Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji (Japanese: 富士山) is a hyakumeizan* well known as Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain. It's an almost perfect volcanic cone whose geology, history and cultural significance make it unlike any other peak in the country. Geologically, Fuji is a composite volcano built through repeated eruptions, layering ash, lava, and rock over thousands of years. Its most recent major eruption, the 1707 Hōei eruption, reshaped the southeastern flank and created Mt Hōei (宝永山), the dramatic side‑crater that still dominates the landscape and is well worth a climb. Fuji’s symmetrical form is the product of both destruction and renewal, a mountain constantly rebuilt by fire.

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Historically, Fuji has been revered for centuries. Pilgrims - male only until recently - once climbed it as part of religious practice, believing the summit to be a gateway to the divine. Shrines, old stone markers and traditional mountain huts still line the trails, reminders of the generations who made the ascent long before modern gear existed. Even today, Fuji remains a symbol of Japan, appearing in art, literature and the national imagination as a place of purity and transcendence. In recent years it has also appeared in disaster scenarios as it seems it is well overdue an eruption. 

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I’ve climbed Fuji many times, especially via the Fujinomiya and Yoshida routes. Each trail has its own character. My favourite, Fujinomiya is steep and direct, while Yoshida is long, winding and full of history. But in recent years, the summer crowds have become overwhelming. The cost of entering the mountain, the restrictions, and the sheer volume of hikers have taken away some of the magic that once defined the climb. The queues, the noise, and the regulated flow make it harder for me to enjoy  the mountain. To avoid this, I have also climbed off season in the lingering snow many times, but this has also come under scrutiny from local authorities, although it is not especially difficult or dangerous if you have experience and the right equipment. For me now, the best view of Fuji is from another mountain.

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Still, Fuji remains extraordinary. Its geology tells a story of eruptions and rebirth, its history reflects centuries of devotion, and its silhouette continues to inspire. Even if I’m less inclined to climb it now, the mountain’s presence never loses its power.

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** 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)