Fuji-san, the sacred mountain

Photo by Mujo

Mt. Fuji holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.

Physically, it’s the tallest mountain (and volcano) in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters tall (12,380 feet), and attracting an estimated 400,000 climbers each summer season.

Spiritually, it’s been a sacred site for Shinto believers since at least the 7th century.

Culturally, it’s a symbol of Japan. Featured in films, artwork, and all sorts of merchandise, it’s safe to say even one with almost no knowledge of Japan would recognize Mt. Fuji.

Fujiyoshida, looking up to Fuji-san

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida lies at the base of Mt. Fuji to the Northeast.

It’s a quiet city with an estimated population of less than 50,000 people according to Wikipedia.

You’ll find tourists here anytime of year, visiting Fuji-Q Highland, its local amusement park, or enjoying the wonderful views.

I myself visited Fujiyoshida for New Year’s in 2019. I was a bit too early for the cherry blossoms, but I still managed a few pictures from Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park.

Photo by Mujo

Yeah…it was overcast…but I succeeded the next day!

Photo by Mujo

Fujiyoshida from a different angle

If you can’t tell, I’m really not much of a photographer.

Yasuto Inagaki (@inagakiyasuto) is however. We’ve even featured some of his work before:

This time, Mr. Inagaki shared an image on Twitter that captures Mt. Fuji in all it’s majesty. Check it out!

Reproduced with permission from inagakiyasuto (@inagakiyasuto)

From the power line crisscrossed street in downtown Fujiyoshida, your eyes are drawn upward to the towering splendor of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji is so enormous, it literally takes up the entire background and could readily consume Fujiyoshida City whole.

Usually images of Mt. Fuji are taken from afar and feature a vast swathe of sky. And I suppose that’s how most people do see Fuji-san.

But for the people of Fujiyoshida, Mt. Fuji is a real mammoth. And this image captures that.

Yasuto Inagaki’s Work

If you were enchanted by this single image, be sure to check out more of Mr. Inagaki’s work on any of his SNS listed below.


By - Mujo.