Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 m (12,388 ft). Along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, it is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” (Sanreizan). An active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707–08, Mount Fuji is just west of Tokyo, and can be seen from there on a clear day. Mount Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.
Mount Fuji is believed to possess a female spirit. There is a myth recounting a story of the measurement of Mount Fuji and Mount Haku by the Buddha Amida. It is said that Haku, a male mountain, was taller than Fuji, however Mount Fuji was so enraged by this measurement that she destroyed the top of Haku. This created the eight peaks of Mount Haku and thus Mount Fuji became the tallest of the Japanese mountains.
Mt. Fuji has been the home to many things. It has been known as the home of a fire god, the Shinto goddess of flowing trees, and since Buddhist times the dwelling of Dainichi Nyorai, who was the Buddha of All-Illuminating Wisdom. One of the deities of Mt. Fuji is known as Sengen, the goddess of Fuji. She is also known as Ko-no-hana-saku-ya-hime (“Radiant-blooming-as-the-flowers-of-the-trees”) On the summit of Mt. Fuji is her temple. She was said to in ancient times sit on a cloud while her invisible servants threw in any pilgrims who were not pure of heart. Another deity of Fuji was the Luminous Maiden. She was said to have led a certain emperor to his doom. He is still worshipped at the small shrine marking where he vanished. A third and final deity that is known is O-ana-mochi or “possessor of the great hole” (crater).
Mount Fuji is believed to possess a female spirit. There is a myth recounting a story of the measurement of Mount Fuji and Mount Haku by the Buddha Amida. It is said that Haku, a male mountain, was taller than Fuji, however Mount Fuji was so enraged by this measurement that she destroyed the top of Haku. This created the eight peaks of Mount Haku and thus Mount Fuji became the tallest of the Japanese mountains.
Mt. Fuji has been the home to many things. It has been known as the home of a fire god, the Shinto goddess of flowing trees, and since Buddhist times the dwelling of Dainichi Nyorai, who was the Buddha of All-Illuminating Wisdom. One of the deities of Mt. Fuji is known as Sengen, the goddess of Fuji. She is also known as Ko-no-hana-saku-ya-hime (“Radiant-blooming-as-the-flowers-of-the-trees”) On the summit of Mt. Fuji is her temple. She was said to in ancient times sit on a cloud while her invisible servants threw in any pilgrims who were not pure of heart. Another deity of Fuji was the Luminous Maiden. She was said to have led a certain emperor to his doom. He is still worshipped at the small shrine marking where he vanished. A third and final deity that is known is O-ana-mochi or “possessor of the great hole” (crater).
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