Hiking Fuji
“There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji but there is only one summit”
Morihei Ueshiba
The Hiking History of an Icon
Mount Fuji, or Fujisan, is one of the most iconic and revered symbols of Japan. Located in central Japan, it is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet) and is an active volcano. The history of hiking Mount Fuji is a long and storied one that stretches back over 1,000 years.
The earliest recorded ascent of Mount Fuji was in the year 663 by an anonymous monk. At that time, Mount Fuji was considered a sacred site and was worshipped by followers of the Shinto religion. The first recorded pilgrimage to Mount Fuji was in 1182 by the poet Saigyo, who wrote about his experiences in his diary. Over the following centuries, Mount Fuji became an important destination for pilgrims and religious seekers.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Mount Fuji became a popular destination for artists and intellectuals. It was during this time that the famous ukiyo-e prints of Mount Fuji were created by artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. These prints helped to popularize Mount Fuji and cement its status as a cultural icon of Japan.
In the late 19th century, with the opening of Japan to the world and the growth of tourism, Mount Fuji became a popular destination for foreign visitors. The first foreigner to climb Mount Fuji was Sir Rutherford Alcock, the British Consul-General in Japan, who climbed the mountain in 1868. Since then, Mount Fuji has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Today, hiking Mount Fuji is a popular activity for both Japanese and foreign visitors. The official climbing season runs from July to September, during which time the mountain is open to climbers and there are a number of designated trails to the summit. Climbing Mount Fuji is considered a rite of passage for many Japanese people, and it is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of the large number of climbers on Mount Fuji, and there have been efforts to limit the number of climbers and promote responsible hiking practices. Despite these challenges, Mount Fuji remains an important and beloved symbol of Japan and a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Fuji and Religious Beliefs
Mount Fuji holds a special significance in Japanese religion and culture, particularly in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. For many centuries, people have climbed Mount Fuji as a form of religious pilgrimage, seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification.
In Shinto tradition, Mount Fuji is considered a sacred mountain and is worshipped as a deity known as Fujisan. Many Shinto shrines are located around the mountain, and it is believed that the spirit of Fujisan protects the people of Japan. The practice of climbing Mount Fuji as a form of pilgrimage has been an important part of Shintoism for centuries, and many people still climb the mountain today for spiritual reasons.
In Buddhist tradition, Mount Fuji is considered a symbol of enlightenment and has been an important site for meditation and spiritual practice for many centuries. The mountain is associated with the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o, who is believed to provide protection and help guide people on their spiritual journey.
Today, many hikers who climb Mount Fuji do so for both the physical challenge and the spiritual significance of the mountain. Some hikers may offer prayers or perform rituals at the shrines along the way, while others may simply take in the beauty of the natural surroundings and reflect on their own spiritual journey.
In recent years, there has been some controversy over the commercialization of Mount Fuji and the impact that tourism has had on the spiritual significance of the mountain. Some people argue that the crowds of tourists and the commercialization of the mountain have detracted from its religious and cultural significance.
Overall, however, Mount Fuji remains an important site for spiritual practice and pilgrimage in Japan, and the religious significance of the mountain continues to draw people from all over the world to climb its slopes and seek enlightenment.
What is it like hiking Mount Fuji these days?
Hiking Mount Fuji is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. However, due to the popularity of the mountain, hiking Mount Fuji can be quite crowded and busy during the official climbing season, which runs from July to September. Here are some things to expect when hiking Mount Fuji today:
Crowds: Mount Fuji is a very popular destination, and during the official climbing season, the trails can be quite crowded. You can expect to encounter other hikers along the way, and there may be some congestion at popular spots such as the summit.
Weather: The weather on Mount Fuji can be unpredictable, and it is not uncommon for conditions to change quickly. It is important to be prepared for all types of weather, including rain, wind, and cold temperatures. It is also important to pay attention to weather reports and warnings, and to be prepared to turn back if conditions become dangerous.
Trail conditions: The trails on Mount Fuji can be steep and rocky, and some sections may require climbing or scrambling. It is important to wear appropriate hiking shoes and to be in good physical condition. Some of the trails can be challenging, so it is important to take your time and be cautious.
Accommodations: If you plan to hike Mount Fuji, it is recommended that you stay at a mountain hut or lodge along the way. These accommodations can provide a place to rest and refuel, as well as shelter from the weather. However, during the peak climbing season, these accommodations can be very crowded and may require reservations in advance.
Views: Despite the crowds and challenging conditions, the views from Mount Fuji are truly breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles around and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji is particularly stunning and is a highlight of many hikers' experiences.
In summary, hiking Mount Fuji today can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it is important to be prepared for crowds, weather, and trail conditions. With the proper planning and preparation, however, hiking Mount Fuji can be an unforgettable adventure.
Getting there
Mount Fuji is located in central Japan and is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are a few ways to get to Mount Fuji:
By train: The most common way to get to Mount Fuji is by train. There are several train lines that run from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, including the Tokaido Shinkansen, which runs from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station, and the Fujikyu Railway, which runs from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station. Once you arrive at the nearest train station, you can take a bus or taxi to your desired trailhead or accommodation.
By bus: There are also several bus lines that run from Tokyo and other major cities to Mount Fuji. The most convenient and popular bus line is the Fujikyu Bus, which operates several routes to Mount Fuji from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and other major cities. The bus stops at various trailheads and accommodations around Mount Fuji.
By car: If you have access to a car, you can drive to Mount Fuji. There are several highways that lead to the mountain, including the Tomei Expressway and the Chuo Expressway. However, note that during the peak climbing season, parking can be limited and traffic can be heavy.
Once you arrive at Mount Fuji, there are several trailheads from which to start your climb. The most popular trailheads are the Yoshida Trail, which starts from the 5th Station on the north side of the mountain, and the Fujinomiya Trail, which starts from the 5th Station on the south side of the mountain. There are also several accommodation options around Mount Fuji, including mountain huts and lodges, where you can stay overnight during your climb.