Mt. Fuji is a volcano that was formed over hundreds of thousands of years ago. 
In the Komitake Fuji Period (700,000 – 200,000 years ago) at the time of the Beijing Man and when the Japanese climate was passing in and out of glacial and interglacial periods the Komitake Volcano was formed. In the “Old Fuji Period” (80,000-16,000 years ago) It is presumed from analysis of volcanic ejecta, that the eruptions were particularly violent. In the “New Fuji Period” (14,000 years ago to the present) about 10,000 years ago, eruptions that would later form the New Fuji Volcano broke out between the respective craters that formed the Old Fuji and Komitake. 
These eruptions eventually covered the peaks of both these older volcanoes, forming the Fuji that we see today. The eruptions grew less violent and by 8,000 years ago New Fuji had attained the beautiful shape it has today. 
There is a tremendous amount of mystery and interest in Mt. Fuji still today. It is the subject of many artworks and climbed by those seeking special blessings. Most days she hides her peak in the clouds making it one of the most sought after views of visitors. On our day trip we were in fact blessed and the sky opens to allow us to see the beautiful peak from the viewing station and then again when we reached the 5th station (about ½ way up). We have been lucky and have seen the peak each time we have gone, however the statistics give you about a 20% chance. We were THRILLED our friends were able to see the top on their first visit!
A short ride to Haknoe and then a boat trip along the beautiful lake takes us to the cable car where we are able to ride to the top of mountain and see the entire Haknoe area. We arrive just before sunset and so the view is FABULOUS with a sky that is in and out of clouds. A very nice day and a wonderful way to conclude our day trip before returning to Tokyo.
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