Mt. Fuji, the tallest active volcano in Japan (3,776 meters above sea level), attracts visitors from all over the world. Mt. Fuji was designated as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2013 under the name of “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”, and has had a great influence on the Japanese people’s view of nature and Japanese culture. The symbiosis between people and nature through faith and art is one of the major characteristics of Mt Fuji.
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Mt. Fuji is the source of art

Mt. Fuji has inspired many people in the arts. In the Nara period (710-794), the oldest anthology of poetry in Japan, “Manyoshu”, already included a poem Mt. Fuji was featured. And it is also mentioned in Japanese classics such as “Taketori Monogatari” and “Ise Monogatari”. In the Heian period (794-1185), Mt. Fuji began to appear in paintings. The oldest surviving painting is “Shotoku-taishi-eden”(Illustrated Biography of Prince Shotoku) by Hata no Munesada. In the Edo period (1603-1868), when climbing Mt. Fuji became extremely popular among the common people, many painters began to paint the mountain. Mt. Fuji was painted as Ukiyoe viewed from various places such as Katsushika Hokusai’s “Fugaku-sanjurokkei”(Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji), Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Fuji-sanjurokkei”(Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji), and “Tokaido-gojusantsugi”(Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido). Then, when Ukiyoe began to be exported overseas, it had a great impact on Western artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. Thus, the existence of Mt. Fuji became known to the world from the field of art. If we trace Japanese culture and art back in this way, we will find that the majestic Mt. Fuji. From the time of Manyoshu to the present day, Japanese people have composed and painted many poems, entrusting their feelings of the moment to Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji is an object of faith

Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, has been revered as an object of worship since ancient times, feared as a mountain inhabited by gods, not only because of its isolated beauty but also because of its raging eruptions. Mt. Fuji, with its repeated volcanic activity, has been an object of worship from the foot of the mountain, looking up at the summit. After the eruption of Mt. Fuji subsided in the late Heian period (794-1185), it became a place for many ascetics to climb to the summit as a place of worship for “shugendo”, which is a combination of ancient Japanese mountain worship and foreign Buddhism. As time went on, ordinary people began to be led by ascetics to the summit. From the 17th century onward, “Fuji-kou” religion was born. Many followers of the Fuji-kō climbed the mountain and believed, and facilities such as housing were built to support the climbers. Even now, during the summer climbing season, the mountain is crowded with people who go to the summit to see the sunrise or to do the Ohachi tour around the crater.

beauty on a large scale

Mt. Fuji, with an elevation of 3,776.24 meters, is the highest mountain in Japan. Fuji, located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, has been revered as a symbol of Japan since ancient times.The beautiful shape of Mt. Fuji, with its broad base, is enhanced by the fact that the conical shape of the mountain was formed through repeated eruptions, and the fact that it is an independent peak with no surrounding mountain ranges of similar height.Although this may sound like an uninteresting explanation, there is no doubt that the charm of Mt. Fuji is the symbolic beauty of the mountain. However, this kind of beauty cannot be fully expressed in words, and there is also a big difference between seeing it in a photograph and seeing it in person.The power and overwhelming presence of Mt. Fuji when seen in person is always a fresh and exciting experience. Therefore, I would recommend that you see Mt. Fuji with your own eyes. Even if you don’t climb it or approach its base, please try to visit the places where you can see Mt. Fuji, and you will be able to experience not only its beauty but also its size and scale.

Let’s try climbing Mt. Fuji

There are some points to be aware of when climbing Mt. Fuji is subject to change depending on the remaining snow and weather conditions, so be sure to check the official website before you head out.

When can I climb Mt. Fuji?

The season for climbing Mt. Fuji is from July to early September, when the trail from the fifth station to the top of the mountain is open. The timing varies depending on the route, but in all cases the number of climbers increases after mid-July. The best time to go is from late July to early August, particularly weekdays being the best, as the high pressure after the end of the rainy season brings many clear days and the minimum temperature is the highest of the year during this period. In addition to the weather, you should also pay attention to the crowds. When it is crowded, it takes a lot of time due to traffic jams on the trails and the mountain lodges are full of people. Avoid weekends when it is crowded, and climb on weekdays if possible. The alpine plants with their pretty flowers are a must-see during this season. Especially on the Subashiri route, you can enjoy looking for alpine plants as you climb through the forest zone up to the timber line.

