Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji (Japanese: Fujisan) is Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain, standing at 3,776.24 metres (12,389 feet). Located on Honshū Island, it lies about 100 kilometres south-west of Tokyo and forms part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. A near-perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano, Mount Fuji is not only a natural landmark but also a cultural and spiritual symbol of Japan, revered in art, literature, and religion for centuries.

Geological background and formation

Mount Fuji is a composite volcano, formed through repeated eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years. Geologically, it sits on the junction of three tectonic plates — the Amurian Plate, the Okhotsk Plate, and the Philippine Sea Plate — making it one of the world’s most active volcanic regions.
The mountain’s geological structure comprises three main layers, representing different stages of volcanic activity:

• Komitake Volcano: The oldest base layer, dating back nearly 700,000 years.
• Old Fuji (Ko-Fuji): Formed between 100,000 and 10,000 years ago through multiple lava flows.
• New Fuji (Shin-Fuji): The current cone, which began forming about 10,000 years ago, giving the mountain its present symmetrical shape.

The last known eruption of Mount Fuji occurred in 1707, during the Edo period. Known as the Hōei Eruption, it followed a major earthquake and deposited volcanic ash as far as Edo (modern Tokyo). Although classified as an active volcano, Mount Fuji has remained dormant since then, but continuous monitoring is carried out due to potential future activity.

Physical features and environment

Mount Fuji’s nearly conical form rises abruptly from the surrounding plain, with a base circumference of about 125 kilometres. The upper slopes are covered in volcanic rock and ash, while the lower slopes are densely forested. The Aokigahara Forest, also known as the “Sea of Trees”, extends across the north-western base and is known for its dense vegetation and lava caves.
Five major lakes — Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Motosu, and Shōji — encircle the mountain. These lakes, formed by past lava flows, enhance Fuji’s scenic beauty and serve as popular viewing points. The area experiences significant climatic variation, with snow covering the summit for several months each year.

Cultural and religious significance

Mount Fuji has deep spiritual and cultural importance in Japanese society. It has long been regarded as a sacred mountain within Shintoism and Buddhism, symbolising immortality, purity, and enlightenment. Pilgrimages to the summit date back to the 7th century, when ascetic monks and devotees considered climbing Fuji an act of spiritual purification.
In Shinto belief, the mountain is associated with the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, enshrined at Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan. These shrines were established to appease the mountain’s volcanic spirit and prevent eruptions.
In art and literature, Mount Fuji has inspired countless works, most notably Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1830s), which includes the globally recognised image The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Fuji also appears in poetry, folklore, and modern media as a symbol of beauty, strength, and national identity.

Mountaineering and tourism

Climbing Mount Fuji is a highly popular activity, attracting hundreds of thousands of climbers each year. The official climbing season runs from early July to early September, when the weather is mild and mountain huts operate along the trails.
There are four main routes to the summit:

1. Yoshida Trail – the most popular route, starting from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
2. Subashiri Trail – offers forested lower sections and joins the Yoshida route near the summit.
3. Gotemba Trail – the longest and least crowded route.
4. Fujinomiya Trail – the shortest route from the southern side.

A typical ascent takes five to eight hours, with climbers often aiming to reach the top before dawn to witness the “Goraikō”, the sunrise viewed from the summit — a spiritually significant experience in Japanese tradition.
Facilities such as rest huts, first-aid stations, and guided tours support climbers, while conservation measures help manage the impact of mass tourism. In 2013, Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, acknowledging both its natural beauty and cultural influence.

Flora, fauna, and environment

Despite its volcanic nature, Mount Fuji supports a variety of ecosystems. The lower slopes host mixed forests of beech, oak, and hemlock, transitioning to conifers and alpine vegetation higher up. Wildlife includes Japanese serows, macaques, and numerous bird species.
However, increased tourism has created environmental pressures such as littering, erosion, and waste management challenges. The Japanese government and local authorities promote sustainable tourism and encourage climbers to respect the mountain’s fragile environment.

Symbolism and representation

Mount Fuji’s symbolism extends beyond geography; it represents endurance, harmony, and the pursuit of perfection. Its near-symmetrical form has made it a national icon, appearing on currency, art, company logos, and international branding of Japan.
In Japanese literature and philosophy, Fuji is often seen as a metaphor for aspiration and spiritual awakening. The idea of reaching the summit embodies perseverance and self-discipline — core values of Japanese culture.

Volcanic monitoring and preparedness

Although dormant for over 300 years, Mount Fuji remains under constant scientific observation. Japan’s Meteorological Agency and Volcanological Society monitor seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation. Advances in technology, including satellite imagery and remote sensors, allow early detection of potential volcanic unrest.
Experts estimate that a future eruption, if it occurs, could significantly affect nearby regions, particularly Tokyo, through ash fall and transportation disruption. Consequently, regional governments maintain detailed emergency evacuation and response plans.

Influence on global culture

Mount Fuji’s influence extends well beyond Japan. It is recognised worldwide as a symbol of tranquillity, natural majesty, and cultural unity. Artists, poets, and travellers from across the globe have drawn inspiration from its aesthetic perfection and spiritual resonance.
Fuji’s image features prominently in international exhibitions, films, and literature as an emblem of Japan’s harmony with nature and respect for beauty. Its profile remains one of the most photographed and painted landscapes in the world.