In central Honshu, Japan's main island, rises the majestic Japan Alps, a chain of mountains reaching 3,000 meters (approximately 9,800 feet) high. Between the alps and Tokyo lies Mt. Fuji, a beautiful, conical peak that is the country's tallest mountain at 3,776 meters (12,390 feet). It slopes very gently toward the foot, however, and the entire area around the base is a national park.

In the summer many people climb to the top of Mt. Fuji. Even in July and August, temperatures at the mountaintop reach only around 5 to 6 degrees Celsius (41 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit).