Hello, this is Interpreter Takezawa!
Today, we’ll explore Mount Fuji’s deep ties to Japanese history, spanning the Jomon Period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) to the Heian Period (794–1185 CE). Let’s uncover how Japan’s iconic mountain shaped—and was shaped by—the lives and beliefs of ancient people.
Mount Fuji and the Dawn of Japanese Culture
Japan’s distinct cultural identity began taking root during the Jomon Period, around 16,000 years ago. Notably, this overlaps with the early eruptions of the “New Fuji Volcano,” which formed the modern Mount Fuji.
In a way, Mount Fuji and Japan’s early cultural foundations grew side by side—a relationship forged during Earth’s transition out of the last ice age into a warmer climate.
Jomon Period: Life in Fuji’s Shadow
Numerous Jomon-era archaeological sites have been discovered around Mount Fuji, including near rivers, lakes, hills, and plains. These findings prove that people lived, worked, and thrived in the region during this time.
Key Archaeological Sites:
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Oshikakubo Ruins (富士宮市, Shizuoka Prefecture):
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Discovered in 2002, this large settlement dates to the early Jomon Period.
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Features Japan’s oldest pit dwellings in the Fuji area, over 20,000 pottery and stone tools, and ritual stone circles likely used for ceremonies.
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Sengoku Ruins (富士宮市, Shizuoka Prefecture):
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A mid-to-late Jomon site spanning 50 meters east-west and north-south.
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Its most striking feature is a stone circle arranged to face Mount Fuji, resembling structures like Stonehenge. This suggests Mount Fuji was already a sacred gathering place for rituals.
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Other sites, such as Ikenomoto Ruins (Fujiyoshida City) and Kaminakamaru Ruins, along with artifacts found near Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu, reveal continuous human activity from the Yayoi to Kofun periods.
Kofun to Heian Periods: Eruptions and Sacred Status
From the Kofun Period (300–538 CE) to the Heian Period, Mount Fuji’s frequent eruptions began appearing in historical records.
First Written Mentions of Mount Fuji:
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Hitachi Fudoki (常陸国風土記, 731 CE):
One of Japan’s oldest regional records, it refers to Fuji as “Fuji-no-take in Suruga Province” alongside Mount Tsukuba. -
Shoku Nihongi (続日本紀, 797 CE):
Documents the 781 CE eruption, marking Fuji’s first recorded volcanic activity. -
Jōgan Eruption (864 CE):
Described in Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku (日本三代実録), this catastrophic event led to the expansion of Sengen Shrines to appease the mountain. The shrine’s deity, Asama Okami, was elevated to Myojin Taisha status, reflecting Fuji’s growing spiritual importance.
Mount Fuji in Poetry and Legend
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Manyoshu (万葉集, 8th century):
Fuji appears in Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, written with kanji like 不盡 (endless) and 布自 (woven cloth) before settling on 富士 (wealthy scholar) in the Heian Period. -
Legends of Early Climbers:
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Prince Shotoku (574–622 CE): Said to have ridden a mythical black horse to the summit.
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En no Gyoja (役小角, 634–701 CE): Founder of Shugendo, a mountain ascetic tradition. Legends claim he walked from Izu Oshima Island to Fuji nightly.
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Matsudai Shonin (末代上人, Heian Period): Built a temple on the summit dedicated to the Buddha Dainichi.
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Why So Few Early Climbing Records?
Despite its cultural significance, few records exist of people summiting Mount Fuji before the Heian Period. Frequent eruptions and the mountain’s sacred status likely deterred casual ascents. Climbing was likely reserved for rituals or exceptional figures.
Final Thoughts
From ancient pit dwellings to volcanic rituals, Mount Fuji has always been more than a mountain—it’s a living archive of Japan’s history. Even today, its slopes whisper stories of the people who revered, feared, and thrived in its shadow.
Join me next time as we continue unraveling Fuji’s mysteries! 🗻
