If you are interested in Japan, then you will have heard of Mount Fuji. It lies to the west of Tokyo. Often you can see it from various parts of the city. Sometimes with the sun shining to create a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Even so, it is still an active volcano. Despite its last eruption in 1707, people still climb it today. In fact, you can get a bus from Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal directly to Mt Fuji.
In this article we shall take a look at the details of the last eruption over 300 years ago. Is it likely to erupt again? Read on to find out all you need to know.
What Is Mount Fuji?
Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. That is impressive seeing as there are more than twenty three mountains in the country that reach over 3,000 meters.
Mount Fuji itself reaches an incredible 3,776 meters in total. Japan is based in the Circum-Pacific – which is fondly referred to as the ‘Ring of Fire’. This means that Japan has a lot of mountains.
It also means that it is a country that may suffer from severe weather and natural occurrences. Some of these include tsunamis, typhoons, earthquakes, and maybe even a volcanic eruption.
Mount Fuji is a huge symbol of Japan. It has a beautiful form. You will find many shrines and temples located around this famous mountain.
When Did Mount Fuji Last Erupt?
The last eruption of Mount Fuji was in 1707. It is considered to be a major disaster of the time. This is because the eruption itself lasted for two whole weeks. Known as the Hoei Eruption, it released volcanic rock and ash into the areas below.
The scoria and pumice from the volcano reached Edo (now known as Tokyo). The city is over 100 km away from the mountain – so you can see how far it traveled. Whether a coincidence or not, there was a potential tell-tale sign of the eruption.
Forty nine days prior to the Mount Fuji eruption, the Kansai region suffered a major earthquake. Are they linked, or were they just two different natural phenomena that happened within a short space of time?
What Makes Up Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji contains several different volcanoes which overlap each other. The two which are most known are called ‘Young Fuji (Shin Fuji) and ‘Old Fuji’ (Ko Fuji).
The last recorded eruption was over 300 years ago in 1707. Since its formation over 100,000, it has erupted on numerous occasions. This definitely makes you think.
Especially seeing as Mount Fuji is still active. Which leads us nicely on to the next question.
Is Mount Fuji An Active Volcano?
If you ever get the chance to see Mount Fuji in the distance, then you will sense a feeling of calm. This makes it hard to believe that it is still an active volcano.
Despite it being considered active, it has actually been dormant since the 1960s. This was the last time any signs of volcanic activity were recorded.
For over 300 years we have not seen a major eruption like those who did in 1707. Because of the known concerns of what this would do – especially to Tokyo – Mount Fuji is monitored every day.
On a more scary note, some specialists have noted that Mount Fuji has entered a ‘standby phase’. This means that there is a chance that Mount Fuji could erupt again.
Before the 1707 disaster, the famous mountain had also been dormant. However, an actual eruption is difficult to predict. In fact, it is impossible.
For this reason, you cannot live in fear that an eruption will happen. Japan is too beautiful not to visit its magical wonders!
Can You Climb Mount Fuji?
Yes, you can climb Mount Fuji. However, there are strict rules in doing so. For example, you can only climb Mount Fuji during the summer season.
In any other season, climbing Mount Fuji is deemed too dangerous. The trails which lead up Mount Fuji are also only open in the summer.
There are huts along the way that provide places to rest for a few minutes. You may also want a walking stick to help you on your way up. Also, be prepared for the air to feel thin.
If you suffer from breathing difficulties, then climbing Mount Fuji may not be for you. You will also find that climbing Mount Fuji is not the most difficult if you are healthy.
However, there is rocky terrain and it can become quite steep. Overall, the altitude will be your biggest problem.
Final Thoughts
It was over 300 years ago when Mount Fuji caused devastation to the areas below. It reached Edo, now known as Tokyo, over 100 km’s away.
While it is a dormant volcano, it is still active. Fortunately, it is monitored for 24 hours every single day. There is a chance that Mount Fuji could erupt again. However, this may not even be in your lifetime. So, take that chance and climb Mount Fuji.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Mount Fuji Last Erupt?
Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707. Since its formation, it has only erupted a handful of times. It became dormant in the 1960s, but this does not mean much.
It was actually dormant before it erupted over 300 years ago. However, Mount Fuji is monitored every single day. If it were to erupt today, it would cause major damage to somewhere like Tokyo.
What Would Happen To Tokyo If Mount Fuji Erupted?
If Mount Fuji erupted today, it would cause major damage to Tokyo. Even if the city was disrupted by the ash, it would cause the transportation system to stop completely.
Fortunately, while an eruption cannot be predicted, Mount Fuji is monitored every day for volcanic activity. Mount Fuji itself is currently dormant. What this means for a possible eruption is anyone’s guess!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
