Mount Fuji, one of the most attractive destinations in Japan
Mount Fuji, with a height of 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest peak, the result of volcanic activity that began approximately 100,000 years ago. Today, this mountain and its surroundings are a popular recreational destination for hiking, camping in the wilderness, or simply unwinding.
Travelers from all over the world visit Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures to see this impressive mountain, which is considered one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. Mount Fuji has long been a source of spiritual and artistic inspiration for the Japanese.
Mount Fuji and Japanese culture
The Japanese have formed a spiritual bond with the mountain over the centuries. Legend has it that the eminent religious ascetic Hasegawa Kokugyo (1541–1646) scaled the mountain over 100 times. His exploits inspired the formation of the Fuji-ko, a group of like-minded Mount Fuji worshippers. To commemorate their dedication, this sect constructed shrines, erected rock monuments, and fasted.
The Tokugawa shogunate eventually outlawed the religion due to the fanaticism of this group. However, because of the long Japanese tradition of worshiping mountains, this mountain is still revered and respected as a place of great spiritual importance.
One of the most visited destinations
Every summer, over 300,000 people climb Mount Fuji. Its four main routes allow visitors to approach the top from various angles and stop along the way at rest areas or stations where they can find a variety of services and accommodations. Most hikers time their ascent to arrive at the summit just before sunrise, allowing them to gaze down at the sun as it crosses the horizon.
Mount Fuji used to be a training ground for monks and a pilgrimage destination for the lower classes. The numerous sanctuaries at the mountain’s base attest to its spiritual and historical significance.
Mount Fuji’s most iconic images date back to the Edo period (1603–1867). The various woodblock works on Mount Fuji by artist Ando Hiroshige show images of the mountain from various perspectives and locations, allowing visitors from all over the world to get a sense of the region and its ways of life.
On the other hand, the master Katsushika Hokusai’s wood engravings inspired the western artist Vincent Van Gogh and even had an influence on the works of the composer Claude Debussy. Mount Fuji’s picturesque views during the Edo period contributed to the mountain’s recognition as a global landmark.
What about Mount Fuji geography?
Mount Fuji was formed approximately 100,000 years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions, which transformed it into Japan’s highest peak, rising to an elevation of 3,776 meters. The most recent eruption occurred in 1707, lasted 16 days, and sent volcanic ash as far away as Tokyo. This volcanic activity also gave rise to Hoeizan (one of Fuji’s secondary peaks), the five lakes at the mountain’s base, and numerous caves near the Aokigahara forest.
This region is also a true paradise for those looking for outdoor adventures as well as those looking for a relaxing getaway, thanks to its many hot springs.
