Mt. Fuji History | A Journey Through Its Storied Past

9th Century

Mt. Fuji's history dates back over a thousand years. The Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Japan, began worshiping the mountain in the 9th century. They believed that a goddess named Konohanasakuya-hime, who symbolized the blooming of flowers, lived inside the mountain. This early worship of Mt. Fuji by the Ainu people laid the foundation for the cultural significance and spiritual importance that the mountain would hold for centuries to come.

1600s

During the Edo period (1603-1868), climbing Mt. Fuji for religious reasons became popular among the Japanese people. The Shinto religion, which originated in Japan, teaches that the mountain is a sacred place where the gods reside. The first recorded climb of Mt. Fuji for religious reasons was in 663 by a monk. From then on, the number of pilgrims and climbers increased every year, turning Mt. Fuji into an essential place for religious pilgrimages and a symbol of Japan's cultural heritage.

1830-1832

In the 1830s, the famous Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai published "36 Views of Mt. Fuji," a series of woodblock prints that depicted the mountain from various angles. These prints popularized the mountain in the art world and attracted the attention of foreigners who were fascinated by Japanese art and culture. Hokusai's artwork transformed Mt. Fuji into a cultural icon and a symbol of Japan's artistic heritage.

1860s

In the 1860s, foreign visitors began climbing Mt. Fuji and writing about their experiences, spreading its fame internationally. Mt. Fuji became one of Japan's top tourist destinations, attracting travelers from all over the world. The mountain's iconic shape and spiritual significance made it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Japan. The attention that Mt. Fuji received from foreign visitors helped promote the country's tourism industry and contributed to Japan's global reputation.

1936

In 1936, Mt. Fuji was designated as a national park, ensuring its protection and preservation. Japan recognized the mountain's ecological and cultural significance and wanted to conserve it for future generations. The national park status also brought more attention to Mt. Fuji's importance as a natural wonder and a symbol of Japan's natural heritage.

1960s

In the 1960s, Mt. Fuji's popularity as a tourist destination surged. The Japanese government built roads and lodges to accommodate the increasing number of visitors who wanted to climb the mountain. Mt. Fuji became more accessible and convenient to visit, attracting even more tourists. The mountain's modernization allowed for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for tourists, while still preserving its natural and cultural beauty.

2013

In 2013, Mt. Fuji was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its natural, cultural, and spiritual value. Mt. Fuji's importance as a cultural icon and tourist attraction was recognized globally, bringing more attention to Japan's cultural heritage. The UNESCO designation also emphasized the need to protect and conserve Mt. Fuji for future generations.

2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mt. Fuji's climbing season was suspended for the first time in 58 years. The suspension highlighted the mountain's significance as a cultural icon and tourist attraction. The temporary closure of the mountain also symbolized the impact that the pandemic had on Japan's tourism industry and its cultural heritage. The closure allowed for a reflection on the importance of Mt. Fuji and the need to conserve it in the face of global crises.