Departments
Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
FUJI-SAN
富士山
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, with a height of 12,285 feet, or 3,776 meters. Mt. Fuji is technically classified as an active volcano, although it currently dormant. The mountain is located on the border of the Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.
As a landmark, Mt. Fuji has become an internationally recognized symbol of Japan. The mountain was first introduced to a worldwide audience through the woodblock paintings of the artist Hokusai (1760-1849), who produced a series of pictures of Mt. Fuji from various perspectives. His paintings were sold abroad during the Meiji period (1868-1912), and foreigners have been in love with the mountain ever since.
To many Japanese, Mt. Fuji has a quasi-religious significance. Expeditions up the mountain are quite popular among Japanese and foreigners alike. Climbing the mountain is arduous, but the activity is regarded by many as a spiritual experience.