The mountain has long been considered a site of reverence for both Shintoism and Buddhism, which believe gods or spirits are everywhere and in everything. The respect for Mt. Fuji was such that religious ceremonies were initially held away from the mountain. Still, the mountain eventually became the site for ascetic Buddhism, which features Shinto elements. During this time, a place of worship, the Dainichi Temple, was finally erected upon the summit. Even in modern times, the religious traditions continue with a ceremony held at the start of every climbing season to pray for the safety of climbers.

Every year, over 200,000 people hike up Japan’s tallest mountain, doing their version of a pilgrimage that is thousands of years old. While the mountain was once feared and revered from a distance, now Mount Fuji is a popular destination for both novice and experienced climbers.