At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. It comes in the form of a beautifully-shaped volcano, the aesthetic of which has inspired artists and commanded the respect of worshippers for centuries. You can see it featured in numerous paintings and other Japanese artwork, making it one of the most iconic symbols of Japan.

Mount Fuji is considered an active volcano, though it has not erupted since 1708.

The mountain is found on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka, visible from both Tokyo and Yokohama. If you’re ever visiting either of these cities, try to go during the colder seasons when the sky is more likely to give you a clear view of Mount Fuji. Or, if you’re the more adventurous type, try going between July and August when the mountain is officially open for climbing.

At our Japanese restaurant in Seattle, we pay tribute to this Japanese icon with our Mount Fuji plate. It consists of ten pieces of nigiri sushi, including tuna, whelk clam, salmon roe, amaebi shrimp, and more.