When you think of Japan, what’s the first landmark that pops into your mind? For many, it’s the iconic Mt. Fuji, standing tall and majestic against a backdrop of azure skies. But how well do we really know this famed peak? Sure, it’s postcard-perfect and has made its way into countless movie scenes, but there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. Welcome to Tokyo Past 3’s deep dive into some lesser-known, occasionally quirky, and utterly fascinating Mt. Fuji facts! Read on to find out more.
The first woman to climb Mt. Fuji pulled off a Mulan.
While Mt. Fuji stands tall as a beacon of beauty and serenity today, it once had a rather old-fashioned rulebook. Like many other mountains in Japan, it had a “men only” rule that was implemented during the Edo period. But rules rarely apply when you’re trying to make history, so one daring dame decided to gatecrash this exclusive party.
Enter Takayama Tatsu (高山たつ). In 1832, four decades before anyone thought to officially let women onto the mountain, Tatsu looked at Mt. Fuji, looked at the ban, and probably thought, “Challenge accepted.” But how does a woman in the 19th century climb a male-only mountain? Simple! She pulled off a “Mulan.” With a convincingly tied chonmage (the classic samurai-era man-bun) and male attire, Tatsu began her ascent from the Yoshida trail.
Here’s the twist, though: Tatsu wasn’t just in it for the views. She was part of the Fuji Sect, a group not just about mountain-climbing but mountain-moving ideas—like gender equality. Alongside her, scaling the peak was Kotani Mitsushi, a like-minded advocate, and their trek was no walk in the park. Battling through a snowy summit, they reached the top, with Mitsushi documenting the incredible journey in his diary. One can only imagine Tatsu’s triumphant feeling, standing atop Mt. Fuji, looking down, and thinking, “Women can’t do what now?”
At one point, the summit crater was full of coins.
Imagine an offering box so big, you could fit about 40 Tokyo Domes inside. Sounds like a tall tale, right? Well, not if you’re talking about the summit of Mt. Fuji!
Surrounded by its eight peaks, the summit crater of Mt. Fuji once held the title for Japan’s largest coin offering box or saisenbako. But why would anyone toss money into a volcanic crater? In Shinto belief, Mt. Fuji itself is kami or a god(dess), so climbing is not just a test of physical endurance but a spiritual pilgrimage too. Climbers, upon safely summiting, would toss coins into the crater as offerings, hoping for various blessings in return—the same way people still toss coins into offering boxes found in Shinto shrines today. In essence, this 800-meter-wide, 200-meter-deep crater served as a colossal coin box, filled with the hopes and wishes of countless pilgrims.
Now, before you get any wild ideas about making an offering on your next Fuji expedition, a word of caution. Modern conservation efforts strictly prohibit tossing coins or any foreign objects into the crater. It’s all about preserving the natural beauty and integrity of this iconic peak. So, hold onto your yen and offer a silent prayer instead.
Mt. Fuji straddles two prefectures.
When people say, “It’s all about location,” Mt. Fuji takes it to a whole new level. This iconic peak plays footsie with not one, but two Japanese prefectures: Yamanashi and Shizuoka. And while it might be the same mountain, the views are distinctively different.
Most of the picturesque postcard shots we’re familiar with? The ones that have been gracing screensavers, travel brochures, and probably your friend’s #wanderlust-filled Instagram feed? Those are typically captured from the Yamanashi side. Yamanashi boasts views that can make even the most seasoned traveler’s heart skip a beat, offering vistas that are the very definition of ‘scenic splendor.’
But wait a minute, let’s not leave Shizuoka in the shadows. If Yamanashi provides the classic portrait, then Shizuoka gives us Mt. Fuji with a twist. Here, the mountain isn’t just a solitary figure against the sky. Instead, it’s a grand backdrop to vibrant green tea fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s like sipping on a refreshing cup of green tea while feasting your eyes on nature’s grandeur. So, for photographers and travelers looking to capture Mt. Fuji in a refreshing light (or perhaps with a hint of matcha), Shizuoka is your go-to.
Whether you’re Team Yamanashi or Team Shizuoka, Mt. Fuji doesn’t play favorites. It stands tall, majestic, and breathtakingly beautiful, no matter where you’re standing.
But a good chunk of it is private property.
While Mt. Fuji elegantly stands on both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, a large chunk of the iconic mountain, including its very summit, is actually privately owned.
To most Japanese, Mt. Fuji is a national treasure that belongs to everyone. Yet, if you’re ascending beyond 3,360 meters, from the 8th station to the peak, you’re technically treading on private property. In particular, it belongs to Hongu Sengen Taisha, a powerful entity owning over 1,300 temples in Japan.
This ownership tale dates back to 1606 when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the renowned shogun of the Edo period, generously donated the mountain’s top portions to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha. When the shogunate later fell and was replaced by the Meiji government, however, Mt. Fuji became government property.
The story didn’t end there though. The mountain’s peak continued to be nationalized until 1974 when Sengen Taisha, determined to reclaim their historic rights, took the matter to court. After a long battle, the summit’s ownership was officially recognized in their favor and was formally returned to them in 2004.
So, the next time you find yourself marveling at Mt. Fuji’s majestic views, remember the intriguing history and battles fought over this natural wonder. From ownership sagas to geographical marvels, Mt. Fuji never ceases to surprise!
Which you can get married on.
One good thing about Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine owning summit rights is that they can actually marry people there. So if you’re planning to say, “I do,” this might just be the venue of your dreams.
Scaling the heights of Mt. Fuji to declare undying love might sound like the plot of an epic romance film, but it’s very much a reality. Every July and August, during the mountain-climbing season, couples with a penchant for adventure and romance have the exclusive opportunity to exchange vows at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha’s Okumiya shrine atop the mountain. However, space is a luxury at such high altitudes. As such, wedding entourages are limited, with only up to 10 people permitted to join the couple in their high-altitude nuptials.
More than Just a Pretty Peak
Mt. Fuji isn’t just a picturesque wonder; it’s a living tapestry of tales. From audacious women disguising as men to reach its summit to matrimonial vows made in its lofty altitudes, this iconic mountain encapsulates centuries of mystique. If you’ve ever thought of a Japanese adventure, let Mt. Fuji’s myriad stories be your beckoning call. For those whose appetite for the unusual is still unsated, dive deeper into the rabbit hole of intriguing tales at Unusual Japan on Tokyo Past 3.
