Top five mountains to visit in Japan, beyond the iconic Mount Fuji

Visitors to Japan's famous Mount Fuji are now officially required to pay for the privilege, with a tourist tax in force as of July 1.Amid concerns about overcrowding, the UNESCO World Heritage site will ask climbers to pay 2,000 yen ($18.50) per person, and have a daily maximum of 4,000 climbers per day.Of course, Japan is a country renowned for its natural beauty and boasts a diverse array of mountains ripe for exploring. READ MORE: Here's why summer destinations are actually the perfect winter getawayWhether you seek spiritual enlightenment, alpine adventures, or the beauty of spring cherry blossoms, here's the top five mountains in Japan, beyond the iconic Mount Fuji.Mount Tate (Tateyama)Part of the Japan Alps, Mount Tate stands at 3,015 metres and offers stunning alpine scenery and challenging hiking trails. Accessible via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the mountain boasts dramatic landscapes, including the picturesque Mikurigaike pond and panoramic views of neighbouring peaks. Visitors can ride cable cars and traverse high-altitude paths, experiencing the pristine beauty of Japan's alpine environment.READ MORE: Surprising Aussie city named in list of world's most beautiful skylinesMount HakusanSpanning Ishikawa, Gifu, and Fukui Prefectures, Mount Hakusan is one of Japan's three 'holy mountains' (alongside Mount Tate and Mount Fuji). Revered for its spiritual significance and pristine natural beauty, the mountain offers diverse landscapes including dense forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic terrain. Pilgrims and hikers can ascend its slopes via multiple trails, passing by picturesque shrines and enjoying panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.Mount Koya (Koyasan)Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya holds deep spiritual significance as the centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Mount Koya is a sacred site dotted with temples, including the renowned Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery. Visitors can experience tranquillity amidst towering cedar forests, participate in morning prayers, and stay overnight in traditional temple lodgings (shukubo), immersing themselves in Buddhist practices and rituals.Mount YoshinoRenowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cherished destination for hanami (flower viewing). Spring transforms the mountain into a sea of pink and white sakura, drawing visitors from across Japan and beyond. Beyond the cherry blossoms, Mount Yoshino offers hiking trails through ancient forests, and historic temples, and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.Mount Zao (Zaozan)Straddling Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures in northern Honshu, Mount Zao is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and unique "snow monsters" in winter. Standing at 1,841 metres, the mountain offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months, with its rugged terrain transformed into a mystical winter wonderland. In summer, visitors can explore hiking trails through lush forests, witness the vibrant colours of alpine flora, and admire the breathtaking views of crater lake Okama.