The views to be had from Hakone of Mt Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain, are staggering. Seen on a clear day from the banks of Lake Ashi, the snow-capped peak stands serene behind other lesser mountain tops - imperious, majestic, the single most iconic image of Japan.

For centuries pilgrims made their way to the top of this spiritually significant site, stopping at shrines doubling as inns along the way. They would time their climb to reach the summit at sunrise, and modern-day visitors still aim for this same special moment.

The main climbing season is through July and August, although the top is nearly always freezing, whatever the weather. The reward though is to savour the singular pleasure of standing at the top of one of the world's most revered mountains.