In which continent is Mount Fuji located? Fuji sacred mountain of japan

Fuji is of great importance for local residents. There is a legend according to which whoever can climb Mount Fuji will become immortal. Therefore, many residents of Japan are still convinced: the haze that is periodically visible above the volcano’s mouth is smoke from a fire that was lit by higher powers using the elixir of immortality.

Description

Active volcano Fuji is located on the largest island of the Japanese archipelago of Honshu. From Tokyo, the capital of Japan, which is located on the same island, the sacred mountain is located nine tens of kilometers towards the southwest.

There is a forest on the slopes of the volcano and at its foot, and there are also a huge number of thermal springs that have formed small warm lakes. However, not everyone dares to swim in them: the air temperature in summer at the foot of the mountain is only eighteen degrees Celsius, and in winter there is severe cold at the top of the volcano, with the thermometer fluctuating around thirty degrees Celsius below zero. The coldest winter was the fifteenth year of the twenty-first century, when a temperature of minus thirty-eight degrees was recorded.

At the top of Mount Fuji there is a Zionist temple, a post office and a weather station. Since the highest point in Japan is located on the mountain, it is the best place to observe the weather.

Since the territory in which the Japanese islands are located is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are a huge number of both active and extinct fire-breathing mountains. If you look closely at the map of Honshu, you will find that there are more than twenty volcanoes on this island alone.

As for Fuji, this mountain is located at the junction of several lithospheric plates: the Philippine, Eurasian and Okhotsk. It did not appear immediately: first Sen-Komitake was formed, and after its collapse - Komitake, but that did not last long.

Eighty thousand years ago, “Old Fuji” appeared in its place, which after twenty thousand years began to exhibit constant volcanic activity that lasted for ten centuries, and as a result the volcano was destroyed. Instead, eleven thousand years ago, a young volcanic cone, “Young Fuji,” appeared, on the slopes of which more than a hundred side crevices subsequently formed. And some time later, the flows of basaltic lava erupted by it blocked the road to the rivers, the sources of which began in the north of Fuji, forming the Five Lakes of Fuji.

Why is Fuji dangerous as a volcano?

In the entire history of monitoring the volcano, starting in 781 AD, seismologists have recorded twelve eruptions of Fuji, the strongest of which occurred at the beginning of the eighteenth century. Three new craters were formed on the eastern side of the mountain, and volcanic ash covered the streets of Tokyo, located almost a hundred kilometers from Fuji, in a layer fifteen meters thick. As of the eighteenth year, this is the last eruption, so it is currently considered an active low eruption volcano. Not everyone agrees with this definition. Recently, scientists have been talking more and more about the awakening of Fuji: special instruments have recorded that the pressure in the magma basin of the volcano as of the eighteenth year is much greater than it was during its last eruption. An important role in this was played by the nine-magnitude earthquake of two thousand and eleven, which caused a huge tsunami that flooded a number of coastal Japanese cities.

An approaching earthquake that could trigger a volcanic eruption is also indicated by a rise in the water level in Lake Sai, one of the Five Lakes of the volcano, numerous steam emissions from the vent and an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes. In the twelfth year, geologists discovered that under Fuji there was a fault line about thirty-five kilometers wide, along which an earthquake could well occur, after which an eruption would begin. The latter, according to scientists, can happen at any time before the twentieth year. The forecasts of some researchers are too pessimistic, since they assume that the eruption will be so powerful that Fuji will completely disappear from the face of the earth, and a huge number of people will be forced to leave their homes. True, not everyone agrees with this - most scientists are still inclined to think that the volcano wakes up gradually, and the magma moves very slowly, so if the volcano begins to show excessive activity, people will have time to evacuate, although damage to agriculture will definitely be caused.

Mount Fuji is included in the list of the main attractions of Japan - the Land of the Rising Sun, which is divided into many islands. To find out where Mount Fuji is located, you need to analyze the geography of Japan.

As mentioned above, Japan is divided into islands, highlight here: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku. The most developed and largest is the island of Honshu. Here is Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the largest metropolis in the world, and 90 kilometers from it is an active stratovolcano called Fuji.

It is now generally accepted that the volcano is weakly active, since its last eruption occurred in 1707–1708. The mountain has inspired many poets and artists since ancient times. However, it still does this today, simultaneously serving as a place of tourism, pilgrimage and an object for photography. Every day, travelers flying into Tokyo visit the volcano, either on their own or as part of a tour.

