Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is A) 'It is a frequently visited site' as Mount Ontake is a popular hiking destination, especially picturesque in the fall, and it was accessible on September 27, 2014.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mount Ontake, known as a sacred mountain in Japan, is indeed a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, especially during the fall season when the leaves are changing color. This mountain, being the second tallest in Japan after Mount Fuji, stands at 3,067 meters (10,062 feet) and attracts many visitors due to its scenic beauty and religious significance.
The mention of the beautiful fall day on September 27, 2014, implies that the mountain was accessible and frequented by visitors, suggesting that option A) 'It is a frequently visited site' is the correct answer to the student's question.
It is important to note that in contrast to Ontake's accessibility, some mountains like Mauna Kea in Hawaii, despite being potentially taller than Mount Everest if measured from the ocean floor, serve different purposes such as astronomical observations and don't attract casual hikers.
The comparison to Japan's mountainous regions and their climate zones offers context to the climate conditions that visitors to Mount Ontake might experience during different seasons.