History

Mount Fuji started forming over 100,000 years ago or around three generations of volcanic activities. These volcanic activities are Ashitakayama (Small Mitake), Ko-Fuji (Old Fuji) and Shin-Fuji (New Fuji) volcanoes. When Ko-Mitake became inactive over a hundred thousand years ago, Ko-Fuji volcano started forming what is known as the current base of Mt. Fuji. Shin-Fuji volcano then formed the shape of the mountain which is believed to have started over ten thousand years ago. It has erupted over a 100 times over until its last eruption is the Hoei eruption in 1707.

Mount Fuji is considered a sacred mountain. If the formation of Mount Fuji was built through several geologic layers, its sacred history has also gone through a similar evolution. Different religions, beliefs, and myths have provided historical layers as well that has made Mount Fuji significant to its people and to its nation. This gave rise to beliefs and rituals that is called sangaku shinko (mountain creed). This mountain creed further evolved when Shinto (national religion of Japan) emerged. Because of Shinto, shrines have been built in the mountain areas that are considered sacred spots. This was built because in Shinto belief kami (spirits) dwell in trees, streams, rocks, lakes and mountains and most of these kami are concentrated in the mountains.

When Buddhism was introduced to Japan, this intensified mountain worship. With Buddhism, it is believed that mountain climbing is a symbol for the spiritual rise to enlightenment. Thus making mountain climbing or climbing the slopes of Mount Fuji a pilgrimage.

Shugendo then came about in the ninth century that developed its doctrines and practices on mountain climbing. The practitioners believed that they can be in touch with deities who live in the mountains thus being able to have supernatural powers. Because of such beliefs, Mount Fuji has been regarded as the dwelling of the Shinto goddess called Konohana Sakuya Hime considered as the “Goddess of the Flowering Trees.”

Ever since these various religions came about, it has been a normal for Japanese to climb the slopes of Mount Fuji to worship or just simply out of tradition.