Mountain name

The name Fujiyama is shrouded in mystery: there is no exact version of the origin of the name, but there are various assumptions. In particular, the story “Taketori Monogatari” mentions that the name of the volcano is a derivative of the word “immortality”, or the phrase “many soldiers”.

Japanese ethnic etymology claims that the name arose from the word “incomparable.” Other sources interpret the name as “inexhaustibility.”

In Edo times, one scientist put forward a version: “Fuji” arose from a word meaning “a mountain standing slenderly...”. Others are of the opinion that the name originated from the phrase “... long slope.”

It should be noted that each of the above versions has its right to exist, but in the works of scientists who have studied this topic, too few weighty arguments are given to accept one or another version as the only correct one.

Errors in the title

People, out of ignorance, often say: “Mount Fuji,” which is a mistake - official name mountains - Fuji. However, there is a chance that everything can change, because the word “Fujiyama” is considered correct in many countries.

Structure of the volcano

Mount Fuji on the map is located above an extended line along which some earth blocks are submerged under others, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Fuji is located at the junction of three plates.

This area is marked by centuries of activity and frequent eruptions. Historically, there are several stages of the volcanic process as a result of which Mount Fuji was formed.

1. The emergence of andesitic lavas to the surface and the formation of the Sen-Komitake volcano. Later it was replaced by Komitake, a basalt volcano.
2. Formation of "Old Fuji".
3. The emergence and development of "Young Fuji".
4. Frequent volcanic explosions and repeated outpourings of lava over the next millennia. Now, as a result of explosions, magma from the basalt comes to the surface. Numerous craters formed on the slopes.

The lava was blocked by rivers originating in the mountains called Misaka. From here came the Fuji Five Lakes, the most popular resort destination in Japan.

Returning to the history of the volcano, it is necessary to note the largest eruptions of basaltic magma to the surface. They occurred in 800, 864 and 1707–1708. The latter is characterized by incredible force, when a new crater formed in the east of the mountain, resulting in ash emissions that covered some parts of Tokyo. Volcano Fuji has an almost perfect conical shape, which makes it quite aesthetic and pleasing to the eye.

Five Lakes of Mount Fuji

It is impossible not to mention an important attraction associated with Fuji. These are five lakes that arose at the foot of the mountain. Their height is approximately 1 thousand meters. From here it is most convenient to start climbing the mountain and enjoy the view of the volcano.

The majority of tourists visit the lakes not to climb to the top of the volcano. There are many other entertainment options here. For example, one of the tallest roller coasters in the world (located in an amusement park). The resort itself is attractive with the opportunity to relax and admire the volcano up close.

General characteristics of the lakes of Mount Fuji

The lake group consists of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Sai, Shoji and Motosu. Each has distinctive features: for example, Lake Kawaguchi is the largest, Shoji is the smallest, Yamanaka has a high water level, and Motosu has depth. They are fresh.

The Five was formed in ancient times: about 50-60 thousand years ago as a result of huge lava flows that solidified and formed boundaries that fenced off the waters of local rivers. However, Motosu, Shoji and Sai are connected to each other through underground drains.

The image of a volcano in Japanese and international culture

On canvases and in descriptions of poets, Mount Fuji appears covered with ice and has a sharp peak. In ancient times, it was believed that the smoke coming from it was the product of the elixir of immortality lit in the depths of the mountains, and the one who conquered Mount Fuji would receive its secret and gain eternal life.

However, cultural scientists and Japanese studies note that the poetic image of a volcano and the real one have significant differences. This is explained by the fact that the artists of the Edo period did not set themselves the goal of reproducing a realistic image of Fuji - they showed its beauty and aesthetics, but that’s all.

Moreover, Fuji does not have eternal ice– in late summer there is no snow on the tops of the mountain, and its slopes are depicted as sharp, inaccessible, steep, which only God’s chosen one can conquer (in fact, this is far from the case, as evidenced by regular excursions and trips to the mountain).

Few foreigners know that at the top of the volcano there is a Shinto shrine and other buildings that are sacred to Shinto. The territory of Mount Fuji is in his possession.

In addition to Shinto buildings, there is a post office and a weather station on site. At the top there is an active life: both religious and scientific, which is very typical for the Japanese.

