Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as it’s known in Japan, is arguably the country’s most iconic landmark, instantly recognizable and deeply embedded in Japanese culture and spirit. But for those planning a visit or simply curious about this majestic peak, the first question often is: where exactly is Mount Fuji located?
Mount Fuji Japan iconic volcano with fog in foreground
Mount Fuji is situated on the island of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. More specifically, it straddles the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in central Honshu. This places it less than 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital city. Its relatively close proximity to Tokyo makes Mount Fuji a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways from the metropolis.
The mountain is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, encompassing volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and coastal scenery. Mount Fuji itself is the centerpiece of this park, drawing visitors year-round for hiking, sightseeing, and spiritual experiences.
Geologically, Mount Fuji is located within the Fuji Volcanic Zone, a chain of volcanoes extending from the Mariana Islands through the Izu Islands and peninsula. It’s a stratovolcano, a type of volcano built up from layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. Mount Fuji’s formation is complex and spans millions of years. It is considered a composite volcano, formed from three successive volcanoes: Komitake at the base, Ko Fuji (“Old Fuji”) in the middle, and Shin Fuji (“New Fuji”) on top, which started activity around 10,000 years ago.
The base of Mount Fuji is extensive, with a circumference of about 125 km (78 miles) and a diameter ranging from 40 to 50 km (25 to 30 miles). At its summit, the crater is approximately 500 meters (1,600 feet) in diameter and 250 meters (820 feet) deep. The crater rim is marked by eight peaks, including Kengamine, the highest point.
Mount Fuji view from Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi prefecture Japan
Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity is driven by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Plate at the Nankai Trough. While it is an active volcano, major eruptions are infrequent, occurring roughly every 500 years. The last significant eruption in 1707 sent ash as far as Tokyo. Today, volcanic activity is mostly limited to minor earthquakes, although it remains a subject of geological monitoring.
In conclusion, Mount Fuji is geographically located in central Honshu, Japan, between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, near Tokyo and within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Its location is not only geographically significant but also culturally and spiritually, making it a must-know destination for anyone interested in Japan.
