2. Mount Fuji, Japan

In the Land of the Rising Sun, you can’t beat a night hike to reach the top of Mount Fuji. About two hours from Tokyo by train, Japan’s highest mountain towers 3,776 metres above sea level. Setting off at dusk, you can choose from four different trails, with an overnight stop at a mountain hut before a final climb to the summit. You’ll arrive just in time to see the sun’s oranges and reds unfurl across the clouds, lakes and hills below.

The trails can be crowded but the camaraderie adds another layer to the travel experience. Prepare for cold, windy weather and unexpected showers. From July to September, climbers must rent a mountain hut, register in advance, and pay an entrance fee (¥1,000-3,000 per person, depending on the trail).