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Japan
1. Mount Fuji is made up of 3 volcanoes
2. Mount Fuji is surrounded by 5 lakes
3. The mountain is part of a National Park
4. It was forbidden for women to climb Mount Fuji until 1912
5. Mount Fuji is said to bring good luck

Mount Fuji was founded by Nikkō Shōnin in 1290

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Author: Au Yeung Yu Leung (Female researcher of Japanese culture from Hong Kong)

World-famous Mt. Fuji, which is expected to become the 17th UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site in Japan, attracts both Japanese and non-Japanese people with its beautiful appearance, and has always been popular as a travel destination. Mt. Fuji is not only the highest mountain in Japan, but has had a special existence for Japanese people since ancient times. The mountain, which has been an object of worship, is itself a god, so to speak. I gave climbing this mountain a try, and have re-discovered Japan at its summit. Now, come and climb Mt. Fuji with me!

Mt. Fuji has designated World Heritage Sites on June 26, 2013, and this contents is based on May, 2013.

Being from Hong Kong, Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan to me. Since I was a child, it has been my wish to someday visit Mt. Fuji, because the mountain I saw on TV looked somewhat divine. The excitement I felt when I actually came to Japan and saw Mt. Fuji from the window of the bullet train was incomparable to that I had felt when I'd seen it on TV. The incredibly beautiful scenery dazzled my eyes. I thought, "I want to climb to the top." And so I did.

Although we can enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji throughout the year, we can only climb it during summertime (the climbing trails are closed except during the period from 1st July 1st to 26th August). From Tokyo, I head straight to the entrance of the trail to the top of Mt. Fuji. Needless to say, I am fully equipped for climbing the 3,776-metre high mountain. Although my backpack is a little heavy on my back, my heart is ready to jump with excitement, thinking that I am about to climb Mt. Fuji, which I have been longing to do.

I select the Fujinomiya Route, which is said to be suitable for beginners among the four major climbing routes. I arrive at the Fifth Station of "Fujinomiya-guchi" at about 2:00 p.m. It is only about the halfway point of the mountain, but it sure feels like a mountain. As I fill my lungs with the mountain air, which is cool despite being midsummer, unlike the steaming air of Tokyo, I think about this big event of climbing Mt. Fuji.

Although I am eager to climb, I stay at the Fifth Station for a little while to allow my body to adjust, so as not to get altitude sickness. I look around the shops crowded with climbers and the surrounding area, and have coffee at a lodge, and then it becomes 3:00 p.m. Now, let's start climbing!

©Yamanashi Prefecture

©Yamanashi Prefecture

I climb slowly while keeping my own pace, taking deep breaths and staying hydrated. I do not play sports much, and it is my first time to climb a 3,000-metre level mountain, so I am careful to conserve my energy. The trail becomes narrower as I climb; the trees decrease and the gravelly area, where small and large stones are scattered about, begins. I don't feel lonely, however, because I frequently pass people coming down the mountain. When I see people coming down filled with joy, my spirit is lifted, and I congratulate them. Evening comes and the sun begins to set. I will see the sunrise from the top of the mountain tomorrow morning - this thought relieves my fatigue a bit.

©Yamanashi Prefecture

©Yamanashi Prefecture

After 6:00 p.m., I arrive at the Eighth Station. I am about to reach my physical limit, and a lodge warmly welcomes me. After changing my sweat-drenched clothes, I relax for a while just watching the sunset. After dinner, I am instantly knocked out by overwhelming sleepiness.

I wonder how long I have slept - the noise of the surrounding area brings me back from my dreams. When I get up and look around, it seems like most of the people have already left. I look at my watch, and it is past 1:00 a.m. I now head off to the top of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji late at night is a pitch-black world. There are few plants, and I must ascend steep rocks for quite awhile. My headlight is my anchor. Just as I think that I might become absorbed in the darkness, I see a light out of the corner of my eye. I look up and find bright stars in the sky are watching me. My heart instantly lights up and I feel as if I am in the center of the universe. I am overwhelmed by this simply supernatural scene, which I am embarrassed to describe as "dreamy," for the risk of it sounding cliché. Telling myself that I will faint when I see the sunrise at this rate and smiling wryly, I continue climbing.

