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Mount Fuji Image
Mount Fuji is an active volcano – Freepik Image

Mount Fuji: a geographical, spiritual and cultural symbol of Japan

Mount Fuji is an iconic icon of Japan that undoubtedly attracts thousands of visitors – both Japanese and foreign tourists – every year to Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures. In addition to being considered a sacred symbol, it is a beautiful mountain, rich in nature and full of the most varied types of flowers. As a result, many people also enjoy visiting Mount Fuji and its surroundings for hiking, relaxing, camping or even climbing. Find out more about this gem now!
Ooizine guide
Images: Reproduction

 

Mount Fuji Image
Thousands of tourists visit Mount Fuji every year – Freepik Image

Mount Fuji is a national symbol and a must-see

Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan), at 12.388 feet (approximately 3.776 meters in height), is considered Japan's highest mountain and arguably the country's most famous symbol. Located near the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the mountain is between the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka ken, in the center of the island of Honshu (本州, Honshū); about 60 miles (100 km) west of the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Fuji-san is a snowy volcano, which has been dormant for over 300 years (since its last eruption in 1707), but is still generally classified as active by geologists. Furthermore, Fuji-san is the main attraction of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO in 2013. There is no tour that compares to climbing Mount Fuji or walking around its surroundings. Therefore, for those who wish to have a truly unique experience, this must be an essential item on the list of top destinations to visit in Japan.

 
 


The Great Wave off Kanagawa – Artist: Hokusai

It's part of Japanese culture

Mount Fuji, with its beautiful conical shape, has become a famous symbol around the world, especially in Japan, where it is considered an important and sacred icon. Among the Japanese, there is a collective sense of identification with the mountain, which is why thousands of people climb to its peak every summer. Furthermore, as part of the country's tradition, the Fuji has been reproduced countless times in Japanese literature and art. Including, by the renowned painter Hokusai, in a famous series of woodcuts entitled “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”, which was originally published between the years 1826 and 1833.

 
 

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja – Wikipedia Image

A place considered sacred

Considered a sacred mountain by Shinto practitioners (神道) – at least since the 1868th century – Mount Fuji is a place surrounded by temples and shrines. These shrines are Shinto and honor the kami, the deities of the Shinto religion. Fuji-san's deity is represented by Princess Konohanasakuya, whose symbol is the cherry blossom. Climbing this mountain has always been part of a religious practice, even though until the Meiji Restoration (XNUMX) women were not allowed to climb it. Initially, the ascent to the top was made by pilgrim men, who used to wear white robes.

Nowadays, large crowds, composed of practitioners and not, gather there mainly during the climbing season. Normally, climbers leave at night to reach the peak at dawn, when it is possible to see the sunrise.

 
 


Climbers climbing the Yoshida Trail on Mount Fuji – Freepik Image

How long does it take to climb Mount Fuji?

Due to adverse weather conditions, Mount Fuji can only be climbed in a specific season, although it is possible out of season (following a certain protocol), it is not advisable, as the chances of accidents occurring are high. That means ticking this incredible experience off your bucket list will take some planning. Therefore, the safest recommended time to enjoy all the beauty and experience that the mountain can provide is during the summer climbing season, which generally runs from the beginning of July to the end of August.

However, if you think it's impossible to do, know that it takes an average person only 4 to 8 hours to climb Mount to its top. That is, following the protocol and the appropriate recommendations is much easier.

 
 

Mount Fuji Image
Mount Fuji is an enchanting sight for tourists all over the world – Freepik Image

 

 

Information for those thinking of visiting Mount Fuji

If you are thinking about visiting Mount Fuji and the region, it is worth checking information such as safety bulletins and weather conditions in the region beforehand. Below you will find links to websites with several important tips for you! Have a good trip!

Website with information about the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park region
https://www.fujihakoneizu.com

Japanese Ministry of Development website
https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/fujihakone/index.html

Make reservations at lodges and ryokans in the Mount Fuji region
https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-search-results/ Mt-Fuji/

 

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