Mount Fuji Day (Fujisan no Hi)

What is Mount Fuji Day?

Every year on February 23rd, Japan celebrates "Mount Fuji Day." Shizuoka Prefecture established it by ordinance in 2009, and Yamanashi Prefecture followed suit in 2010. The date comes from a wordplay reading of the numbers: 2 ("fu"), 2 ("ji"), and 3 ("san") spell out "Fu-ji-san" — Mount Fuji's name. This time of year is also when the air is at its clearest, offering stunning views of the snow-capped peak from many locations. The day exists to deepen understanding of this World Heritage mountain and pass on its rich natural and cultural legacy to future generations.

The Spirit of the "Mount Fuji Charter"

The roots of Mount Fuji Day trace back to the "Mount Fuji Charter," jointly announced by Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures in 1998. This charter sets out guidelines for protecting and preserving Mount Fuji not just as a "symbol of Japan" but as a "treasure of the world." February 23rd functions as a day for government and citizens alike to renew their commitment to tackling litter problems and raising environmental awareness, while also honoring the mountain's long history of religious devotion and artistic inspiration.

World Heritage Status and Commemoration

In June 2013, Mount Fuji was inscribed on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list under the title "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." This further elevated the significance of February 23rd. To mark the day, the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centres in both Shizuoka and Yamanashi offer free admission, special exhibitions, and symposiums, helping share the mountain's value from an academic perspective with a wider audience.

Mount Fuji Day in School Education

Interestingly, some public schools in Shizuoka Prefecture actually close for the day on February 23rd, as mandated by ordinance (Yamanashi schools stay open but use the day for lessons about the mountain instead). This unique policy gives children a chance to spend time at home or in their communities reflecting on Mount Fuji as a symbol of their local heritage. February 23rd thus also serves as an educational day for passing on "love of one's hometown" and "environmental ethics" to the next generation.

Official Facts and Knowledge About Mount Fuji

• Elevation: 3,776 meters — Japan's tallest peak, renowned worldwide for its beautifully symmetrical cone shape as a standalone mountain.
• World Heritage components: The listing comprises 25 assets, including the religious sites at the summit, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the Oshino Hakkai springs, and Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove.
• Active volcano: Mount Fuji is still classified as an "active volcano" and is monitored around the clock by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
• Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: The famous woodblock print series by Katsushika Hokusai. February 23rd is also a fitting day to appreciate Mount Fuji as a wellspring of art.
• Mount Fuji ordinances: Both Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures have enacted and enforce their own "Mount Fuji Day" ordinances.

A Breathtaking View, Japan's Pride for Future Generations

Mount Fuji Day is a chance to rediscover the preciousness of a view we often take for granted. Revered as a deity since ancient times and a muse for countless works of art, this mountain is woven into Japan's very identity. On February 23rd, take a moment to gaze at its silhouette from afar, or learn about its history, and renew your resolve to pass this one-of-a-kind treasure on to the future.

Tips for Marking Mount Fuji Day

• Check for online events or special openings related to "Mount Fuji Day" hosted by Shizuoka or Yamanashi prefectures
• Enjoy live webcam footage or photos of Mount Fuji, taking in its current snow cover or breathtaking sights like "Diamond Fuji"
• Explore the websites of the World Heritage Centres to learn more about the mountain's spiritual significance and history of mountaineering
• Treat yourself to drinks or local products made from Mount Fuji's underground spring water, and give thanks for the mountain's bounty

An Eternal Peak Through Changing Seasons

February 23rd is a day to look up at Mount Fuji's timeless beauty while sensing the last of winter giving way to the first signs of spring. No matter how times change, Mount Fuji remains steadfast, watching over us. May this day fill you with pride in the beauty Japan has to offer, and inspire you to stand tall and take a refreshing step into something new.