There are many climbers near the top, and I can only move slowly; however, I manage to arrive at the top before the sunrise. The pitch-black sky begins changing in colour to navy blue, bringing excitement to the climbers. The colour of the sky changes by the minute. Shadows of people reflect on the sea of clouds. In preparation for the miraculous moment, the cool air at the mountaintop feels good.

©Yamanashi Prefecture

©Yamanashi Prefecture

The sky changes from navy blue to light blue, and then begins being eaten away by the colour orange. An indescribable feeling of tension builds up. This really is a part of the cosmos. Heaven and earth are overpowering and the ocean appears far away. From below the clouds beneath our feet, the sun begins appearing slowly and the orange light extends to every corner of the world. The clouds are lit by the rising sun and the boundless prospect of green mountains creates harmony. Is this the spectacle the Japanese call "Goraikoh (the sacred sunrise)"? Is this mystical experience of being filled with light in space a sense of "living" for Japanese people? The feelings of the Japanese towards nature and Japanese traditions are all connected to what I see. I now feel that I suddenly understand Japan. Surrounded by excited people, looking at the mountains peeking through the sea of clouds, I begin to enter a trance-like state. I have climbed to see this alone - this is how I feel.

At the top of Mt. Fuji, there is a view of Japan that I had not known. I have been in Japan for 11 years, but in climbing Mt. Fuji I have discovered Japan anew. No, it is not "new Japan," but rather ancient Japan, which has continued to this day since long before I was born. The ancient Japan I see from the top of Mt. Fuji and modern Japan are connected. This is why I will never forget the spectacle I behold on top of Mt. Fuji, even after returning to my life in Tokyo.

©Yamanashi Prefecture

There are many "surprises" at the top of Mt. Fuji; there are lodges where we can eat something that warms our bodies, including hot ramen or miso soup. Isn't it surprising that there are vending machines on a mountaintop? From Mt. Fuji Summit Post Office (opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., only in summer) near the summit of the Fujinomiya Route, you can also send a postcard with a "Mt. Fuji Summit" stamp as a memento of your climb. In addition, there is also the Okumiya Inner Shrine of the Sengen Taisha Grand Shrine at the summit, where you can give thanks that you have made it safely (it is said that some couples have had their weddings there!).

©Yamanashi Prefecture

The thrill of descending towards the clouds when you return down the mountain is something you can never experience anywhere else. There are many hot springs near Mt. Fuji, so why don't you soak in hot water and heal your weary legs?

©Yamanashi Prefecture

I recommend that you obtain a "Certificate for Climbing to the Summit of Mt. Fuji" if you climb all the way to the summit. If you have a photo that can prove you have reached the summit, you can apply through the Yamanashi Prefecture Tourist Association website (price: \1,050/ 1 copy). If you do not feel confident about climbing, it is recommended that you refer to the "FYG (FUJI-YAMA Guides)", a trekking guide that is also available for non-Japanese people.

Mt. Fuji has been recommended for registration as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, and is expected to be formally listed in June, 2013. Why not try climbing Mt. Fuji, which symbolizes Japan? Please refer to the respective JNTO webpage about other World Heritage Sites in the country.

Yu Leung was born in Hong Kong and is a speaker of several languages including Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, English and Japanese. She is a graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Tokyo's Graduate School. In Hong Kong, she served as the chief editor for a major magazine providing information on Japan. Her works include "66 Mysteries about China that it is Too Late to Ask Someone About" and "Japanese Words Often Seen in Games." Currently, she is actively working in Japan to foster mutual understanding between China and Japan and to promote Japanese culture overseas.

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Climbing Mt. Fuji, the World Heritage Site-to-be

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Author: Au Yeung Yu Leung (Female researcher of Japanese culture from Hong Kong) World-famous Mt. Fuji, which is expected to become the 17th UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site in Japan, attracts both Japanese and non-Japanese people with its beautiful appearance, and has always been popular as a travel destination. Mt.

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Turkey
1. There are homes built into the cliff like structures
2. Some Turks believe the formations is a mystery
3. Some believe there are links to cancer with this formation of rocks
4. The landscape around it was formed by volcanic erosion
5. Fair Chimneys spans over 5,000 kilometers

Fair Chimneys was discovered in 499 BC.

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The rock formations that have made Cappadocia one of the most popular destinations in Turkey emerged due to a geological process that began millions of years ago. Ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed the region in thick ash, which later solidified into a soft rock called 'tuff'. When the natural forces of wind and water (erosion) did their work, only the harder elements were left behind to form the 'fairy chimneys' that can be seen today, stretching as far as 130 feet into the sky.