Climbing

During the summer seasons, there is a rescue service and hospitable “huts” on the slopes - cafes where you can buy food, drinks and even sleep. The summer months are the most favorable months for conquering the peak, as long as there are no snow deposits. Foreigners arriving in Tokyo often have questions about where Mount Fuji is and how to get to it, but this problem is solved quite quickly, since there are a great many paths leading from the capital of Japan to the foot of the mountain!

Geographically, the mountain is divided into 10 levels. From the fifth level there are four paths leading up. Any of the routes takes 3–8 hours without rest, the descent takes 2–5 hours.

Except tourist routes, there are paths designed for bulldozers that deliver food and other materials to the mountain huts and souvenir shops located on the top of the mountain. But bulldozers are also designed to evacuate people in trouble and in need of medical care. For tourists, such routes are a huge danger, since they do not provide special protection from the stones that regularly fall from the top of the mountain. But on such roads you can often meet cyclists who prefer to climb by other routes at their own peril and risk.

Ecological situation

Fuji is a landmark and national monument protected by an international organization, and therefore throwing out garbage and causing damage to the ecology of the mountain in other ways is strictly prohibited.

This is evidenced by signs placed everywhere. And also, when climbing the mountain, each tourist is given a free bag for storing garbage. Stores that have their own trash cans allow it to be partially emptied.

There are special dry toilets on the mountain. They are paid (cost 200 yen). Some operate automatically using solar panels.

Thus, Mount Fuji is a historical, ecological, ethnic and natural site of worldwide fame and importance. It gained even greater fame (especially among teenagers and young adults) with the release of anime series and manga about the daily life of Japanese schoolchildren, where it was repeatedly depicted as a popular and sacred place.

Japan is an island state located on an archipelago that was formed as a result of the activity of numerous volcanoes. The arc-shaped cluster of islands stretches from north to south for 3.5 thousand kilometers. All islands have predominantly mountainous terrain. The country's highest mountain, Fuji, is located 150 km from the capital. Fuji is a sacred mountain, a source of inspiration for poets and artists.
Japanese mountains are characterized by alpine jaggedness, with the exception of massifs with smooth outlines in the south of Kyushu. The highest mountains are called the Japanese Alps, they are located in the center of Honshu near Tokyo.

Geology

There is no consensus in the scientific community about what the cluster of Japanese islands is. Some scientists view them as a submerged microcontinent, since Japan is characterized by increased thickness of the earth's crust. The archipelago is located above a specific zone of thrust of the island crust onto the oceanic crust, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The core axis of Hokkaido is formed by sedimentary-volcanogenic processes. In the west there are additionally Upper Cretaceous and Cenozoic deposits. The northeast of Honshu, in the structure of which the main role is played by Paleozoic deposits represented by terrigenous strata, is separated from its southwestern part by a meridional graben. All these deposits are embedded in folds. The western coast of Honshu is formed by green Neogene tuffs. In the southwestern part of Japan there is a zonal structure with a general rejuvenation of zones. The most ancient Precambrian rocks make up the Hida zone. In the southeast of the country, volcanic-sedimentary deposits of the Paleozoic are developed, which have undergone folding deformation. The chalk belt extends along the border with the outer zones.

Almost every day, earthquakes occur on one of the many islands, which indicates the incompleteness of the mountain building process.

Climate in the mountains of Japan

The Japanese islands are located at several latitudes and are washed by four seas and Pacific Ocean, which is the reason for the significant difference in climate in the north and south of the country. Conventionally, several climatic zones are distinguished in Japan.
The island of Hokkaido is characterized by long, frosty winters with an average temperature of -15°C and cold summers. Precipitation is moderate, up to 700 mm.
The islands washed by the Sea of ​​Japan are covered with heavy snowfalls in winter. Summer is usually warm.
In the Central Highlands, temperatures vary significantly throughout the day. The winter and summer seasons are clearly defined.
In the Pacific Islands, winters are cold with little rainfall, but summers are hot and humid.
The southwestern islands are characterized by a subtropical climate with warm winters with temperatures of +16°C and hot summers up to +35°C. There is a lot of precipitation all year round, up to 1200 mm.

