Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan) is Japan's tallest and most iconic peak. More than just a mountain, it is an active volcano, a sacred pilgrimage site, and a profound source of artistic inspiration that has shaped Japanese culture for centuries. Its near-perfectly symmetrical cone is a universally recognized symbol of Japan, drawing hundreds of thousands of climbers and sightseers each year. In 2013, it was granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its immense cultural and spiritual significance.

Key Information

A Mountain of Faith and Art

Cultural & Spiritual Significance For centuries, Mount Fuji has been revered as a sacred place. In the Shinto religion, it is believed to be the abode of the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, the deity of blossoms. Numerous shrines dot its base and slopes, with the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha shrine being the most important. For Buddhists, the mountain's ascent represents a journey from the mundane world to enlightenment. This deep spiritual connection has made Fuji a destination for religious pilgrimages (Fuji-kō) for generations, with pilgrims traditionally clad in white robes and chanting as they climb.

An Enduring Artistic Muse Mount Fuji's perfect form has captivated artists for centuries, making it one of the most depicted subjects in Japanese art. Its image is central to countless poems, literary works, and paintings. Most famously, it was the subject of the ukiyo-e woodblock print series by two masters:

• Katsushika Hokusai: His series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (c. 1830–1832), which includes the world-renowned print The Great Wave off Kanagawa, showcases the mountain from various locations and in different seasons.
• Utagawa Hiroshige: His series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (1858) and Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō also feature the mountain prominently, often with a more serene and atmospheric feel.

This artistic legacy was a key reason for its UNESCO designation as a "source of artistic inspiration."

Visiting and Climbing Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji is an accessible yet challenging experience. The view of the sunrise from the summit, known as Goraikō (御来光), is considered a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Official Climbing Season: Early July to early September. During this period, the trails are generally free of snow, the weather is milder, mountain huts are open, and public transportation is readily available.

Main Climbing Trails: There are four primary routes to the summit, each with different characteristics:

Recognition and Heritage

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013): Inscribed under the title "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." The designation includes 25 sites within the Mount Fuji locality, comprising the mountain itself, the Fuji Five Lakes, Sengen Jinja shrines, and the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove.
• Three Holy Mountains of Japan (三霊山, Sanreizan): Mount Fuji is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains," alongside Mount Tate (立山) and Mount Haku (白山).
• National Designation: It is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site by the Japanese government, highlighting its importance to the nation's natural and cultural identity.