Though Mt. Fuji has not been appointed as a World Heritage site ...

Text: SATO Naoko (Japan)

Recently, many Japanese have been taking overseas holidays. Every country has some attractions to boast of. For instance, in the resort of Hawaii there is Waikiki beach and the fula dance, while for a long time Japan used to be known for Fuji-yama and geisha.

However, you can only see the fula dance and geisha as part of a sightseeing show. There have always been various cultures around the world that make travelers experience exotic feelings, but now you can buy hamburgers and sushi everywhere in the world. This is now the age in which people around the world can have the same costume, the same music and the same information.

One clear difference certain countries have over others is their nature. Although geisha exist only in some areas, Mt. Fuji shows off its beautiful shape even now, and in particular is very beautiful in the early winter. Part of the beauty of Mt. Fuji is in its very symmetric, circular cone. Mt. Fuji is the only mountain in the region covered with snow since no other high mountains are around. It makes Mt. Fuji special. As you know, there are rows of high mountains in the Alps and the Himalayas.

The beautiful Mt. Fuji has not been appointed as a World Heritage site. It is believed to be because too much garbage is left on the mountain, but at the same time, this is partly because Mt. Fuji is loved so much that so many people climb her. A mountain's beauty is best viewed from afar. The beauty of Mt. Fuji is unchanging and remains a special symbol of Japan. Maybe people should rather suspect the selection criteria of the World Heritage organization.

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