Mount Fuji, also known as Fujisan, is Japan’s highest mountain, standing at 3,776.24 meters tall. It is a sacred site and one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains, along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. Its name originates from the Ainu word “Fuchi,” which means “everlasting life.”
Although an active volcano, with the last recorded eruption dating back to 1707-1708, Mount Fuji is considered a low-risk volcano due to its stable behaviour and constant monitoring by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Climbing Mount Fuji is a popular activity among tourists and locals alike, with the hiking season running from July to September. The trek up the mountain is challenging, but the reward is an unforgettable view of the sunrise.
Mount Fuji’s surrounding area also offers hot springs known as “onsen,” which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The hot springs provide a relaxing experience while taking in the mountain’s stunning scenery.
Mount Fuji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, recognising its outstanding universal value as a cultural site. As an iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji holds great cultural significance and has been a source of artistic inspiration for centuries. The mountain’s unique natural and cultural features, including its volcanic terrain, Shinto shrines, and pilgrimage routes, make it a valuable site for preserving and celebrating Japanese history and culture. The UNESCO designation helps to promote Mount Fuji as a destination for tourism and cultural exchange, while also encouraging its conservation for future generations.
Mount Fuji – The Artistic Inspiration
Mount Fuji has been a source of inspiration for artists and writers throughout history and is considered one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. This majestic mountain’s nearly symmetrical cone shape, snow-capped peak, and stunning surroundings have made it a popular subject for painters, poets, and writers.
Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock print series, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” is one of the most famous depictions of the mountain. The series features various views of Mount Fuji from different angles and perspectives, capturing its beauty and majesty. Utagawa Hiroshige’s “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji” is another well-known series of prints featuring the mountain from different viewpoints.
Beyond art, Mount Fuji has also been a subject of many poems and literary works. Basho’s “The Pilgrimage to the Five Mountains” and Yasunari Kawabata’s “The Dancing Girl of Izu” are some notable examples of literary works inspired by Mount Fuji.
In addition to its artistic and literary significance, Mount Fuji has played a crucial role in Japanese religion and spirituality. It is considered a sacred site and an embodiment of Japan’s identity. Many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are located around the mountain, and it is believed that the mountain’s spirit resides in the surrounding forests and lakes.
Mount Fuji - Magnet
Mount Fuji has been beautifully represented in a series of landscape prints by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai and the magnet represents one of these paintings. With the view of the snow-capped mountain through a cascade of what seem to be cherry blossom flowers, this magnet is the perfect representation of the Japan.
The flowers which look like white cherry blossoms are tactile and add a textural element to the magnet. They are small quite intricate making the magnet a delicate one.
If you look closely, the the snow-capped peak of the mountain looks almost real. It is textural and the colour contrast of white and blue brings out the majesty of the mountain.
Just beneath the mountain, there are what look to be houses set amidst a patch of green. This is representative of the small towns at the foot of the mountain.
Just beneath the green, there is another portion with shades of blue and gray which is representative of the five lakes that surround Mount Fuji.
Finally, in the bottom left corner of the magnet, there is textural yellow writing, which says, “Mt. Fuji 3776M”. This is obviously the name of the mountain along with its height. The yellow letters are a stark contrast to the rest of the magnet and stand out against the blue background.
This one small magnet manages to cover every detail of the landscape around Mount Fuji which is absolutely brilliant because there is so much to cover in the area.
Exploring Mount Fuji
- Climb Mount Fuji – Hike to the top of Japan’s most famous mountain.
- Visit Fuji Five Lakes – Explore the scenic lakes at the northern foot of Mount Fuji.
- Hot Springs (Onsen) – Relax in natural hot springs and soak away your stress.
- Visit the Chureito Pagoda – Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area.
- Fuji-Q Highland – Ride thrilling roller coasters at this popular amusement park.
- Oshino Hakkai – See eight beautiful ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji.
- Shiraito Falls – Admire the beautiful white waterfall located at the foot of Mount Fuji.
- Lake Ashi – Take a boat ride on the scenic lake near Mount Fuji.
- Arakura Sengen Shrine – Visit a historic Shinto shrine with a great view of Mount Fuji.
- Gotemba Premium Outlets – Shop for designer brands and high-end fashion.
- Aokigahara Forest – Explore the mysterious and haunting forest at the foot of Mount Fuji.
- Sengen Shrine – Learn about the history and culture of Mount Fuji at this ancient shrine.
- Narusawa Ice Cave – Visit a natural ice cave formed by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity.
- Lake Yamanaka – Enjoy water sports and fishing at this beautiful lake.
- Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway – Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of a nearby mountain.
- Itchiku Kubota Art Museum – Admire the intricate and colorful kimono designs of a famous artist.
- Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba – Learn about traditional Japanese village life and culture.
- Fuji Safari Park – See animals up close and personal in a natural habitat setting.
- Lake Sai – Enjoy a scenic boat ride on this peaceful lake.
- Fuji Speedway – Visit Japan’s most famous motor racing circuit.
- Hakone Shrine – Explore this beautiful Shinto shrine located in a forested area.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum – Admire modern and contemporary sculptures in an outdoor setting.
- Hakone Ropeway – Take a scenic cable car ride over the mountains of Hakone.
- Hakone Pirate Ship – Cruise around Lake Ashi in a pirate-themed boat.
- Hakone Checkpoint Museum – Learn about Japan’s ancient trade routes and customs.
- Odawara Castle – Visit this beautiful castle with a rich history and cultural significance.
- Kiso Forest – Take a scenic hike through the beautiful forested area.
- Nagashima Spa Land – Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at this popular amusement park.
- Shosenkyo Gorge – Admire the beautiful waterfalls and rock formations of this scenic gorge.
- Izu Peninsula – Visit this scenic peninsula for beautiful beaches and hot springs.
- Minami Alps National Park – Explore the stunning natural beauty of this national park.
- Mishima Skywalk – Walk across Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge for stunning views.
- Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium – See a variety of sea creatures and learn about marine life.
- Okunoin Temple – Visit a peaceful and serene Buddhist temple with a beautiful garden.
- Sagami Bay – Enjoy water sports and fishing in this scenic bay.
- Sunpu Castle – Visit a historic castle and museum located in Shizuoka City.
- Tokaido Road – Explore the ancient highway that connected Tokyo and Kyoto in the past.