 371 series (see the top photo), limited express "Asagiri (morning mist)" from Machida Station, a western suburb of Tokyo. This train is directly operated from Odakyu to the JR Central Line. Limited express "Asagiri" is jointly operated by two companies using the EMU JR Central 371 series and the Odakyu 20000 series, Romance Car, Type RSE.

After reaching Numazu Terminal, the gate city of Izu Peninsula, I transfered for a bus and visited Cape Oosezaki, the famous point for viewing Mt. Fuji (see the bottom photo). It was a clear and bright day after heavy rain. I could see a superb view of the freshly snow capped summit backed by a blue colored sky and Suruga Bay of the Pacific Ocean. Then, I visited a sushi bar in Numazu City and enjoyed some local dishes.


I enjoyed a relaxing time.
 
View of Mt. Fuji (3,776m) from Cape Oose-zaki near Numazu Station, JR Central