Mount Fuji at the Central Region of Honshu

Mount Fuji, which is known as Japan’s highest mountain stands at a height of over 12,388 ft (3,766 m) at the central area of Honshu, Japan. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain is considered to be one of the “Three Holy Mountains” along with Tate and Haku. Mount Fuji also serves as a border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi. It is in the shape of a cone which is mostly portrayed in pictures; Mount Fuji is a great tourist landmark where adventurous sport like climbing most often takes place.

Climate

The climate is extremely cold as the surface of the mount is covered with snow for most of the months during the calendar year. The coolest temperature here was -38.0 °C (36.4 °F) and the hottest temperature was 17.8 °C (64.0 °F). From Yokohama, Tokyo, this place is visible during summer. The name Fuji-san is often referred as Fujiyama but it proved wrong in Japanese, later it became popular as Fuji.

Volcanic Activity

Volcanic activity has been discovered by scientists at four stages at Mount Fuji. The starting stage includes Sen-Komitake which contains Aden site which was found deep inside the mountain. The next stage is followed by Komitake Fuji, which was formed in the ancient times. The next stage is followed by Old Fuji which stood over Komitake,the present Fuji is said to be the top of all which was formed 10,000 years back. The last time this volcano erupted was recorded on December 16, 1707 and lasted unto January 1, 1708, this is also known as “The Hōei Eruption of Mount Fuji”. During that time, burned pieces of coal and ashes came out like rain. Ever since 1708, no eruption signs has been discovered and today, this mountain has a less risk of volcano’s eruption.

History

Mount Fuji is thought to be discovered by a monk in 663 AD. Considering the place as sacred; women were not allowed on the summit until the Meiji Era (1868-1912). In September 1860, Sir Rutherford Alcock was the first person to climb the mountain; it took eight hours to climb up to the top, three hours to come down. Also, Lady Fanny Parkes was the first woman to climb the mountain in 1867. This place is also known to be home for warrior’s culture where the samurai used the place as their training area. From 2006, the military camps of Japan and United States are operated from this place.

Climbing Mt. Fuji

Climbing Mount Fiji is an adventurous sport and it starts from July 1st to August 27th. The rising of the sun can be seen from this place and more people climb the mountain during the night in order to see the sun rising. Every year, over 200,000 people are expected to climb the mountains, out of that, 30% of the people are from the western countries. Also, there has been a paragliding from Subashiri and Hoeizan.  There is a forest named Aokigahara, which is located at the bottom of the mountain. This forest is known to be the suicide spot with an average of 30 suicides every year.

Mount Fuji at the Central Region of Honshu