The most popular tourist destination in Japan is Mount Fuji, which has a height of 3,776 meters. The age of Mount Fuji is not proven. While its base may date back as far as 65 million years, it is thought to have formed as recently as 2.6 million years ago. Around 600,000 years ago, the first peaks and eruptions are thought to have taken place. Since the sixteenth century, this mountain has been regarded as a central figure in Japanese art and culture. There is a lot to discover about this magnificent Japanese site. The top ten facts regarding Mount Fuji are shown below.
1 - Women were not permitted to climb it until 1868.
It was formally prohibited for women to enter the mountain until the Meiji Restoration, which took place in 1868, because climbing it has long been a religious ritual and because the peak has sacred significance. Lady Fanny Parkes became the first western woman to summit the mountain in 1869.
2 - It is a mountain of worship.
Since the ancient period, Mount Fuji has been revered as a sacred location by the Shinto faith. The divinity of Mount Fuji is Princess Konohanasakuya, so there are numerous temples to her at the mountain's base and top. One of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains," along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, is Mount Fuji.
3 - A monk was among the first to climb Mount Fuji.
For hundreds or maybe thousands of years, pilgrims have flocked to the sacred mountain known as Mount Fuji. According to numerous reports, a Buddhist monk was the first to reach the summit. He ascended in the year 663 AD. Regrettably, he was never given a name. Even though this is the initial narrative that has been written down, it's possible that others had climbed the mountain earlier.
4 - On the summit of Mount Fuji, you can get married.
What better way to publicly demonstrate your unwavering devotion to your spouse than to climb Japan's tallest mountain and exchange vows there? Seeing that Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha exclusively allows marriages at its Okumiya shrine near the top during the peak climbing months of July and August, it's a somewhat exclusive occasion. Due to the limited space, wedding parties can only consist of up to 10 individuals. If the high life isn't for you, there are hundreds of gorgeous lakeside settings with a sight of Mount Fuji behind them instead. It's an experience that's guaranteed to make you feel excited (if it's not just altitude sickness).
5 - Mount Fuji's hue varies.
5 - Mount Fuji's hue varies.
In the spring and autumn seasons, it glows crimson at sunset and sunrise. Because it only occurs whenever the snow melts and the crimson color of the top of a mountain is revealed, this event is quite uncommon. Moreover, the sun's reflection intensifies its redness.
As Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai created a woodblock print titled "Fine Wind, Clear Morning," the term "Red Fuji" gained enormous popularity. Mount Fuji is shown in the artwork in a reddish hue.
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In addition to having two additional volcanoes inside of it, Mount Fuji also boasts several gorgeous lakes at its base. Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Motosuko, and Shojiko are the names of these five lakes. Around 1,000 feet (0.3 kilometers) above sea level, these lakes are located. The climbers get to see a beautiful vista. Moreover, it offers the greatest views of Mt. Fuji. Because it offers a variety of exciting activities and amenities for visitors and climbers, the very first lake, Kawaguchiko, is thought to be the one that is best suited for tourists. According to reports, some other four lakes are not tourist-friendly and are rather inappropriate. Hot springs are available for bathing because the area is geothermal. After a day of hiking up the mountain, it's the ideal remedy for such aches and pains.
7 - Its naming history is still unknown.
The name Fuji has a number of different origin stories. Some people assert that it derives from the Japanese words for immortality, fuji-yama, fujin-yama, and even fushi. But all of the sources are still ambiguous today.
8 - The mountain has been the most climbed in the entire world.
The mountain, which is the most well-known attraction in Japan, attracts about 300,000 climbers annually, which is an astonishing amount given that it can only be reached for slightly more than two months of the year.
9 - The Japanese consider Mount Fuji to be lucky.
9 - The Japanese consider Mount Fuji to be lucky.
Another interesting fact about the mountain is that many Japanese consider Fuji to be a symbol of luck and fortune. Their communal baths and swimming pools are decorated with vibrant murals and pictures of the mountain in accordance with their traditions. Those who see the mountain are believed to feel instantly at ease and relaxed. It is banned to show the mountain erupting because it is considered unlucky. Because of the mountain's distinctive shape, Japanese poetry, music, and art have all been affected.
10 - On the 1,000 yen note is Mount Fuji.
On the reverse of the 1,000 Yen note is a unique photograph of Mount Fuji by Koyo Okada, where its reflections are captured in Lake Motosu. Read More: Popular Japanese Food That Everyone Loves