Step into a scene of Mountain Fuji at Fujiyoshida

By Hebert Komati

Posted on February 20, 2019

Japan, Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida – All manner of people can be seen ascending the nearly 400-step stairs at a park here, where the view of a five-story pagoda against the backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Fuji awaits them.

Arakurayama Sengen Koen park initially gained attention among tourists from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries before it became known as a hot spot with a great view in recent years.

The five-story pagoda is officially called the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument (Chureito). It was founded in 1962 to commemorate the spirits of about 1,000 people from the city who died in wars in or after the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Recently, people from around the world who enjoy peace visit the pagoda set up in a place commanding a view of the holy mountain to console the war dead.

Foreign tourists walk up a slope to get to the five-story pagoda from Fujikyu Railway’s Shimoyoshida Station.

Source and full English article: The Asahi Shimbun

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201902190004.html