Hydrography

The territory of the country is covered by an extensive network of large and small mountain rivers. The longest river in Japan is the Shinano, located on the island of Honshu. It is born in the Japanese Alps and flows into the Sea of ​​Japan. There are also two other large waterways: Kitakami (294 km), Tone (322 km), Kiso (229 km) and Tenryu (213 km).
Tesho and Ishikari are quite long, 268 km long, located on the island. Hokkaido.
There are many small freshwater lakes on the islands. At the same time, near Kyoto there is one of the most ancient lakes, Biwa, which has historical and cultural value. Its average depth is 41 km. The second largest lake in Japan (220 km?) is Kasumigaura. It is located in the east of the island of Honshu. Currently, Lake Kasumigaura is used for fishing, irrigation, and tourism.
A special feature of Japan is the presence of numerous crater lakes. The largest of them is Towada on the island of Honshu. Located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level.

Flora and fauna

Japan's flora is rich and varied due to high humidity and a wide range of climatic conditions. It has more than 17 thousand species of plants, the most famous of which are sakura and plum.
More than half of the territory is occupied by forests. Coniferous forests predominate on the northern islands. Moreover, in the north of Hokkaido, spruce and fir trees predominate, and in the south, cypress and pine trees predominate. The heart of the island is occupied by broadleaf forests of beech, maple and oak. Cypress and pine trees grow well in the north of Honshu. In the central part of the island, birch, willow, and walnut trees grow, but in the south they are replaced by evergreen forests of Japanese magnolia and jagged oak, which also spread to the north of the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. Here you can also find bamboo and banyan trees, as well as laurel forests. Further south, tropical and subtropical forests extend across the archipelago. They are characterized by the presence of bananas, palms, tree ferns and ficus. In some places on the islands you can find thousand-year-old Japanese cryptomerias up to 50 meters high. The central mountain range of Hokkaido Island is characterized by thickets of rhododendrons and heather above the forest line, which then give way to alpine meadows. In spring, azaleas and peonies bloom everywhere, and in November, chrysanthemums bloom.

The fauna is less diverse, which is due to the isolation of the islands. For the same reason, there are many endemics here. Thus, some species of woodpeckers, pheasants, dragonflies, crabs, sharks, snakes, salamanders and marine mammals are not found anywhere else. In the north of the country, the forests are inhabited by brown bears, short-legged wolves, foxes, weasels, and mountain antelopes. Hares, martens, squirrels and flying squirrels are common. Among the birds you can often see swallows, cuckoos, sparrows, thrushes, and woodpeckers. Ducks, swans and cranes live on the lakes, and albatrosses and snipes live on the sea coasts.

Mountainous regions of Japan

Hokkaido

The island has several mountain ranges stretching from north to south. Hidaka has a length of 100 km, average heights are 1400-1800 m. Highest point mountain range is located at a level of 2025 m and belongs to Mount Hiroshiri. The western slopes of the ridge are more gentle. The attraction is the terraces located along the sea coast.
The Tokati massif stretches in the central part of the island for a distance of 100 km. The highest point is located on Mount Asahi. This volcano last erupted in 1739, so it is considered dormant. However, even now hot gases are actively released from crevices in its slopes. Translated from Japanese, the name of the ridge means Great Snowy Mountain. On its slopes there is national park"Daisetsuza'n."

Near the northwestern coast of the island there is the Rishiri volcano with a height of 1721 m. The volcano’s outline resembles the most famous volcano in Japan, which is why it has the popular name Rishiri-Fuji. IN good weather it can be observed from the Russian coast. Today this volcano is considered extinct.
Volcano Syari is located in the northwest of Hokkaido. Its height is 1547 m. It is also extinct.

Honshu

The country's highest mountain, Fuji (3800 m), is located on its territory. Numerous temples and other religious buildings are located on the slopes of the mountain. A distinctive feature of the volcano is its clear geometric shape in the form of a regular cone. The diameter of the volcano's crater is about 500 m, and its depth is 200 m. Mount Fuji and the surrounding area belongs to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
There are three mountain ranges on the island: Hida, Kiso, Akaishi.
Hida has a length of 140 m and a maximum height of 3190 m on Mount Yarigotake. Belongs to the Tubu Sangaku National Park.
The length of the Kiso ridge is 150 m, and its height reaches 2956 m on Mount Komagatake. It has rather steep slopes along which numerous streams flowing into Kiso and Tenryu. Mount Komagatake attracts mountaineering enthusiasts and is part of Onuma National Park.
The highest point of the Akaishi Range is Mount Kita, reaching a height of 3193 m. Mount Kita is the second highest in Japan, but at the same time the most high mountain country of non-volcanic origin. Lovers hiking They appreciate the presence of gentle slopes that allow them to climb and admire the local nature. Mountains Aino (3189 m), Arakawa (3141 m), Akaishi (3120 m), Shiomi (3047 m), Senjo (3033 m) and others have slightly lower altitudes.

