In fact, Mount Fuji is not just a spiritual icon of Japan. Its location in Shizuoka Prefecture is also the birthplace and final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The strawberries, melons, and green tea nurtured by the snowmelt from Mount Fuji offer a taste of pure happiness.
Mount Fuji is to Japan what Yushan is to Taiwan. The difference is that Yushan is hidden deep among ranges of mountains, and it’s hard to catch a glimpse of its true form without a challenging trek. But Mount Fuji is a conical volcano that rises abruptly from flat land. Whether viewed from land or sea, its full majesty can be clearly seen from almost anywhere within a 100-kilometer radius.
It stands at an elevation of 3,776 meters
That said, actually getting a clear view of Mount Fuji still depends on luck. At 3,776 meters above sea level, the mountain is often shrouded in clouds. Aside from early mornings, late evenings, and winter months when visibility is better, it’s common to stand at its base and sigh, “But I’m in the mountain’s shadow.”
A major difference compared to Yushan is that Yushan has always been considered an ecological treasure trove, emphasizing natural resources. But Mount Fuji, having erupted volcanically and being imbued with so much mythology and symbolism, is set to be designated by UNESCO not as a natural heritage site, but as a cultural one—because it is almost the most iconic symbol of Japan.
Edo Period: Over a Thousand Mountaineering Societies
For centuries, Mount Fuji has grown alongside Japan and continuously drawn Japanese pilgrims and climbers. At the “Honden Asama Shrine” at the foot of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kimiyo Setsuo, deputy director of the education committee in Kosugaya, explained that since the Edo Period over 400 years ago, mountaineering societies dedicated to climbing Mount Fuji were established all over Japan. At that time, there were as many as 800 in Tokyo alone, and thousands across the country.
Climbing Mount Fuji during the Edo Period was not something you could decide to do on a whim. Transportation was inconvenient, and regulations were strict. Commoners who wanted to leave their hometowns had to first apply for identity documents and checkpoint permits, save up funds, and then walk from places like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Kyushu to the Honden Asama Shrine to pray before starting their climb.
The entire journey often took several months round trip. Especially since there were no high-tech, lightweight, and warm clothing options like today, the costs of food, lodging, and climbing gear along the way added significant weight and burden. Therefore, people would join mountaineering societies, collectively saving money, and then each year, a lucky few would get to make the trip.
Being able to climb Mount Fuji back then was akin to a Muslim making the pilgrimage to Mecca—it was a tremendous honor. If one had the means, they would erect a stone monument to commemorate it. At the Honden Asama Shrine, there are many stone monuments that are hundreds of years old. The highest record of successful climbs came from a group in Shingu City, Wakayama, with 899 successful climbers.
Interestingly, Shingu City is said to be the landing site of Xu Fu, a Chinese figure who sought the elixir of immortality in ancient times. To this day, Xu Fu’s tomb remains there. Since Mount Fuji was also regarded as a sacred mountain, some joke that these climbers from Shingu City might be descendants of Xu Fu searching for the medicine—which is why they climb with such enthusiasm.
Yamanashi Prefecture Trailhead: The Most Popular Route
Now, climbing Mount Fuji is much easier. There are no restrictions or applications needed. Every year from July, when the snow melts and the mountain opens, until the end of August, anyone can pack a backpack, take a bus to the trailhead, and start climbing. With a bit of haste, the trip can even be done in a single day. Departing from Tokyo by bus, it takes about three hours to reach the trailhead, and the round-trip fare is less than NT$1,000.
Currently, there are four main trails to climb Mount Fuji: the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi Prefecture, and the Subashiri Trail, Gotemba Trail, and Fujinomiya Trail in Shizuoka Prefecture. Among them, the Yoshida Trail is the most popular due to its long history and convenient route. Starting from the fifth station, which is accessible by bus, to the summit, the distance is approximately 15.4 kilometers. On average, it takes about 5 hours and 35 minutes to ascend and 3 hours and 45 minutes to descend.
The Subashiri Trail covers about 14.7 kilometers from the fifth station, taking around 6 hours to ascend and 3 hours to descend. The Gotemba Trail is the longest at 20 kilometers, with an ascent of 7 hours and 50 minutes and a descent of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Fujinomiya Trail is the shortest at just 10.1 kilometers, but due to steep slopes, it averages 5 hours and 30 minutes to climb and 3 hours and 40 minutes to descend.
The crater of Mount Fuji is truly spectacular, and walking around it takes about 40 minutes—a local activity known as “bachi-meguri” (crater circumambulation). Every year during July and August, Mount Fuji attracts around 300,000 climbers on a pilgrimage. The four routes each offer different scenery, attracting various enthusiasts. For those wanting to stay overnight, there are many mountain huts available, but they are highly popular and not easy to book.