Top 10 Facts about Mount Fuji

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Top 10 Facts about Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s top attraction, it is the highest peak standing at 3,776 meters. The mountain is located only 60 miles (96.56 km) from Japan’s capital, Tokyo.

It is an international tourism destination for mountain climbing, with over 200,000 people climbing the mountain every year.

There is no proof of how old Mount Fuji is. It is estimated that it may have been formed 2.6 million years, while its base dates from up to 65 million years ago.

The first eruptions and the first peaks are believed to have occurred over 600,000 years ago.

This mountain is considered to be the staple of Japanese art and culture since the 16th century. 

There is a lot to learn about this majestic Japanese landmark. Here are the top 10 facts about Mount Fuji.

1. It is a composite volcano

Mount Fuji is made up of three volcanoes. There are three separate volcanoes on top of one another.

The bottom layer of the volcano is Komitake, followed by Kofuji and finally Fuji at the top and is the youngest.

Geographically, Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,380 feet).

2. There are  four different trails to climb Mount Fuji

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There are four different trails that one can use to get to the summit of Mount Fuji.  The trails are known as Yoshidaguchi, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya. 

Each of the trails has 10 stations that provide the climbers with supplies and basic rations. 

These stations have been placed at regular intervals throughout the trail. The first stop is at the base camp and the 10th at the summit. 

These four trails are mainly used by new climbers and are not that challenging.

The most popular route used is Yoshidaguchi. Climbers using this route take between eight and 12 hours to reach the top.

It takes at least six hours to reach the summit of the mountain.

There are other routes for those who are more experienced and can be challenging. 

3. There are eight peaks at the crater of Mount Fuji

The main crater of Mount Fuji has eight peaks. One of the highest peaks happens to be Japan’s highest point.

When taking the Yoshidaguchi trail to the summit, the crater can be seen on the opposite side from the ascent.

 This may take an hour or so longer to get to while walking around the crater’s edge to all the different summits would take about two hours.

4. At least 200,000 climbers hike up the mountain annually

Mount Fuji is one mountain that hundreds of thousands of climbers make a pilgrim’s journey to.

At least 200, 000 people climb the mountain annually. 70% of them being Japanese and 30% being from other nationalities.

This number is quite impressive considering the small window that is available to climb the mountain in a year.

5. Five lakes are surrounding the mountain

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Mount Fuji not only has two other volcanoes in it but has some magnificent lakes on its base.

These five lakes are Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Motosuko and Shojiko. These lakes are around 1,000 ft (0.3 kilometers) above sea level. It is a glorious sight for the people climbing up. It is also the best viewing point of Mount Fuji. 

The first lake, Kawaguchiko, is said to be the best suited for tourists because there are other fun activities and amenities for tourists and climbers. 

The other four lakes are said to be quite unsuitable and are not tourist-friendly.

Since there is geothermal activity in the area, there are hot springs to bathe in. It’s a perfect relief for those aches and pains after spending the day trekking up the mountain.

6. The climbing window for Mount Fuji is two months

Like any other great mountain that has sub-zero temperatures, Mount Fuji has a period that is considered favorable for climbing 

Fuji has one of the shortest climbing seasons for any mountain in the world. The climbing season starts in early July and till the end of August. Climate and temperature changes on the mountain are the reasons.

In July, the daytime temperatures lie at 41 °F (5 °C). While in August, temperatures on the mountain is not more than 44 °F (6.67 °C).

7. Mount Fuji is part of a national park in Japan

Another fascinating geographical fact about Mount Fuji is that it is part of a national park in Japan, called Fuji-Hakone-Izu. 

The national park is the most visited in the country. It stretches to the wider area of about 186 miles (299.34 km) of Japan’s capital Tokyo.

Other than being home to Mount Fuji,  the park has some amazing historical sites such as the Old Tokaido Road. This road was a preservation site for rest areas that have served travelers to the area since the 17th century.

8. Women were forbidden from climbing the mountain

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Mount Fuji has a sacred importance to the Japanese and climbing it has long been a religious practice.

The first known ascent of the mountain was done by a monk in 663 AD. Since then, the Mountain was normally climbed my men only.

Women were forbidden from climbing the mountain until the 19th century.

The first woman to climb the mountain to the summit was Lady Fanny Parkes in 1867.

Before Lady Fanny Parke summiting, other women were not allowed on the mountain until 1912 when the Meji Era ending paving the way to the adoption of modern and a more inclusive culture.

9. The Japanese believe Mount Fuji brings good luck

Another fact about the mountain is that the Japanese believe that Fuji represents good luck and good fortune.

As per their culture, they have colorful paintings and images of the mountain in public baths and swimming pools.

The images are said to bring instantly calm and relaxation to people who see the mountain.

A depiction of the mountain erupting is forbidden as being bad luck. 

The unique shape of the mountain has further influenced Japanese culture by inspiring poetry, music and art.  

10.Mount Fuji ls dormant but may erupt

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Mount Fuji is not an active Volcano. The last time it erupted was over 300 years ago.

Only 10 eruptions of the mountain have been recorded since the 8th Century.

Both scientists and the Japanese government officials are concerned by the length of the mountain’s dormancy and are anticipating an eruption. 

Japan has gone ahead and prepared an emergency fund in case of an eruption. 

The budget is estimated to cost $21billion. There are around 8,000 people who would need to be evacuated should an eruption occurred during summer. 

If it occurred during the rainy season, the figure would go higher to at least 11,000 people.

It is also estimated that at least 12.5 million people would have serious health problems as a result of the volcanic ash from the eruption.