However, it was also human ingenuity that has given Cappadocia its magical aesthetic. During the Roman period, persecuted Christians fled to Cappadocia (more specifically the town of Göreme), and soon came to the realization that tuff was a useful, malleable material. The inhabitants set about building a network of handmade caves, living quarters, churches, stables, and storehouses, all dug into the soft rock. Today, there are still obvious signs of past lives within the honeycombed network of hand-built rock: the stables with handles used to tether animals, walls with holes meant for air circulation, and blackened walls that were once the kitchens.

Underground cities also had to be built due to the possibility of hostile forces discovering their refuge. Almost 10-storeys deep and connected by narrow passages, these subterranean cities could hide as many as 10,000 people at a time. Ventilation shafts were disguised as wells, while large rolling stone doors were put in place to protect entrances.

The churches of Göreme are also worth a mention because of the beautiful frescoes that have survived the passage of time. One of the best examples is the Dark Church in Göreme, a monastic compound built in the 11th century, whose walls are covered with colorful and intricate scenes from the New Testament and stunningly well preserved.

Once a refuge, the inspiring carved rocks of Cappadocia are now a tourist destination where hot air balloon tours allow visitors to gaze down upon this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the cave dwellings have also been converted into boutique hotels where cave rooms offer comfort with cozy fireplaces and gorgeous views.

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The Story Behind The Fairy Chimneys In Cappadocia

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The rock formations that have made Cappadocia one of the most popular destinations in Turkey emerged due to a geological process that began millions of years ago. Ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed the region in thick ash, which later solidified into a soft rock called 'tuff'.

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Belize
1. It is the largest sea hole in the world
2. Was charted by the Spanish. 3. The Blue hole was declared by Charles Darwin that it had the most beautiful coral reefs.
4.More than 200,000 people visit the Great Blue Hole every year 5.Home to hammerhead sharks and black tip tiger sharks.

The Great Blue Hole was discovered by the English and was discovered in the 1750s

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Isn't a hole under the sea a cause for wonder? And the curiosity doubles when one hears that this blue hole was once an island. The Great Blue Hole lies 100 km off the coast of Belize in Central America.

A world heritage site of the UNESCO, the Great Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. It is round in shape with a distinct colour measuring 300m across and 108m in depth.

The Great Blue Hole, which was once an island, is a result of the geological factors at play. Few thousand years ago during the ice age, the sea level was much lower. Limestone rocks were found below the island, which dissolved in rain and groundwater. Over a period of time, this process formed hollow places or caves below the earth's surface.

In due course, the roof of the cave became so thin that it crumpled creating a vast sink hole. When the ice age ended, glaciers melted and sea levels rose. As a result, the entire cave system beneath flooded.

This sinkhole, when viewed from above, has a dark blue tinge because of its depth. It can be easily distinguished in contrast to the shallow aqua blue water of its surroundings. The stalactites and stalagmites are huge and measure 9 to 12m in length.

Dive in

The Great Blue Hole is deep and considered as one of the top 10 best diving spots in the world. Since the Great Blue Hole lies close to the centre of the Lighthouse Reef, sea kayaking and snorkelling to view the coral reef is an attraction. The Lighthouse ring-shaped reef houses open-water fish and parrot fish. You might also catch a glimpse of the hawksbill turtle and stingrays.

The Great Blue Hole is not the only sinkhole in the world. The Dean's Blue Hole close to Clarence town on Long Island in Bahamas is the world's deepest sinkhole measuring a depth of 200m. On the coast of the Red Sea, towards the north of Dahab in Egypt is the second deepest blue hole. There have been many unsuccessful attempts by divers trying to uncover a tunnel connecting the Blue Hole of Dahab to its surrounding waters. The Blue Hole of Gozo is only 15 metres deep and lies on the west coast of the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Interestingly, though the Walting's Blue Hole on the Bahamas is in the centre of a rainy tropical island and yet, lacks fresh water. This means that there is a channel running underground that connects this sinkhole to the ocean.

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Isn't a hole under the sea a cause for wonder? And the curiosity doubles when one hears that this blue hole was once an island. The Great Blue Hole lies 100 km off the coast of Belize in Central America. A world heritage site of the UNESCO, the Great Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.