Kyushu

The island's mountains reach a maximum height of 1788 m (the inactive Kuju volcano), and their average height is about 1000 m. There are several active volcanoes here. The country's most active volcano is Aso, 1,592 m high.
The island is home to the Kirishima Volcanic Group, which is formed by 23 volcanoes. The highest peaks are Karakunidake and Takachihonomine, reaching a maximum height of 1700 m. They belong to the Kirishima-Yaku National Park, which also includes caldera lakes.
The Sakurajima volcano is also active and one of the most dangerous in the country. The volcano has three peaks and each has a crater, the highest Kitadake reaches 1117 m. Ash emissions occur annually, indicating the continuation of its activity.
Kyushu is famous for its numerous thermal springs. The most famous of them are located near the city of Beppu, and their cause is the activity of the Aso volcano.

Shikoku

Basic mountain system, rising from the plains of the island, is the Sanuki Range. Its highest point is Mount Ishizuchi (1982 m). Mounts Tsurugi (1955 m), Kamegamori (1896 m), Miune (1893 m), Sasagamine (1859 m) reach slightly lower heights.

Japan is a country of mountains. In a book compiled in 1964 by Japanese mountaineer and writer Kyuya Fukada. 100 famous mountains are mentioned. This book describes the most remarkable mountains in terms of not only their height, but also the elegance of their forms, history and distinctive features.

Since Japan is in the zone seismic activity, then active and extinct volcanoes form the basis of the islands and archipelagos of Japan.

Mount Fuji is the most famous mountain Japan.

Japan's most famous sacred mountain. Its snow-capped peak of almost perfect shape, 3800 meters high, is an extinct volcano. Mount Fuji is clearly visible from Tokyo and other cities. Those who wish can make the climb in the summer months, when the climatic conditions are not so harsh.

There are five scenic lakes around Mount Fuji where you can do aquatic species sports, visit ice caves and entertainment venues in local parks. Fuji is still a sacred place: on its slopes there are temples and other religious buildings of the Japanese traditional religion of Shinto. There is currently a weather station and a post office at the top of Mount Fuji.

Other sacred mountains of Japan. Mount Kurama.

Not very high, only 570 meters high. But it is of great importance for Buddhists and adherents of the Shinto religion, as well as for supporters and adepts of Reiki. Extraordinary beautiful nature in this place. Centuries-old cedars and many holy springs, unique temple complex set one in a sublime mood and thoughts about the eternal. Japanese emperors and other noble persons of Japan came here many times to bring rich donations to the shrines and pray.

The third sacred mountain of Japan is Mount Osore.

This is the third sacred mountain in Japanese mythology. Its height is 879 m. The mountain is located on the Shimokita Peninsula in the Japanese Aomori Prefecture on the island of Honshu. The name of the mountain means “mountain of fear”. At the foot of the mountain is Lake Usori. According to Japanese mythology, the gate to the underworld is located here.

Other volcanic groups of Japan.

Daisetsuzan.

This large mountain range, 100 km long, is located on the island of Hokkaido. Japan is passionate about nature conservation and is also home to Daisetsuzan National Park. The highest peak has a height of 2290 m. The nature here is harsh: taiga, granites, sandstones and other minerals. There is snow on the tops of the mountains.

Rous.

This popular tourist site is located in the north of Hokkaido. The height of the mountain is 1660 m.

Rishiri.

This volcano gave the island its name. Located on the northwestern coast of Hokkaido. Its height is 1721 m. At the top of the mountain there is a Shinto chapel. The mountain is a favorite place for tourists and climbers due to its picturesque nature. The volcano's outline resembles Japan's most famous volcano, Fuji. In clear weather, this mountain can be seen from the Russian coast.

Syari.

This 1547 m volcano is located in the northwest of Hokkaido and is also a popular tourist attraction.

Tokati.

A volcano on the island of Hokkaido with a height of 2077 m. The last eruption occurred in 2004. There are 4 trails to the top for tourists.

Yotei.

