The highest mountain in Japan
Fuji stands 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) tall, on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. It is an active volcano: it last erupted in 1707, and its almost perfect cone was built up by eruption after eruption.
A sacred mountain
Mountains have long been worshipped in Japan, and Fuji most of all. Shrines stand at its foot and on its summit, and in the Edo period groups of pilgrims climbed it together as an act of faith. In 2013 UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site under the name Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.
The mountain in art
Katsushika Hokusai made Fuji the subject of a whole series of prints, Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Utagawa Hiroshige drew it again and again too. Their prints are a big reason the world pictures Japan with Fuji in the background.
Where to see it
The Fuji Five Lakes at the northern foot of the mountain give the classic views, sometimes reflected in still water. The Chureito Pagoda above Fujiyoshida frames the peak with a five-story pagoda, and in spring with cherry blossoms.
The best chance of a clear view is on cold, dry mornings from late autumn to winter. In summer the mountain often hides in cloud.
Climbing Fuji
The trails are open only in summer, roughly from early July to early September. Many climbers start in the afternoon, rest for a few hours in a mountain hut and reach the summit for the sunrise, which in Japanese is called goraiko.
Tees with a view
Mount Fuji T-Shirt
Snow-capped Fuji over a still lake at sunrise, drawn like an old print. Heavy cotton in 17 colors, sizes S–5XL.
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Sunset Torii T-Shirt
A vermilion torii standing in still water as the sun sets behind a snowy peak, framed by cherry blossoms. Soft jersey cotton in 15 colors, sizes XS–4XL.
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