Discover Mount Fuji

We'll diving into one of Japan’s most legendary landmarks: Mount Fuji (富士山, Fuji-san)! Let’s break down its name and explore why it’s such a big deal in Japanese culture.

What’s Behind the Name?

Mount Fuji’s name is written as 富士山. Here’s what the kanji mean:

• 富 (Fu) means “wealth” or “abundance.”
• 士 (Ji) refers to a “scholar” or “warrior.”
• 山 (San) means “mountain.”  

What Kind of Mountain Is It?

Mount Fuji is actually a stratovolcano—a tall, cone-shaped volcano made up of layers of lava, ash, and volcanic rock. While it’s famous for its symmetrical beauty, what’s even more interesting is that Mount Fuji is still an active volcano! But don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted in a long time. Its last eruption was in 1707, over 300 years ago, in an event known as the Hōei Eruption. It scattered ash over Tokyo and created a secondary crater near the summit, but since then, Fuji has remained quiet. Experts monitor it closely, but it’s considered a low-risk volcano at the moment.

Why Is Mount Fuji So Famous?

First off, it’s Japan’s tallest mountain—3,776 meters (12,389 feet) tall! Its near-perfect volcanic shape makes it stand out, but it’s more than just a pretty face. Fuji is a sacred site in Japan, with a long history of spiritual significance. Since ancient times, people have believed the mountain was the home of gods, and many still see climbing it as a kind of spiritual pilgrimage.

Fuji in Modern Culture

Nowadays, Mount Fuji is still everywhere! It’s on postcards, souvenirs, and even anime. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which solidifies its importance as a cultural and natural treasure.

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