You’re Correct!

Answer: (a) Post office

Opened in 1909, Japan’s highest altitude post office is only open for business during the summer climbing season (July and August). Letters and postcards posted here are stamped with a special “Japan’s highest point” post mark, and in addition to sending out certificates in commemoration of climbing Mount Fuji, the post office also sells six different styles of commemoration stamps. Many climbers send out their traditional summer greeting cards posted with these special commemorative stamps. It opens from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during July and August and accepts ordinary mail only.

Fuji Sancho Post Office, Japan’s highest-point post office.

Climbing Mount Fuji

The official climbing season for Mount Fuji is the short two months of July and August. During this time the mountain is usually free of snow, the mountain huts are open, and access by public transportation is convenient. Hikers without much experience are strongly recommended to climb during this season. Each route to the top of Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stations (gome) from the foot of the mountain, with the summit being the 10th station. Paved roads are available as far as each of the fifth stations, which are all located between 1,400 to 2,400 meters above sea level. On the Shizuoka side of the mountain, there are three major walking trails to the summit.

Fujinomiya Trail

This route starts from the Fujinomiya Fifth Station, the closest fifth station to the summit (located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters), and travels round the south side of the mountain. From this route, climbers can enjoy the panoramic view of Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula. This is the easiest accessible route from the railway stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A climbing guidance center is also located at the fifth station, and a clinic is open at the eighth station between late July and mid August.

Gotemba Trail

Starting the Gotemba Fifth Station, which is the furthest fifth station from the summit (located at about 1,400 meters), the Gotemba Trail is the longest route up the mountain. While this route offers dramatic view of the surrounding natural environment with the sunrise easily visible above the new fifth station, the route’s rugged, rocky trail is not particularly suitable for inexperienced hikers.

Subashiri Trail

Approaching from the east side of the mountain, this trail offers a fairly easy and safe hike to the peak. Along the trail, you can enjoy splendid views of the Sho-Fuji peak, Lake Yamanaka, and Lake Kawaguchi. The fifth station for this trail is located at 2,000 meters above sea level, and time required between the fifth station and the peak is 5-7 hours for ascent and 2-3 hours for descent.