Mount Fuji
Listed under Sacred Spaces in Fuji, Japan.
Fuji San is frequently, but mistakenly, spoken of as the most sacred mountain in Japan.
While there is no such thing as a most sacred mountain in Japan, Fuji has become famous as a national symbol because it is the highest peak in the country (12,388 feet), it is one of the most symmetrical volcano cones in the world, and it is visible from the city of Tokyo, only 60 miles away. Younger than many Japanese mountains, Fuji began to rise only 25,000 years ago and had probably assumed its general form by 8000 BC. Occasionally smoking since its last major eruption in 1707, the mountain has an ancient body of myths regarding its divine origins, resident deities, and spiritual powers. The beautiful peak has been venerated as the home of a fire god, later the dwelling of a Shinto goddess of flowing trees, and since Buddhist times, as the abode of Dainichi Nyorai, the Buddha of All-Illuminating Wisdom. While scholars debate the origin of the mountain's name, one of the most commonly used means ‘Everlasting Life.’ According to early myths the mountain was first climbed by the wizard-sage En no Gyoja around 700 AD, but it is more likely that the first ascents began in the 12th or 13th centuries. Today, more than 400,000 people climb the mountain annually. The mountain is called Fuji San, the ‘san’ being an indication of deep respect.
Photo: Fuji San with Tokyo
More about Sacred Japan from Sacred Sites.
Written by 
Martin Gray.
Other expert and press reviews
“Fuji Volcano”
Mount Fuji is an attractive and classical looking volcano, the subject of much famous art. The Japanese guide books tell you it’s symmetrical, which it is probably surprisingly close to. It’s classed as a young volcano, but only because it has only ex… Read more...
Written by 
Hamish Holl.
“Mt. Fuji”
One of the world’s most beautiful and celebrated mountains, Mt. Fuji last erupted in 1707 and is the very symbol of Japan. Tens of thousands of hikers ascend this sacred mountain every summer, often forming long lines. At the summit one is rewarded with… Read more...
Written by 
Mike Lyvers.
“Looking at Mount Fuji 'can cure depression'”
By Justin McCurry for The Guardian First published April 3 2008 It is not only the most recognisable symbol of Japan, but according to one of its greatest admirers, a regular visual dose of Mount Fuji's perfectly conical slopes is the key to a sunnier … Read more...
Written by press. Full Article from The Guardian
“Climbing Mount Fuji: land of the rising sun”
By Julian Ryall for the Times Online First published March 2, 2007 The technique that Sohachi Hatakehori advocates sounds remarkably simple: Take short steps - no more than the length of a foot - keep up a steady pace, breathe regularly and deeply and … Read more...
Written by press. Full Article on Times Online
Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers
how did mount fuji get that name
i am doing a report on mount fuji but i cant find the history of mount fujis name or how it got its name help me
1 Reply
Hi Julissa - there are a couple of stories about how Mt. Fuji was named, some of them suggest it's comes from the word 'immortal', some say it's name means 'without equal' and some say it's name is from the kanji meaning 'neverending'.
World Reviewer Staff
- posted 12th February 2010
I would love to go here and climb it!
2 Replies
Well worth it Al. Though apparently it's getting really busy in season. And out of season it's pretty cold. Timing and planning is the key. Even going past on the Bullet Train it's impressive.
Kat Mackintosh
- posted 13th August 2009
Did you climb it? How long did it take?
Al James
- posted 21st August 2009
Who's been here
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Related links
- Fuji travel guide
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- Japan travel guide
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what is its condition?
what is its condition?
1 Reply
Very good! Do you mean is it protected?