Mount Fuji Travel Guide: Japan's Iconic Volcano

What to know

Rising 3,776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is Japan's tallest peak. This near-perfectly shaped volcano has long been revered as a sacred mountain and has inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707. It straddles the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and, on clear days, can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama.

Another easy way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo toward Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, the best view appears on the right side of the train around Shin-Fuji Station, about 40–45 minutes into the journey.

However, clouds and poor visibility often obscure the mountain, so consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view. Visibility is generally better in the colder months and during early morning or late evening hours rather than midday.

For a more leisurely experience in a beautiful natural setting, head to the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) region at the mountain's northern base, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort. Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.