Before you hop on the bus, let us share some essential knowledge to make your Mt. Fuji experience deeper. Many people know Mt. Fuji for its beautiful shape. However, did you know it is not a “Natural” Heritage site? Instead, UNESCO registered Mt. Fuji as a “Cultural” Heritage site in 2013 because this mountain represents the very soul of Japan.
For centuries, Japanese people worshipped Mt. Fuji as a deity. This tradition is known as “Mountain Worship” (Sangaku Shinko). Since ancient times, people believed that powerful spirits lived at the summit. Consequently, many travelers began climbing the mountain as a religious pilgrimage. Believers built shrines like Sengen Shrine at the base to protect these travelers. Even today, the mountain remains a sacred place for many.
Beyond its spiritual side, Mt. Fuji inspired countless generations of artists. For example, the famous Ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai created the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” These woodblock prints traveled to Europe in the 19th century and influenced world-famous painters like Vincent van Gogh. In this way, Mt. Fuji became a global symbol of Japan through art.
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Interestingly, the World Heritage status covers more than just the summit. It consists of 25 different locations, known as “component sites,” spread around the area. These include historic shrines, the Five Lakes, and the “Oshino Hakkai” springs. Therefore, visiting this area is like walking through a massive outdoor museum of Japanese history.
To truly understand the story behind these 25 component sites, having a professional guide is essential. We lead you beyond the simple photo spots and into the deep history of Japan’s sacred mountain.
Let our expert English-speaking guides bring these historical stories to life.
