Height: 3776m (12,385ft), Tallest mountain in Japan
Major historical eruptions: In the years of 800,864, and 1707.
On the Summit: Crater size: Diameter 800m (2625ft), circumference 3.5km (2.2mi), depth 200m (656ft)
Average temperature: -6.5C (20.3F)
Atmospheric pressure: About two thirds of the level ground.
Location of Mount Fuji in the World : Coordinates : 35°21′28.8″N 138°43′51.6″E
Continent : Asia
Geology : Mt Fuji sits on a triple junction; where the Eurasian Plate, the Okhotsk Plate and Philippines Plate meet.
Interestingly, Mount Fuji is "built-on" other older volcanos from within. 
Scientists have identified 4 distinct phases : Sen-Komitake (andesite), Komitake Fuji (basalt); Old Fuji and the New Fuji.
Scientists have identified 4 distinct phases : Sen-Komitake (andesite), Komitake Fuji (basalt); Old Fuji and the New Fuji.(ii) Climate
(iii) Natural Vegetation
The harsh environment of Mount Fuji has not deter some species of beech and fir trees to strive on the slopes of the mountain, while herbaceous perennials, lichens and moses also found their places on the top and on rocky edges of the volcano.
(iv) Inhabitants
The extreme weather and the lack of clean water do not favor human inhabitants; besides the designated rest huts and a few eatries along the climbing routes, there are no human residents on Mount Fuji. However, some other dwellers have called Mount Fuji home, they are :
~Insects : many species of forest/grassland butterflies and dragonflies.
~Amphibians &Reptiles: 7 species of amphibians (including Moriaogaeru(Forest green treefrogs)) and 5 species of reptiles are recorded.
~Mammals (37 species): Including Japanese Serow, Asiatic black bears, squirrels, foxes and monkeys.
~Freshwater Fish: Ayu Sweetfish.
~Birds : Over 100 species were sighted at Mount Fuji, including the Japanese Thrush, Japanese Paradize Flycatcher and Hoshigarasu.
(v) Special Features
Mount Fuji is a dormant stratovolcano, blessed with its almost perfect symmetrical cone, is highly prided as Japan's iconic symbol. It is also one of the three Holy Mountains in Japan along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, sacred to Buddhist and Shinto pilgrims. Legends have it that in ancient times, Mount Fuji has deities and spiritual powers. The Fire God resides at the soaring peak and so has the Shinto Goddes of Flowing trees. According to the early Shugendo myths the mountain was first climbed by a Monk around 700AD. Women were also not allowed to scale the Holy mountain until the Meji restoration (1868), Lady Fanny Parkes was the first woman to climb the mountain in 1867, with her husband, Sir Rutherford Alcock.
The ancient Samurai used this rugged terrain as their remote training, the Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo also held their Archery training here in the Kamakura period. As of 2006, the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the United States Marine Corps have operate their military bases near Mount Fuji.
Today at the foot and at the summit of Mount Fuji, there are still many Shrines and Temples for worship.
 |
| @ Southwest of Fuji |
 |
| @ Northeast of Fuji |
“He who climbs Mt. Fuji once is a wise man;
he who climbs it twice is a fool”.
(old Japanese proverb)
The volcano is currently classified under 'low risk of eruption', the last eruption was on 16 December 1707 and since then there have been no sign of a recurrence; not even the recent 15 March 2011's 6.2 magnitude earthquake. Thus making it suitable for sightseers and climbers to visit and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
As this proverb implies, it is a tough trail both physically and mentally demanding; it would be an achievement to climb to the summit once but not wise to go through the agony again. Having said that, many adventurous climbers try other different routes to the summit to experience the victorious accomplishment time and again.
Packing List for Climbers :
(vi) Conservation Efforts
Mount Fuji has an average of 300,000 climbers every year; this increasing popularity has inevitably threatened its environmental quality.
To address this issue, Shizuoka partnered with Yamanashi Prefecture to adopt the Mt. Fuji Charter. Cleaning activities by volunteers and the installation of public toilets also contributed to improving the environmental situation of Mt. Fuji.
Other initiatives include forestation of wind-affected areas, development of awareness-raising materials in foreign languages and the establishment of a nationwide Mt. Fuji Network of NPOs and private sector entities who act as mountain guides and organize nature study tours.
Steps have also been taken towards designation of Mt. Fuji as a UNESCO Word Cultural Heritage Site, in recognition of its important place in Japan’s religion and art.
The prefecture also adopted a Mt. Fuji Day Ordinance as an environmental education tool.
heaps of trash @ Mt Fuji{Reported by Kaylee Chung (06)/103 XMS}