ABSTRACT
Japan is quiet. It is a country that is often associated with the peace and tranquillity of temple gardens, Zen meditation and the stunning natural beauty of its mountains. This chapter highlights themes related to the battle between local and national interests, the significance of commercial interests and questions about who creates Japan's national symbols. Although it is Japan's tallest mountain, it is not as challenging as many of Japan's other mountains to climb, such as Mount Tanigawa. The chapter discusses the symbolic importance of Mount Fuji and examines how it is also an important magnet for tourism. Mount Fuji is not Japan's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Yudanaka Jigokudani, or 'Monkey Park' as it is somewhat simplistically referred to in English, is home to one of the most well-used images of Japan's nature, for it is home to the macaques that are famed for entering onsen (hot springs).
