Mount Fuji Most Likely the 17th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan

Japanese officials announce that Mount Fuji is likely to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Japan holds its breath for the formal announcement in June.

Mount Fuji had always been one of the most prominent symbols of Japanese culture for thousands of years. This majestic and fearsome natural wonder of nature is located south-west of Tokyo and hails over 12,460 feet. Not only is Mount Fuji considered as Japan’s highest mountain, but it is also one of the country’s most active volcanoes that have caused destruction in past eruptions.

Another World Heritage Site for Japan

This icon of Japan is now making headlines for another reason. According to recent reports, the recommendation for Mount Fuji to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site listings has already been approved. The formal decision will be announced in Cambodia this coming June. So far, a total of 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are found in Japan.

According to the Japanese Cultural Agency, such privilege would not be possible if not for the International Council of Monuments and Site’s approval of the registration of Mount Fuji for the prominent UNESCO designation.

A symbol of Japan

Mount Fuji’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage listing will be another milestone for the Japanese people since another of their country’s natural treasures is being recognized by a very important agency.

Mt. Fuji is considered one of the three holy mountains in Japan, the other two being Mount Tate and Mount Haku. Mount Fuji has a very distinct shape, and characteristic making it well-known not only in Japan but also worldwide. It has a very iconic look since it almost has a perfect cone-shaped body with snow perpetually covering almost half of it.

The volcano’s last eruption was 300 years ago and certain seismic activities are still being recorded by modern instruments up to the present day. Mouth Fuji is a volcano that could erupt anytime.

Website for Mount Fuji

The Environment Ministry is now considering putting up a website for Mt. Fuji climbing enthusiasts in cooperation with local prefectures. And now that Mount Fuji might soon be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is getting more attention from climbers and tourists alike. According to local prefectures on which the mountain stands, the inclusion of Mouth Fuji in the UNESCO listing would certainly give a big boost in their tourism industry.

The proposed website is going to contain useful information regarding weather updates and forecast as well as preferred climbing routes up and down this sacred mountain. It would also include other information that would benefit everyone to ensure safety while in the area.

Would trash affect Mount Fuji’s UNESCO Registration?

Even though Mount Fuji is a natural feature that the Japanese are certainly proud of, it is also an unfortunate fact that this mountain is home to tons of trash and solid waste.

Local volunteers are already taking action in terms of clean up measures but current efforts are still insufficient to entirely clear all the trash in the mountain slopes. They are afraid that trash could mar Mt. Fuji’s reputation and thus it is expedient that swift action must be done to remedy the problem.