Mt. Fuji, the emblem of Japan, is also its tallest mountain. The majestic 3,776-meter-high mountain with its past of frequent and violent eruptions has long been an object of reverence and faith for many people. Its breathtaking appearance has inspired many artists, resulting in the iconic peak being featured in innumerable pieces of art. In 2013, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, its indisputable value recognized worldwide.

Since long ago, Japanese have regarded Mt. Fuji with awe as a mountain where gods surely dwell. The mountain has erupted repeatedly, reinforcing the image of an angry deity. Mt. Fuji became a place for ascetics to practice simplicity after the eruptive activity subsided in the late Heian Period (794-1185 ), and many penitents climbed to the summit, where they believed the world of Buddha existed. Later, during the Edo Period (1603-1868) , the Mt. Fuji religion called Fuji-ko became very popular among the commoners, and people began to climb Mt. Fuji and make pilgrimages to Fuji Five Lakes and other places. During the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the prohibition on mountain climbing by women was lifted, and with the development of railroads and road networks, even more enthusiasts began to climb Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji, registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, has 25 diverse component assets. The area of Mt. Fuji, the climbing trails and the surrounding shrines and pilgrimage sites, including Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine are constitutional heritage spots, balanced between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.
The famous “Fuji Five Lakes” created by the volcanic activity of their namesake, are a part of the World Heritage listing: Motosuko, Shojiko, Saiko, Kawaguchiko, and Yamanakako. Mt. Fuji can be seen over each of the Fuji Five Lakes, and the idyllic image of Mt. Fuji upside down on the surface attracts many viewers. This scenic spot has long been the inspiration for art and is a recommended vantage point for taking pictures of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji is accessible by car up to the fifth station. There are four different places designated as a fifth station in Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures that can be reached by car, three on the Shizuoka Prefecture side. The Fujinomiya fifth station in Shizuoka is the highest of the four, at 2,440 meters above sea level, and is the closest to the heavens, offering a myriad of views combining both sky and the grandeur of nature. The fifth station of the Subashiri trailhead, located on the east side, is the only one of the four trailheads located in a forested zone, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Mt. Fuji up close. At the recently developed Gotemba Station, you can also see the wild side of the dormant volcano. Mt. Fuji can be appreciated in different ways depending on which route you take.

Fuji can be enjoyed by everyone from elementary school students to the elderly, but aspiring climbers should never get complacent. Summiting Mt. Fuji, which rises 3,776 meters above sea level, requires diligent preparation in advance, because the weather can change suddenly and make climbing dangerous, and your ascent may not go as planned. In addition to climbing shoes, rain gear, warm clothing, a hat, and a headlamp, you will need to bring plenty of water, food, and of course trash bags to avoid contaminating the trail. Please be sure to have the necessary equipment before you start climbing.