家电综合品牌 Mt Fuji Facts

Mountains of the World: Mt Fuji

[ Mountain Index, Japan guide ]

Mount Fuji, or as the japanese call it, Fujisan, is Japan鈥檚 tallest and most famous mountain. It is an active stratovolcano and a major cultural, spiritual, and natural landmark. Its near-perfect symmetrical shape has made it one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.

Mt Fuji

Geologically, Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano formed through repeated volcanic eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years. The mountain鈥檚 current cone shape developed in the last 10,000 years during its most active geological phase. Mount Fuji鈥檚 last recorded eruption was in 1707, known as the Hoei Eruption, which scattered ash over a wide area, including as far as the Tokyo area 100km away.

Why is Mt Fuji so special?

Throughout history, Mount Fuji has held deep religious significance in Japan. It has been revered as a sacred site by followers of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, and was later embraced by Buddhist pilgrims. For centuries, climbing the mountain was considered a spiritual journey rather than a recreational activity. Modern tourism and climbing became popular from the late 19th century onwards, and today the mountain attracts both domestic and international visitors.

Mount Fuji鈥檚 size is modest by global standards, but its cultural and visual impact is significant. Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it the highest mountain in Japan. While it is not among the tallest mountains in the world, it is widely admired for its almost perfectly symmetrical appearance. For comparison, Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, reaches 8,848 meters, and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa rises to 5,895 meters.

Mount Fuji holds a special place in Japanese art and culture. It has been a source of inspiration for centuries, most famously depicted in Katsushika Hokusai鈥檚 woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes the iconic image The Great We off Kanagawa. The mountain appears in poetry, literature, and modern media, symbolizing beauty, endurance, and spiritual importance. In 2013, Mount Fuji was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, recognized for its cultural significance and historical influence.

Looking at Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. There are several excellent ways to get there. Popular viewing spots include Lake Kawaguchi, which offers some of the best close-up views, and Hakone, which provides scenic mountain views, hot springs, and lake cruises. The Fuji Five Lakes region is another popular base for visitors, providing both access to the mountain and beautiful vantage points.

The best times to see Mount Fuji are during the winter months from December to February when skies are clearest, though early mornings at any time of year typically offer the best chance of an unobstructed view.

Climbing Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji is a popular summer activity. The official climbing season runs from early July to early September, when the trails are free of snow and the mountain facilities are open.

The most popular route is the Yoshida Trail, though other options include the Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails. A typical climb takes between five to seven hours to ascend, and three to five hours to descend. Along the way, climbers can find mountain huts, rest stops, and first-aid stations. Preparation is essential, as weather conditions can change rapidly, temperatures drop at higher altitudes, and some climbers may experience mild altitude sickness.

Mt Fuji Facts Mount Fuji is actually made up of three volcanoes stacked on top of each other: Komitake, Kofuji, and the currently visible Fuji. The last eruption in 1707 created a new crater and a smaller peak known as Mount Hoei. Women were not officially allowed to climb Mount Fuji until 1868. The sunrise from the summit is known as Goraiko and is a major goal for over 200,000 climbers who attempt to reach the summit each year. The mountain is classified as active but currently dormant, with low eruption risk in recent years. See also Guide to Japan LIST: World's Tallest Mountains Mountains Guide You May Also Like ...