10 Things about Mount Fuji

Article by Özlem Burcu Öztürk

One of the first things people who get interested in Japan learn about Japan is Mount Fuji. This mountain, which is 2 hours away from Tokyo by bus, is a symbol of Japan. With its remarkable view, Mount Fuji always looks mysterious to foreigners. On the other hand, it contains deeper meanings for locals and has a special place in their hearts.

1. Myth of Mount Fuji
2. Diamond Fuji
3. Unesco Heritage
4. View of Mount Fuji
5. Fuji Name Origin
6. Proverb about Mount Fuji
7. Inspirational Mount Fuji
8. Climbing to the highest Mountain in Japan
9. Fuji Five Lakes
10. Lava cave and Ice cave in the Fuji Five Lakes area
11. To learn more about Fuji-san (recommended products)

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1-Myth of Mount Fuji:

In Japanese mythology, mountains and rivers are sacred grounds and the home of kami (Gods). Mount Fuji is believed to be the embodiment of Sengen ( a goddess ) and the home place of Konohanasakuya-hime. Sengen is also named Fuji-Hime (Princess Fuji). They pictured her with a large hat which is decorated with wisteria branches. Japanese people believe that if you see Mount Fuji or Sengen in your dream, good fortune will happen soon.

2- Diamond Fuji:

The "Diamond Fuji" effect occurs when the sun appears at the summit of Mount Fuji and makes the peak shine like a diamond. You can witness this natural phenomenon at different times in different places, but one of the best places is Lake Yamanaka.

Unesco Heritage:

As a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration, Mount Fuji was granted World Heritage status in 2013. It is selected as a cultural heritage status rather than a natural one and becomes the 17th World Heritage Site in Japan.
World Heritage "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration" registration certificate(replica):

4- View of Mount Fuji:

Mount Fuji's appearance can change depending on the weather, the position of the sun, and the location you are looking at. For example, Mount Fuji on the northwest side of Lake Motosu looks like the scenery on the 1000 yen bills, which is from the famous photo of Koyo Okada he took in 1935.

5- Fuji Name Origin:

It is not certain but believed that the name Fuji might come from the Ainu people's fire kami(God) Fuchi.

6- Proverb about Mount Fuji:

一度も登らぬ馬鹿、二度登る馬鹿.

The meaning of this proverb is; Since Mount Fuji is one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan and the highest one, you should climb it at least once, or you're a fool. But also it is too difficult to climb Mount Fuji, so if you climb it twice, you are also a fool.

7- Inspirational Mount Fuji:

The beautiful view of Mount Fuji inspired many artists and poets for centuries, and local shops tried to create things shaped like Mount Fuji for years: there are cookies, bread, curry, taiyaki, ice cream, fans, cups, and many more. Some artists use Mount Fuji images as decoration on kimonos, manholes on the streets, and onsen walls.

8- Climbing to the highest Mountain in Japan :

You can climb Mount Fuji and get rid of something on your bucket list. But don't forget the climbing season is between July to September, and the weather is changeable on the walking trail, so it is advised to bring warm clothes, rainwear, gloves, and a hat. If you stay till the end of the season, every year, the Yoshida Fire Festival is celebrated at Fuji Sengen Shrine on August 26th. This festival announces the end of the climbing season, and locals offer thanks for the safety of the climbers.

9- Fuji Five Lakes:

Fuji Five lakes district which contains five lakes: Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motosu, is at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. The district offers a wide range of activities from summer to winter: Camping, Fishing and ice skating are few of many.

10- Lava cave and Ice cave in the Fuji Five Lakes area :

There are two interesting caves you should visit in the Fuji Five Lakes area. The Lava Cave ( also known as the Wind Cave) is in the Aokigahara Jukai forest, and it is 15 minutes walk from the Ice Cave.
Because of its cool temperature, Lava Cave was used as a refrigerator to store the silkworms' cocoons until the beginning of the Showa period. Lava of Mount Fuji formed the ice cave in 864. You can see the natural art of ice pillars till the beginning of fall season.





If you like Mount Fuji and camping, you should also check my articles about Laid-Back Camp.

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