Mount Fujiyama, often simply referred to as Mt. Fuji, is the iconic and majestic stratovolcano of Japan, proudly standing as the nation's loftiest peak. It serves as one of Japan's most prominent and universally recognized symbols, captivating both domestic and international audiences alike. Join our Japan tour Japan itineraries and realise a dream.

Beyond its sheer physical beauty, Mount Fuji occupies a sacred realm within Japanese culture and spirituality. It stands as a hallowed site, deeply entwined with both Shintoism and Buddhism. Many undertake the arduous pilgrimage to ascend its slopes, viewing the journey as a profound spiritual significance.

In a gesture of global recognition, Mount Fuji was bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2013. This prestigious designation not only acknowledges its natural splendour but also underscores its pivotal role as a muse for art, culture, and religious contemplation in Japan.

For many, climbing Mount Fuji stands as a quintessential experience. The climbing season, spanning from July to early September, offers relatively mild weather conditions. A variety of ascent routes cater to different preferences, each promising a unique and awe-inspiring journey. The climb, while demanding, rewards with panoramic vistas that leave an indelible mark.

For those who prefer to appreciate Mount Fuji without ascending its heights, numerous vantage points offer mesmerizing views. Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and Lake Ashi among others, reflect the mountain's majesty in their serene water.

The visage of Mount Fuji undergoes captivating transformations with the changing seasons. Spring sees cherry blossoms framing its base, creating postcard-worthy scenes. Summer witnesses the receding snow, marking the prime climbing season. Autumn decorates the landscape with a vibrant tapestry of colourful foliage, while winter shrouds Mount Fuji in a pristine cloak of snow, evoking a snow-covered wonderland.

The regions surrounding Mount Fuji are collectively known as the Fuji Five Lakes and encompassing the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offer a wealth of cultural experiences. Visitors can luxuriate in hot springs, explore traditional villages, and savour local cuisine, including the hearty noodle dish Hoto and delectable Fuji-grown fruits.

Throughout history, Mount Fuji has stood as an enduring source of inspiration for countless artists, writers, and photographers. The famed woodblock prints created by Katsushika Hokusai, known collectively as "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," stand as some of Japan's most celebrated works of art.

A visit to Mount Fuji unveils much more than a mere mountain; it reveals a cultural treasure, an everlasting source of inspiration, and a testament to the natural splendour Japan has to offer. Whether you embark on the challenging ascent, gaze upon its reflection in a tranquil lake, or simply admire it from a distance, Mount Fuji embodies Japan's enduring allure and cultural richness.

Join our curated Japan Small Group Cherry Blossom Festival Tour and discover for your self  how this celebrated landmark transcends from being a mere mountain; to a cultural icon that has enthralled the imaginations of people worldwide for centuries. With its near-perfect cone shape, adorned with a perennial snow-cap, it holds an instantly recognizable allure that has made it a perennial subject of countless artistic creations, photographic masterpieces, and literary inspirations.

36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai Katsushika

When the ukiyo-e artist Hokusai (1760-1849) started the series 36 Views of Mount Fuji in 1830 he was seventy years old and at the peak of his creativity and artistic vigor. Each of the designs show the sacred Mount Fuji - either very visible or sometimes as a small detail in the background. The series is a landmark in Japanese woodblock printmaking of the 19th century.

The series 36 Views of Mount Fuji was published over 5 years by Nishimuraya Yohachi. The series of 36 designs was later expanded by another 10 designs that are not shown on this page. Then the production of new designs was stopped for unknown reasons.

Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji - The Complete Series

1. The Great Wave off Kanagawa

2. Red Fuji - Aka Fuji

3. Shower below the Summit

4. Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa in Edo

5. Surugadai in Edo

6. Aoyama, En-za-no-Matsu

7. Bushu Senju

8. Inume Pass in Koshu Province

9. Bishu; Fujimi-ga-hara

10. Ejiri in Saruga Province

11. Eto, Suruga-cho, Mii Mise Ryakuzu

12. Ommayagashi yori Ryogoku-bashi no Sekiyou wo miru

13. Gohyaku Rakan-ji, Sazaido

14. Tea House at Koishikawa

15. Kower Meguro Area

16. Water-Wheel at Onden

17. Inns at Enoshima Island in Sagami Province

18. Fishing Boats at Tago-no-ura Bay in Ejiri

19. Yoshida at Tokaido

20. Sea Route at Kazusa Province

21. Nihonbashi in Edo

22. Sekiya

23. Noboto-ura

24. Lake at Hakone in Sagami Province

25. Koshu; Misaka Suimen

26. Hodogaya

27. The Tama-gawa River in Bushu Province

28. Hongan-ji Temple, Asakusa in Edo

29. Tsukuda Island in Musashi Province

30. Shichiri-ga-hama Beach in Suruga Province

31. Cranes at Umezawa Manor in Sagami Province

32. Koshu, Kajikazawa

33. Mishima Pass

34. In the Mountains of Totomi Province

35. Lake Suwa in Shinano Province

36. House Boat at Ushibori in Hitachi Province