Equipment for climbing Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is made of volcanic gravel, so shoes with thin soles are not recommended. Hard-soled climbing shoes or trekking shoes are a must, so if you don’t have them, you should prepare them. High-top shoes that do not allow gravel to enter the shoe are best. Rain equipment is also a must, as the weather in the mountains tend to change suddenly. The wind is also very strong, so please select durable separated mountaineering ones. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes as the temperature at the top of the mountain before sunrise can drop below 0°C even in mid-summer. Quick-drying underwear, a towel, a hat for sun protection, and a headlamp are also essential. Bring water to stay hydrated, food such as chocolates, cookies, and nuts for quick snacks, and a bag to carry away garbage. Bring a map and compass to avoid getting lost. It is also a good idea to bring a helmet, mask, and goggles in case of a sudden eruption. Another important thing to remember is to submit a climbing plan at the trailhead of each route. Fill in the planned route, members, belongings, and emergency contact information. This will help limit the search area in case of emergency.

How to enjoy the 5th station of Mt. Fuji

The fifth station of Mt. Fuji, with its lodging facilities, stores, and restaurants, has become a tourist spot that can be easily reached by shuttle bus or cab from the base of the mountain. Many of the facilities are open from mid-April to mid-December. The first place to visit when you come to the fifth station is the Fujiysan-Komitake Shrine. The Goshuin (original sacred red seal) that you can get at this shrine is highly recommended. The name of the shrine is written with a powerful writing brush font, “富士山”(Mt. Fuji). After visiting the shrine, go to Amanoya and try the special bread called “Mt. Fuji melonpan”, made of cookie dough with the aroma of melon, is a common bread in Japan, but this melonpan is very cute because of the shape of Mt.Fuji. The lava stones at the top of the mountain are cocoa-flavored, and the falling snow is expressed with powdered sugar. Then, stop by Fuji Fifth Station Post Office and buy a wooden postcard in the shape of Mt. Fuji, which will be a good souvenir of your visit.

How to enjoy the summit of Mt. Fuji

Many of you may be interested in watching the sunrise at the top of the mountain. The brightness of the sunrise as it slowly rises from the horizon is truly powerful and moving. If you still have some energy left, why not try the “Ohachi Meguri tour”, a 90-minute tour around the crater of Mt. Fuji. Follow the route of faith of Mt. Fuji by visiting the inner shrine of Sengen Taisha Okumiya and Kusushi Shrine. There is also a post office at the top of the mountain, where you can send postcards and have them stamped with a scenic postmark exclusive to the top of the mountain.

How to reserve a mountain hut on Mt. Fuji

A mountain lodge on Mt. Fuji is a simple accommodation for the rest or for taking a nap. Guests can order simple meals such as dinner and breakfast, but the facilities are minimal. Water is precious in the mountains, so there is no water for washing hands or face. Almost all the lodges have only shared rooms for both men and women. On weekends, some lodges are so crowded that there is only enough space for one person to lie down, so it is necessary to make reservations in advance through the Internet or by phone. Most of the lodges charge around 8,000 yen per night with half-board, but there is an extra charge on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays.

Manners for climbing Mt. Fuji

There are some rules and manners that should be observed in order to enjoy mountain climbing in a pleasant way. The most important thing to keep in mind is to take your trash back with you and not throw it away. Collecting plants and animals, taking out lava and rocks, and graffiti on buildings, rocks, and stones are prohibited by law. As a mountaineer, it is also good rules to cooperate with the “Mt. Fuji Conservation Cooperation Fee” (1,000 yen), which aims to preserve the beautiful mountain.

Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan

Mt.Fuji, which is sacred and important to the Japanese people, has attracted many people from all over the world. There is a big difference between seeing Mt. Fuji in a picture and seeing it in person, and the power and overwhelming presence of the mountain when seen in person is simply impressive. I highly recommend that you try climbing the mountain and experience the breathtaking view and the massive scale of Mt. Fuji.