246,616 Climbers To Mount Fuji

(Kyodo) KOFU, Yamanashi Pref. — Fine weather helped iconic Mount Fuji attract 246,616 climbers in July and August, up about 20,000 from last year, an official from the city that hosts the main starting point in Yamanashi Prefecture said. "In addition to good weather, mountain lodges and toilets were renovated for women, while efforts to seek the registration of Mount Fuji as a World Heritage site gained the attention of climbers," a Fujiyoshida city official said Saturday. According to the city, the number of climbers who began their ascent of the nation's tallest mountain from the main start point in Fujiyoshida this year was the third-highest since record-keeping began in 2000. The record was set in 2010, when 259,658 people scaled the inactive 3,776-meter volcano. Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120903a6.html

VOCABULARY

1.      Iconic - famous

2.      Hosts - to provide the place and everything that is needed for an organized event

3.      Renovated - to repair a building or old furniture so that it is in good condition again

4.      Ascent - the act of climbing something or moving upwards

5.      Scaled - to climb to the top of something that is high and difficult to climb

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.      Is Mt. Fuji really famous in Japan? Explain “iconic Mt. Fuji” or describe Mt. Fuji.

2.      Have you tried mountain climbing? Share your experience.

3.      Name other mountains popular in Japan.

4.      What do you think is the reason why tourists like to climb Mt. Fuji?

5.      What makes Japan known to other countries aside from Mt. Fuji?