Whenever I need a short escape from my daily routine, I look for places where I can reconnect with nature. Sometimes the destination itself is incredible, while other times it’s the journey that leaves the biggest impression. My summer trip to Mt. Azuma-Kofuji in Fukushima Prefecture turned out to be both. Often called “Little Mount Fuji,” Mt. Azuma-Kofuji is one of the most recognizable volcanic mountains in the Tohoku region. Although it isn’t Japan’s tallest mountain, its nearly perfect cone-shaped crater gives it a striking resemblance to the country’s famous Mt. Fuji. Standing at 1,705 meters, this active volcano attracts hikers, photographers, road-trippers, and nature lovers from all over Japan…