Located on the island of Hokkaido, it has an altitude of 1898 m above sea level and is shaped like Fuji.

Japanese Alps.

Located on the island of Honshu. The similarity with the Alps was noticed by Europeans who worked in Japan: the English mining engineer William Goatland and the English missionary Walter Westen; later this name remained.

The Japanese Alps consist of:

1) Northern Japanese Alps, Hida mountain range;

2) Central Japanese Alps, Kiso mountain range;

3) Southern Japanese Alps, Akaishi mountain range;

The highest peaks of the Japanese Alps are Mount Hutaka with a height of 3190 m and Mount Kita, reaching 3193 m. The active Ontake volcano (last eruption was in 1980) with a height of 3067 m is a place of worship for Japanese pilgrims.

The Japanese Alps are an ideal place for skiing and tourism.

Adatara, Azuma, Hakkoda and other mountains have their own history and monuments.

Volcanoes of Kyushu Island.

Active volcano. The last eruption was in 2011. The column of volcanic ash then rose to a height of 1800 m. In the summer of 2012, more than 2500 tremors were recorded. Despite the fact that this is an area of ​​high seismicity, there are many tourist hotels in the area because in winter there is sledding and skiing in the valleys.

The sacred volcano Fuji has long been an inspiration for artists, writers and poets.


Its perfectly smooth cone is a symbol of Japan, a place of pilgrimage for Zionist and Buddhist cults, as well as a popular tourist attraction attracting increased attention from fans of mountaineering and outdoor recreation. Where is this majestic peak located? And why is it so popular among tourists?

Where is Fujiyama located?

Fujiyama is the most high point Japan and rises to largest island state - Honshu. Those wishing to visit this beautiful volcano can find it approximately 90 km southwest of the Japanese capital, near the cities of Yokohama and Miyamae-Ku.

Due to its height of 3,776 meters and its location on flat terrain, the snow-capped peak is clearly visible from the southern outskirts of Tokyo in clear weather. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park extends around Fuji, which, together with the volcano, is included in the List of objects World Heritage UNESCO.

Fuji as a sacred mountain

For religious residents of Japan, Fuji is sacred mountain and a popular place of pilgrimage. There is a legend that the souls of the dead live, and the peak itself acts as a connecting link between people and gods. At the top of the mountain there is a Zionist temple, where thousands of pilgrims from all over the country flock every year. In their opinion, the path leading to the sanctuary serves as a road to other world.


Interestingly, Fuji is a private property owned by the temple. Inside the sanctuary, a deed of gift from the beginning of the 17th century is still kept, according to which the volcano was donated to the religious building by the Japanese ruler (shogun). In 1974, the authenticity of this document was confirmed by the state's supreme court.

Fuji as a tourist attraction

Despite the fact that there is a lot to see in Japan, any tourist coming to the country first of all strives to get to Fuji. It is not surprising, because both the mountain itself and its surroundings are of great interest to visitors. The safest period for climbing is considered to be the summer season. At this time along walking routes There are rescue services and hotels (the so-called yamagoya), where you can stay overnight and have lunch.

The surroundings of the volcano are no less attractive for tourists. IN national park, surrounding the peak, you can see hot springs and numerous historical buildings. At the foot of Fuji lies the Five Lakes area, where in addition to resorts and clean beaches, there is the Fujikyu Highlands amusement park with the largest roller coaster in Japan.

Why is Fuji dangerous as a volcano?

For all its splendor, Fuji is a formidable volcano that can cause irreparable damage to the island of Honshu. Its last eruption occurred in 1854, but the mountain still remains active and causes serious concern among geologists. The reason for the volcanism of Fuji is its location at the junction of three tectonic plates, where hot magma rises through faults to the earth's surface.

Today's cone is located on the site of older volcanic structures formed during the Pleistocene. Initially, the Sen-Komitake volcano formed on the site of modern Fuji; later it was destroyed, and the Komitake cone grew on its remains. About 80 thousand years ago it was replaced by the so-called “Old Fuji”, after the destruction of which the volcano we see today was formed.


Many volcanologists do not rule out that a new eruption of Fuji will occur in the coming decades. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of earthquakes in the area of ​​the summit and the rising water level in one of the lakes at the foot. Scientists' forecasts are disappointing, because today Japanese island Honshu is overpopulated, so a giant eruption could have a negative impact on millions of people.