10 Amazing Facts About Mount Fuji

Introduction

Majestic, sacred, and steeped in legend, Mount Fuji (富士山, Fuji-san) rises 3,776 meters over Honshu Island. More than Japan’s highest peak, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its cultural and artistic significance. From centuries-old ukiyo-e woodblock prints to modern travel photography, Fuji’s snow-capped silhouette continues to inspire awe worldwide. Whether you’re planning to climb it, photograph its reflection in still waters, or simply admire it from afar, these 10 amazing facts about Mount Fuji reveal why it remains one of the world’s most captivating landmarks.

Fact 1: A Mountain of Three Layers

Mount Fuji isn’t one volcano — it’s actually three stacked volcanoes:

• Komitake, the oldest, formed about 700,000 years ago.
• Kofuji, formed roughly 100,000 years ago.
• Fuji, the youngest and tallest, formed about 10,000 years ago.

These layers give Fuji its near-perfect cone and distinct geological history.

Fact 2: Dormant, But Still Active

Fuji’s last eruption in 1707’s Hōei eruption blanketed Edo (now Tokyo) with ash, altered the summit, and created the Hoei-zan crater. Despite over 300 years of quiet, it remains classified as an active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency, which monitors it closely.

Fact 3: A Sacred Summit

Mount Fuji has been regarded as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and it is associated with various deities and beliefs. The main deity of Mount Fuji is Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of cherry blossoms and volcanoes. She is said to reside in the summit crater, and her shrine, called Sengen-jinja, is located there. Other deities of Mount Fuji include Asama-no-Okami, the god of fire and volcanoes, and Fuji-no-Yama-no-Kami, the god of the mountain itself. Mount Fuji is also a symbol of Shinto, Buddhism, and folk religions, and it has been a destination for pilgrims and ascetics for centuries.

Fact 4: A Muse for Artists

Mount Fuji has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history, and it is one of the most depicted and celebrated motifs in Japanese art and literature. One of the most famous and influential works of art featuring Mount Fuji is the series of Japanese woodblock prints called Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, created by Hokusai in the early 19th century. The series depicts various scenes and perspectives of Mount Fuji, from different seasons, times, and locations. The most iconic and recognizable print is The Great Wave off Kanagawa, which shows a huge wave towering over Mount Fuji in the background. Other notable artists who have portrayed Mount Fuji include Hiroshige, Yoshida, and Hasui.

Fact 5: A Symbol of Japan

Another amazing fact about Mount Fuji is that it’s not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural icon and a national emblem of Japan. It represents the beauty, harmony, and spirit of the country, and it is a source of pride and identity for the Japanese people. Mount Fuji is featured on various symbols and representations of Japan, such as the national flag, the national anthem, the national flower (cherry blossom), the national currency (the 1000 yen note), and the national sport (sumo). Mount Fuji is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a cultural property that reflects the “sacred place and source of artistic inspiration” of Japan.

Here are 9 Reasons for the Importance of Mount Fuji in Japanese Culture.

Fact 6: Encircled by Five Lakes

Mount Fuji is not only a majestic sight to behold, but also a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna. One of the most prominent and attractive features of Mount Fuji’s environment is the five lakes that surround the northern base of the mountain. They are Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko. Each lake has its own charm and characteristics, such as hot springs, museums, amusement parks, camping sites, and hiking trails. Kawaguchiko is famed for cherry blossom framing in spring, while Motosuko appears on the ¥1,000 note. The lakes also offer some of the best views and reflections of Mount Fuji, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Here are the 5 Best Places to See Mount Fuji.

Fact 7: A Climber’s Challenge

Mount Fuji is not only a stunning sight to admire, but also a challenging and rewarding adventure to experience. Climbing Mount Fuji is a popular and accessible activity for both locals and tourists. Many consider it a rite of passage and a spiritual journey. The official climbing season is from July to September, with stable weather and open, well-maintained trails. There are four main trails that lead to the summit: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. Each trail has its own difficulty level, distance, and scenery. They all converge at the 8th station, where climbers can rest at a mountain hut and wait for the sunrise. The average climbing time is 5 to 7 hours for the ascent, and 3 to 5 hours for the descent. Over 300,000 people attempt the ascent each year.

Here are 10 Things to Know Before Climbing Mt. Fuji.

Fact 8: Aokigahara – The Sea of Trees

Mount Fuji is not only a magnificent mountain, but also a home to a mysterious and intriguing forest. Aokigahara, meaning “sea of trees,” is the name of the forest situated on the northwest base of the mountain. It covers the lava bed of Mount Fuji and is renowned for its unique and eerie characteristics, including dense darkness, lava caves, moss-covered trees, and profound silence. Moreover, it has gained notoriety as a destination for those seeking to end their lives, with a reputation for being haunted by ghosts and spirits. Various books, movies, and documentaries, such as The Sea of Trees, The Forest, and Aokigahara: Suicide Forest, have featured the Aokigahara forest.

Fact 9: Heart of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Mount Fuji is not only a standalone attraction, but also a part of a larger and more diverse national park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, covering an area of 1,227 square kilometers, is the name of the national park. This includes Mount Fuji and its surrounding area, as well as the Hakone area, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands. The park offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions and activities, such as hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, temples, museums, and hiking trails. It is also home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, such as the Japanese serow, the Japanese macaque, and the Fuji cherry.

Fact 10: The Fujisan World Heritage Route

Mount Fuji is not only a world heritage site, but also a part of a world heritage route.named Fujisan World Heritage Route. It is a circular route that connects 25 sites and attractions that are related to Mount Fuji’s cultural and natural heritage. Travelers can cover a distance of about 300 kilometers by car, bus, train, or bicycle. It also includes sites such as Sengen-jinja shrines, Oshi lodging houses, lava tree molds, lakes, springs, waterfalls, and museums. And finally, the Fujisan World Heritage Route route offers various experiences and events, such as festivals, workshops, and guided tours.

FAQ

Is Mount Fuji open for climbing in 2025?
Yes — from July to early September. New reservation systems aim to reduce overcrowding.

When did Mount Fuji last erupt?
In 1707–1708 during the Hōei eruption.

Why is Mount Fuji important in Japanese culture?
It’s sacred in Shinto, a muse in art, and a national symbol of endurance and beauty.

Cultural & Artistic Legacy

Fuji is more than a mountain; it’s a recurring subject in Japanese aesthetics, particularly ukiyo-e. In Zen-inspired art, it represents permanence amid life’s change — a mountain unmoved by time, yet transformed by the seasons.

Conclusion: Amazing Facts About Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural significance. These 10 amazing facts about Mount Fuji are just an introduction. This revered mountain continues to inspire artists, invite climbers, and leave photographers in awe. You have to see it yourself to believe in its mysterious allure.

Read more:

• 6 of the Most Prominent Mount Fuji Ukiyo-e Art Prints
• Why is Mt Fuji called Fujisan?
• Sanreizan: Three Holy Mountains That Shape Japanese Art and Belief
• Introducing Two New Contemporary Mount Fuji Art Prints
• Katsushika Hokusai’s One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji: A Final Masterpiece in Ink and Spirit

At the Art of Zen we have a wide selection of original Japanese style art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.

Add some zen to your space with some art from the Art of Zen shop.

Featured image at top of Mt Fuji Crater by Fujisan World Heritage Center.