Mt. Fuji Photography - Something for Every Photographer

The best know symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji, is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. Fujisan has been worshipped since humans have lived nearby, originally a sacred mountain of the Ainu, The First Nations People of Japan.

For centuries, artisans have been mesmerized by Mount Fuji and its breathtaking beauty. Autumn is especially beautiful, with lavish displays of vibrant colored leaves, the legendary Japanese maple tree in red, yellow and orange. There is no picture by daylight or moonlight that you take that can capture the rich emotion that Mount Fuji provides. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, it will take a thousand pictures to express your one complete emotion of photographing autumn in Mount Fuji.  The Fuji Five Lakes at the base of Mt. Fuji comprises of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motosu lakes. Over ninety-five percent of Japanese nationals have never visited all the five lakes; and a staggering 99.5% international visitors haven't either. 

As I stroll the shore, I sometimes see glorious Mt. Fuji reflected in Kawaguchiko, the most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes and immortalize that moment in my photographs. The other lakes are not as accessible by public transportation making them more off the beaten path attractions. I always use private transportation in SUVs so I can experience each lake individually and thereby capture each of the Fuji Five Lakes separately.

Aokigahara - The Sea of Trees at the base of Mt. Fuji is the natural therapy forest for Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) with camera in hand. The trees grow in natural volcanic planting pots in rich peat moss. The forest popularity is growing among fine art photographers with its incalculable mythological forms appearing from tree roots and moss growing in around and over volcanic lava rock. Aokigahara also appeals to wildlife photographers as well. Mammals such as the Asian black bears, foxes, deer, boar, and the Japanese mink all call the Sea of Trees their home, so as you are focusing on the mythological creatures created by the trees, you will witness some of mother nature’s creations as well. Birding photographers will also have ample subjects to observe and photograph. The great spotted woodpecker, pygmy woodpecker, bush warbler, Eurasian jay, and the Japanese white-eye or mejiro all call Aokigahara home at different times of the year.