Most likely, the main reason that thousands of climbers make the trek to the top of Mt. Fuji, watching the sunrise is the best thing you can experience after a grueling hike. The spectacular view at the top of Japan's iconic mountain is simply one of the most treasured memories one could bring back from Japan.

However, to experience it, check the weather forecast in advance and keep the sunrise time in mind. The sunrise starts at 4:21 a.m. at the beginning of July and can be as late as 5:05 a.m. towards the end of August. Plan your hike accordingly to not miss out on this spectacular view!

(Bonus tip: set up your smartphone or camera and take a video timelapse of the scenery!)

If you have time to spare and some strength left in you, why not try walking around the peak? Going either clockwise or counter-clockwise will take you around the 600-meter diameter, 200-meter deep crater. The course covers 4 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and a half to complete.

If you're challenging the Ohachi-meguri, be sure to head for Kengamine Peak. The slope doesn't cover much distance, but great care is required. The mixture of loose pebbles and dirt combined with winds that can reach speeds of 20~30 meters per second (45~67 miles per hour) can make this final stretch rather difficult. With perseverance and a steady pace, you can make it to the top, 3776 meters above sea level and the highest point in Japan!

Yes, you heard right. One of the other unique things to do at the top of Mt. Fuji is to send a postcard from Japan's highest post office. If you want to avoid the long queue, you can prepare your card in advance and just drop it in the mailbox. Keep in mind that the post office is only open in summer from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!

Another way to bring a souvenir back from Mt. Fuji is to buy a hiking stick and get it stamped at the different stations. The stamp you receive will vary by shop, but it will provide a lasting memory of your trip. If you forgot to pick up a hiking stick at any of the lower stations, you could always purchase one at the top from one of the many vendors.

Access: Take the Fujikyu Bus heading towards the Fujisan Gogome station, from either Kawaguchiko (Fujikyu Line) or Mt. Fuji (Fujikyu Line) stations. The route takes about 1 hour, and you can get off at the final stop.

Access to Kawaguchiko Station from Tokyo: Take the Fujikyu Line from Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Main Line) to Kawaguchiko Station. This route takes about 40 minutes by Express Train.