Has Mount Fuji ever appeared on Japanese banknotes or coins?

OK, no problem! Speaking of Fuji-san and Japanese currency, I can definitely give you a good overview.

Absolutely! Mount Fuji is a national symbol of Japan and has appeared on both banknotes and coins.

It’s very common to feature a country's most iconic landmarks on its currency. For Japan, Mount Fuji holds that unique position. Here are the most classic examples for you to see at a glance.

The Most Classic Representation: "Sakasa Fuji" on the 1000-Yen Note

If you visited Japan before 2004 or have old yen notes from that era saved at home, you’ve likely seen this banknote.

Banknote Denomination: 1000 yen (Old series, issued 1984~2004)
Front Portrait: Author Natsume Sōseki
Reverse Design: The Fuji image on the reverse side of this note is particularly famous. It doesn’t just show the mountain; it depicts Fuji's reflection in a lake. This scene is known in Japan as "Sakasa Fuji", meaning "Upside-down Fuji" or "Inverted Fuji".

This design was based on the work of renowned photographer Kōyō Okada, specifically his piece "Haru no Kohan" (Spring by the Lakeside). It beautifully captures Mount Fuji’s most stunning and serene aspect.

(Classic reverse pattern of the old 1000-yen note)

It's Still on the Current 1000-Yen Note!

You might ask, is it still on the 1000-yen notes in circulation now?

The answer is: Yes!

Banknote Denomination: 1000 yen (Current series, issued since 2004)
Front Portrait: Physician Hideyo Noguchi
Reverse Design: The reverse still features Mount Fuji, but from a different angle. This image also comes from a photograph by Kōyō Okada, showing the view of Fuji from Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture, with Japan's national flower – cherry blossoms – in the foreground. Fuji with sakura represents the quintessential Japanese scene.

So, the 1000-yen note you get in Japan today also has Mount Fuji on the back!

Earlier Banknotes and Coins

Actually, Fuji's history as a currency motif goes back even further.

Old 500-Yen Banknote: Between 1969 and 1994, Japan issued a now-discontinued 500-yen banknote (replaced by a coin). Its reverse displayed the majestic Mount Fuji.
Commemorative Coins: Beyond regular currency, Fuji is a favorite design element for Japanese commemorative coins. For example:
- In 2013, to celebrate Fuji's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Japan issued special commemorative gold and silver coins featuring the mountain.
- The lineup of 2020 Tokyo Olympics commemorative coins also includes a 500-yen coin showing Mount Fuji along with cherry blossoms.

Why Mount Fuji?

After all this, you might wonder why the Japanese are so fond of putting Fuji on their money.

In short, there are two main reasons:

Spiritual Symbol: Mount Fuji is far more than just a mountain. In Japanese culture, it’s a sacred and beautiful symbol, revered as the "sacred peak". It represents the nation’s spirit and identity.
Source of Art: Since ancient times, countless painters and poets have drawn inspiration from Fuji, like the famous ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai with his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. It has long been a core element of Japanese art.

Therefore, featuring Mount Fuji on the currency people use every day is both the best calling card for showcasing the nation's image externally and a way to foster national identity internally. Next time you get Japanese yen, flip the note or coin over and experience the charm of this "sacred peak" for yourself!