There is a Japanese proverb that says only a fool has never climbed Mount Fuji -- or has climbed it twice.
The 3,776-meter dormant volcano, referred to as Fuji-san by Japanese, is the nation's highest mountain and one of the best-known symbols of Japan. This sacred mountain, which towers over the Kanto region, is typically used to represent the nation on postcards and is a favorite destination for tourists.
On July 1, the mountain's official summer climbing season opened, and from then until it ends on Aug. 31, about 200,000 tourists are expected to visit the mountain.