Diamond Fuji

Winter solstice comes but once each year, and with it the chance to see what has become known as ‘Diamond Fuji’: the sight of the sun appearing to set right into Mt Fuji’s caldera. The spectacle is visible from the summit of Mt Takao, but before you start fretting about crampons and industrial strength mittens, plan your trip to coincide with the mountain’s cable car. Return journeys run until 6pm between December 19-24, to suit photographers and romantics alike (and judging from the turnout each year, there are a lot of both). Just remember to wrap up warm.