The inverted Mount Fuji structure is a new attraction with stunning night lighting, reflecting its beauty on the water

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the newly opened Mount Fuji World Heritage Center was designed by renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The main structure features a pure white inverted mountain form, wrapped in Ban’s signature crisscrossing wooden lattice pattern, interlocked with mortise-and-tenon joints to form a woven surface, facing Mount Fuji in the distance.

The outdoor environment design is also remarkable, with a pool of water in front of the building that perfectly reflects its shape, creating the illusion of Mount Fuji’s shadow in the water. A red torii gate nearby adds to the serene and symmetrical atmosphere.

The inverted conical walls of the building are made up of 8,000 wooden panels, sourced from cypress trees at the foot of Mount Fuji. The wood surfaces are polished to be very smooth. The main body is divided into indoor and outdoor spaces by a sheet of glass. Inside, there is an observation platform, a corridor encircling the building, and a small screening room. The corridor displays visual materials about Mount Fuji, while the observation platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain.