Six Mysterious Facts About Mount Fuji

Tokyo with Mount Fuji in the Background

Mount Fuji, a three-thousand-meter volcano and UNESCO World Heritage site situated on Honshu Island in Japan, is not only a symbol of Japan but has also captured the imaginations of people worldwide due to the widespread popularity of Japanese culture.

While it might not be connected to typical mysteries like unsolved crimes, hidden treasures, or unexplained phenomena, Mount Fuji has, for centuries, aroused curiosity and prompted debates due to certain aspects. Here are six intriguing and mind-blowing facts about Mount Fuji.

Origin of the Name is Unknown

It's not completely clear where the name 'Fuji' came from. Fuji is not a Japanese word. 

There is a theory that Fuji may have come from the Ainu language. In this language, 'Fuji' is thought to mean 'fire'. Northern parts of Japan, including Mount Fuji, have been historically inhabited by the Ainu people.

In another theory, the name is associated with Japanese words. One interpretation suggests that 'Fuji' comes from the word 'fusi,'  meaning 'immortality' or 'eternity'. The word 'fushi' is related to the meaning of 'wealth' or 'abundant' in another interpretation.

Some theories propose a connection to Buddhism, suggesting that the name Fuji is derived from the Buddhist mantra "Fukuju Daigongen" (福寿大権現), where "Fu" is taken from "Fuku" (福), meaning "happiness" or "good fortune," and "ji" from "ju" (寿), meaning "longevity."

Northwest Base of Mountain is Linked to Bad Luck

On the northwestern slopes of Mount Fuji, there is Aokigahara, a forest so dense that even on extremely windy days, you can't sense or hear the wind within its depths, only absolute silence. The eerie reputation of the forest, which has been associated with bad luck, contributes to the mysterious atmosphere surrounding Mount Fuji.

Aokigahara Has a Bad Reputation

The forest of Aokigahara is characterized by its thick vegetation and the presence of lava flows, that created a unique but also dangerous landscape full of cavities and sharp rocks. The density of trees, particularly Aokigahara's iconic tall trees, contributes to its nickname as the "Sea of Trees."

The forest has gained global recognition, appearing in numerous animes and mangas and, since the 2000s, making its way into Hollywood horror films and popular YouTube videos

Despite its popularity, no one, especially the Japanese, is flocking to visit this forest; the area remains devoid of tourists, except for Westerners who mainly visit it out of curiosity.

In Japan, it is believed to be a place associated with yūrei, which are restless ghosts in traditional belief, and, therefore, people avoid the area

In response to the issue of many people going missing in the forest every year, authorities have taken measures to address the problem. There are signs throughout the forest encouraging people to think about their well-being and safety, and efforts have been made to increase patrols through the forest.

Underwater Caves in Lake Motosu

The region around Mount Fuji is still geologically active, with the mountain itself being a stratovolcano. Geological processes, such as volcanic activity or erosion, have not only formed many caves but also lakes.

Lake Motosu is one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji and is known for its scenic beauty. On clear sunny days, you can see the reflection of the snow-capped Mount Fuji on the lake's surface

Lake Motosu is one of the five lakes around Mount Fuji

It is said to have many underwater caves where a Loch Ness monster-like creature supposedly roams.

The Curse of Fujiko

Legend has it that a curse, known as 'Fujiko's Curse,' befalls those who pick up rocks or other items from the slopes of Mount Fuji. Supposedly, those who take such items with them will experience misfortune until the items are returned. 

The legend is probably rooted in Shinto beliefs that attribute an living consciousness to natural objects. Mountains, in particular, are often considered sacred. Taking items from such sacred places is seen as disrespectful and is worthy of incurring the wrath of nature's guardians.

Woman Were Forbidden to Ascend Mount Fuji in the Past

The first recorded ascent of Mount Fuji can be traced back to the early 8th century. The ascent is attributed to an anonymous monk and an account of the ascent is found in the "Kojiki," which is Japan's oldest extant chronicle, dating back to the 8th century.

In the past, the mountain was closely associated with Shugendo, buddhist monks who practised ascetism in the mountains.

In the subsequent centuries following the first ascent, Mount Fuji continued to attract pilgrims, poets, and artists. However, it was during the Edo period (1603-1868) that climbing Mount Fuji became a popular activity for the general public.

Today, climbing Mount Fuji is a well-established tradition, and the mountain stands, together with Tokyo, as one of the most popular destinations of the country. Thousands of people from around the world undertake the journey to the summit each year during the official climbing season, which typically runs from early July to early September.

One interesting thing is that, the summit has been thought of as sacred since ancient times and was oficially forbidden for women. It was not until 1872 that the Japanese government issued an edict (May 4, 1872, Grand Council of State Edict 98) stating,

"Any remaining practices of female exclusion on shrine and temple lands shall be immediately abolished, and mountain climbing for the purpose of worship, etc., shall be permitted."

However, the first woman to climb the mountain was Tatsu Takayama, a Japanese woman, in the fall of 1832.

It's interesting to note that her achievement predates the official lifting of the ban. Her life story highlights instances where individuals challenged unjust societal norms or gender restrictions and emerged victorious.

Highest Post Office in Japan

Did you know that Mount Fuji has its own postal code? The summit of Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), is home to a post office, making it the highest post office in Japan. Visitors who reach the summit can send postcards and letters stamped with a special postmark unique to Mount Fuji

The post office located on Mount Fuji's summit is a popular destination for many tourists, attracting approximately 18,000 visitors in the summer of 2023. Surprisingly, the post office there flourishes, dispatching nearly 97,000 pieces of mail, defying the prevailing trend of steep declines in mail volume experienced by post offices across Japan.

You Can Send Postcards from the Peak of Mount Fuji

Approximately 300,000 individuals ascend the mountain annually. Climbing Japan's highest peak requires a challenging hike of four to six hours, but it doesn't demand much specialized equipment or expertise.

For those who conquer the summit, awaits a gratifying spectacle: an awe-inspiring panorama of central Japan, extending to the ocean. Numerous climbers strategically time their arrival to coincide with the sunrise.