Fujiyoshida, Mountain base city in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Fujiyoshida sits at the northern foot of Fuji on lava flows that spread between 650 and 850 meters above sea level. The city fans out across several valleys and is surrounded by forest, with views toward the summit of the mountain.
The city formed in 1951 from three villages founded in 1889 that later grew into larger settlements. Its location at the mountain made it a starting point for pilgrims and later for hikers.
Local weavers produce cloth with Japanese patterns that have been made in the area for centuries. Visitors can watch the work at looms in small workshops and find the finished textiles in shops along the main streets.
The Fuji Kyuko railway line links several stations within the town and brings travelers close to the starting points for routes up the mountain. The streets are busy during summer when many people arrive for the climbing season.
The local udon dish is served with very firm noodles that require more chewing than usual. The soup often features horse meat and a mix of soy sauce and miso, which is rare to find in other parts of Japan.
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