Thirteen Fuji Mountains across Japan: Sacred Mountains across the country

Mount Fuji is undoubtedly Japan’s most emblematic summit. Its perfect conical shape and solitary silhouette make it a spiritual, aesthetic and cultural symbol deeply rooted in the collective imagination. While this majestic volcano in the Chūbu region is unique, its image has inspired comparison with many other mountains throughout Japan. These local Fujis are as much tributes to the original Fuji as to identity landmarks in their respective regions. This article takes you to the discovery of the most famous of these other Fujis, from the frozen north of Hokkaidō to the borders of Kyūshū.

Why so many Fujis Mountains in Japan?

Mount Fuji is more than a summit: it is a visual and spiritual landmark, but also a source of inspiration for artists, poets and believers for centuries. Its pure beauty, visible miles away in the round, has often served as a model for other mountains with a similar profile. Many parts of Japan, wishing to pay tribute to this iconic mountain or to highlight their own natural heritage, have named their most majestic summit by the name of “Fuji”, often preceded by the name of the region.

Today there are between 300 and 400 mountains known throughout the archipelago, but some are particularly distinguished by their history, form or local importance. Here are the thirteen regional Fujis to discover during a trip to Japan.

Rishiri Fuji (mount Rishiri) – Hokkaidō

Located off the northwest tip of Hokkaidō, on the volcanic island of Rishiri, this solitary mountain peaks at 1,721 meters. Mount Rishiri stands as an almost perfect cone in the middle of the Japanese Sea, with a silhouette immediately reminiscent of Mount Fuji. His name, Rishiri, derives from the word AinuRi-sir, meaning “great island”.

The mountain is listed in the 100 famous mountains of Japan (Nihon Hyakumeizan) and attracts hikers for its breathtaking panoramas on the ocean and nearby Mount Rebun.

Ezo Fuji (mount Yōtei) – Hokkaidō

Also known as Mount Shiribeshi, Mount Yōtei (1,898 metres) is located west of Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. Its perfectly conical shape earned it the nickname of the old name of Hokkaidō, “Fuji d’Ezo”. The Ainu called himMatne-sir, the women’s mountain as opposed to other steeper peaks.

This dormant volcano dominates the Niseko region, famous for its ski resorts and natural landscapes. In summer, its trails offer spectacular access to its summit.

Tsugaru Fuji (Iwaki Mountain) – Aomori

Climbing at 1,625 metres, Mount Iwaki is the highest peak of the Aomori prefecture in northern Honshū. This active volcano is often wrapped in mist, which reinforces its mystical aura. It is deeply rooted in local traditions and sometimes nicknamedO-Iwaki-sanIwaki.

Its massive shape, although less symmetrical than that of Fuji, marked the minds enough to be compared to the famous Japanese volcano.

Nanbu Fuji (mount Iwate) – Iwate

Mount Iwate, nicknamed “Fuji de Nanbu” or “Kata Fuji” (the unilateral Fuji), peaks at 2,038 metres. It owes its nickname to its irregular silhouette, chipped on one side, resulting from its past eruptions. It is an imposing volcano, both wild and majestic, visible from the city of Morioka.

Its conical shape from some angles evokes Mount Fuji, and it is also one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan.

Dewa Fuji (Mont Chōkai) – Yamagata / Akita

Mount Chōkai reaches 2,236 metres and dominates the Japanese Sea on horseback in Akita and Yamagata Prefectures. Its large, almost pyramidal shape has often been compared to Mount Fuji, especially when snowy.

The slopes of Chōkai are steep and woody, and its summit, often swept by winds, offers spectacular views of the coast. It is also a place of pilgrimage and practice of shugendō, a form of mountain asceticism.

Aizu Fuji (mount Bandai) – Fukushima

Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Mount Bandai (1,816 metres) is actually composed of several peaks, including Akahani and Kushigamine. Its silhouette, less regular than that of the Fuji, however, inspired its nickname “Aizu Fuji”.

Mount Bandai is famous for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and lakes created by past eruptions, including Lake Inawashiro. It is also a popular destination for winter sports and summer hiking.

Echigo Fuji (mount Makihata) – Niigata

Mount Makihata, with its 1,967 metres, stands in the Echigo mountain range, on the border between Niigata and Gunma prefectures. Its soft silhouette and slopes covered with forests are worthy of being nicknamed Fuji d’Echigo.

It is a popular top for experienced hikers, especially in autumn when foliage is flamboyant.

Hida Fuji (Mont Norikura) – Gifu / Nagano

Less famous than other peaks, Mount Norikura is yet one of the most accessible among the Japanese Alps. It peaks at 3,026 meters, making it a natural giant worthy of its nickname.

Its summital plateau has a more spreading shape, but its soft, snowy lines evoke the Fuji’s silhouette. It is an ideal mountain for a first climb at high altitude.

Shinshu Fuji (mount Komagatake) – Nagano

Situated in the central Alps, Mount Komagatake (2,956 metres) is often referred to as the Shinshū It offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding chains and Mount Fuji itself in clear weather.

The region has a cable car that facilitates access to hikers of all levels, making it a popular destination all year round.

Harima Fuji (mount Kasagata) – Hyōgo

This relatively modest summit (939 metres) in the Hyōgo prefecture is nicknamed the “Fuji du Harima” in reference to the former name of this western region of Japan. Its slender shape and visual isolation within the local landscape recall Fuji’s elegance.

It is easy to access and very popular for day hikes, especially during the season of cherry blossoms or red maples.

Bungo Fuji (mount Yufu) –

Mount Yufu (1,583 metres) in the prefecture of d. It has two characteristic twin peaks, known as male point and female point.

This volcanic mountain is one of the natural jewels of Kyūshū, offering pleasant hikes in a peaceful atmosphere, often wrapped in mist at sunrise.

Satsuma Fuji (Kaimon Mount) – Kagoshima

Mount Kaimon (924 metres), located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, is a perfectly conical volcano rising near the coast. Its silhouette is often compared to that of Fuji, and it is sometimes even nicknamed the little South Fuji.

This dormant volcano is easy to climb and offers exceptional views of the ocean and surrounding islands, including Yakushima in clear weather.

Koshiki Fuji (mount Otake) – Koshiki Islands

Located on the Koshiki Islands, off Kagoshima Prefecture, Mount Otake peaks just 603 metres away. Despite its small size, its perfectly symmetrical shape earned it the nickname of It is a discreet but photogenic summit, which is often discovered at the detour of a trip off the beaten path in the archipelago.

The other Fujis of Japan are not only aesthetic replicas of the famous volcano. Each of these mountains has its own identity, its local histories, and its importance in regional culture. Visiting them, one discovers not only magnificent panoramas, but also another side of the Japanese soul, rooted in nature and spirituality. Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer or just a little curious, these Fuji-mountains are a great surprise away from the original Mount Fuji crowd.

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