Mount Fuji Eruption

The following are some of the notable eruptions of Mount Fuji:

1. Komitake and Old Fuji

Mount Fuji has been a site of volcanic activity for millions of years, with the earliest known volcano being Mount Komitake, which became active 700,000 years ago. Mount Ashitaka, located to the south-east, was also active during this time. Around 100,000 years ago, Komitake triggered a new eruption called Old Fuji, reaching 3,100 meters and releasing large amounts of scoria, volcanic ash, and lava.

2. New Fuji

Mount Fuji experienced 4,000 years of inactivity after the Old Fuji period, ending around 5,000 years ago with the re-emergence of New Fuji. Eruptions of New Fuji include lava flows, magma, scoria, volcanic ash, collapses, and side eruptions, making it a “department store of eruptions.”

The Gotemba Mud Flow

Around 2,300 years ago, the east face of a volcano collapsed, causing lahars to flow down to the Gotemba area, reaching the Ashigara plain and Suruga Bay across Mishima city, resulting in liquid mud accumulating over an area as wide as Mishima city.

Jogan Eruption

In 864, Mount Fuji experienced a massive eruption on its north-east side, resulting in a massive lava flow. The eruption, which lasted for 10 days, caused destruction and loss of life. The eruption began near Mount Asama and spread as far as Kai province. The lava filled Senoumi lake, dividing it into Saiko and Shojiko, now known as Aokigahara lava, which is now covered by the dense Aokigahara forest.

Hoei Eruption

In 1707, the Great Hoei eruption occurred after the Great Hoei earthquake, which severely damaged Osaka and created seismic activity in Mt. Fuji. This caused basaltic lava to rise from the bottom to the higher dacitic magma chamber at 8 km deep, causing a Plinian eruption. The Genroku earthquake, which struck Japan in 1703, had a similar effect on Mt. Fuji but with less severity. On November 11, 1707, Osaka suffered greatly due to a violent earthquake. On December 16, 1707, Mount Fuji erupted, causing cinders and ash to fall in Izu, Kai, Sagami, and Musashi, spreading volcanic ash and scoria as far as Edo (now Tokyo).

Since 781, New Fuji has erupted 16 times. Many of the eruptions occurred during the Heian period, with 12 between 800 and 1083. Inactive periods between eruptions could stretch hundreds of years, as in the case of 1083-1511, when no eruptions were recorded for more than 400 years. There have been no eruptions since the Hoei eruption in 1707-1708, which occurred approximately 300 years ago.

Mount Fuji is the most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. Although inactive, Mount Fuji is still considered an active volcano. The last eruption took place in 1707. The Japanese people respect Mount Fuji as a sacred mountain. It has been valued for centuries as a representation of power, beauty, and purity.

The mountain appears frequently in Japanese literature and art. Along with tourists, pilgrims also travel there in large numbers. Thousands of people climb Mount Fuji each year. Although the climb is difficult, it is also worthwhile. From the summit, climbers experience amazing views.

In this article, we will look into the location, height, history, characteristics, eruption, and some interesting facts about Mount Fuji.