There are millions of people around the world each year that are determined to scale the peaks of Mount Fuji. Apart from them, there are also even more tourists who seek to visit the famous dormant volcano for the experience. Despite the risks they all face in such an endeavor, they do not think twice about doing so.

Why does this happen? There are many reasons to this, but a few will explain the mentality behind their desire to climb Mount Fuji.

First of all, Mount Fuji is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a sacred symbol of Japan. There are legends attached to the mountain that show the respect and awe that it is held in the Japanese people’s eyes. The fact that it is also the tallest peak in the East Asian country has made it all the more formidable.

Did you know that there are hundreds of mini-Mount Fuji’s all over Japan? They are all smaller hills and mountains that are named after the larger version. As many Japanese cannot afford to visit the original peak due to time or money, they resorted to naming nearby mountains in its memory, where they can serve as a pilgrimage of sorts in the nearest town each year.

You can also create your own version of Mount Fuji out of paper. The Japanese have made this possible through the art of Origami. There are complete origami books which cover the many ways of folding a paper Fuji-san, allowing hours of fun. It is another piece of evidence of the high regard with which the Japanese hold for the mountain.

There is a strong reason why Mount Fuji is ever present in the Japanese psyche. The mountain’s snow covered peak is often visible on the skyline of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. While the volcano can be covered by clouds or haze for much of the time, the majestic sight dominates much of the landscape.

Not many realize that Mount Fuji’s peak can only be seen clearly on ten days every year. This is due to the clouds and haze that can build up around it, blocking viewing access of its magnificent snow covered peak. This does not change even at the most common viewing points on and surrounding the mountain volcano.

Mount Fuji is not all beauty and elegance though. If the volcano erupts one day, Japan will suffer serious consequences as a country. Much of Tokyo and other nearby cities could be destroyed, resulting in much rebuilding. But this has not deterred the Japanese spirit, and they continue to worship and dedicate much attention to the tallest and majestic mountain in their country, Mount Fuji.

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