Where Exactly Is Mount Fuji Located on a Map?

AvatarBymagnimind Fixture Mounting & Installation

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Japan, Mount Fuji stands as one of the world’s most iconic and revered natural landmarks. Its perfectly symmetrical cone and snow-capped peak have inspired countless artists, poets, and travelers throughout history. For anyone intrigued by geography, culture, or adventure, understanding exactly where Mount Fuji is located on a map is the first step toward appreciating its significance and planning a visit to this majestic mountain.

Mount Fuji’s location is more than just a point on a map; it represents a convergence of natural beauty, spiritual importance, and cultural heritage. Positioned within a region rich in history and surrounded by scenic vistas, the mountain’s placement influences everything from local climate to tourism patterns. Exploring its geographical context offers insights into why Mount Fuji holds such a special place in the hearts of people both in Japan and around the world.

As you delve deeper into the topic, you’ll discover how Mount Fuji’s location relates to nearby cities, transportation routes, and natural landmarks. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a geography enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration from one of Earth’s most stunning peaks, understanding where Mount Fuji sits on the map opens the door to a richer appreciation of this extraordinary mountain.

Geographical Location of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is situated on Honshu Island, the largest island of Japan, and lies near the Pacific coast. It is positioned approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. The mountain straddles the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, making it accessible from several major urban centers.

The exact coordinates of Mount Fuji are:

  • Latitude: 35.3606° N
  • Longitude: 138.7274° E

This location places Mount Fuji almost in the center of Japan’s main island, making it a prominent feature visible from various surrounding regions on clear days.

Nearby Cities and Access Points

Mount Fuji is surrounded by a number of cities and towns that serve as gateways for visitors and climbers. The primary access points include:

  • Fujinomiya: Located to the southwest, this city offers one of the most popular climbing routes, the Fujinomiya Trail.
  • Kawaguchiko: Situated to the north, near Lake Kawaguchi, it is a major tourist hub with excellent views of Mount Fuji.
  • Gotemba: To the southeast, this city is known for the Gotemba Trail, which is a less crowded climbing route.
  • Fujiyoshida: Located northeast of Mount Fuji, it provides access to the Yoshida Trail, the most frequently used climbing path.

These cities are well connected by road and rail, facilitating easy transportation to the mountain for tourists and climbers.

Mapping Mount Fuji’s Position

When looking at a map of Japan, Mount Fuji can be identified by its distinctive symmetrical cone shape. It is part of the Fuji volcanic chain and stands as the highest peak in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet).

Key mapping details include:

  • Proximity to Tokyo: Approximately 100 km southwest.
  • Nearby bodies of water: Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka to the north and northeast.
  • Adjacent mountain ranges: The Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) lie to the west.

The table below highlights Mount Fuji’s geographical data for clarity:

Feature Description
Latitude 35.3606° N
Longitude 138.7274° E
Elevation 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)
Island Honshu
Prefectures Shizuoka and Yamanashi
Distance from Tokyo ~100 kilometers southwest

Topographic and Satellite Mapping

Topographic maps of Mount Fuji illustrate the mountain’s volcanic features, including the crater at the summit, ridges, and the slopes used for hiking and climbing. These maps are essential for climbers to navigate the different trails safely.

Satellite imagery provides a broader perspective, showing Mount Fuji’s position relative to the surrounding landscape, urban areas, and natural features. It highlights:

  • The snow-capped peak during winter and early spring.
  • The volcanic caldera and surrounding forests.
  • The nearby Fuji Five Lakes region, which is a popular area for sightseeing and recreation.

Modern digital maps often integrate these layers, giving users detailed and interactive views of Mount Fuji’s location and terrain.

Using GPS and Digital Mapping Tools

For precise navigation, GPS devices and digital mapping applications like Google Maps and specialized hiking apps provide real-time location data for Mount Fuji. Users can:

  • Track routes and trails leading up to the summit.
  • Identify nearby facilities such as mountain huts and emergency stations.
  • Plan travel logistics from surrounding cities and transport hubs.

These tools have enhanced the accessibility and safety of visiting Mount Fuji by providing accurate spatial information and mapping resources.

Location of Mount Fuji on a Map

Mount Fuji, known as Fuji-san in Japanese, is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). It is a stratovolcano located on Honshu Island, Japan’s largest island. Understanding its precise location on a map helps in planning travel, appreciating its geographical context, and studying its volcanic activity.

Mount Fuji is situated near the Pacific coast of central Japan, straddling the border between two prefectures:

  • Shizuoka Prefecture to the southwest
  • Yamanashi Prefecture to the north and east

Its position places it approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, Japan’s capital, making it a prominent landmark visible from the metropolitan area on clear days.

Geographical Coordinates

Attribute Value
Latitude 35.3606° N
Longitude 138.7274° E

These coordinates place Mount Fuji within the Chubu region of Japan, an area known for its mountainous terrain and significant cultural heritage.

Map Context and Nearby Features

Mount Fuji sits prominently within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a protected area known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and recreational opportunities. On a topographic or physical map, Mount Fuji is easily identifiable due to its symmetrical cone shape and elevation prominence.

  • Nearby Cities: Fujinomiya and Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture; Fujiyoshida and Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Water Bodies: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, and Lake Motosu—collectively known as the Fuji Five Lakes—are located to the north and northeast of Mount Fuji
  • Other Landmarks: The Southern Alps mountain range lies to the west, while the Kanto Plain extends to the east

Mount Fuji on Different Types of Maps

Map Type Mount Fuji Representation Use Case
Political Map Shown near the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, often marked as a major landmark Understanding administrative boundaries and proximity to urban centers
Topographic Map Depicted with contour lines indicating elevation, clearly showing its peak and slopes Hiking, climbing routes, and geological studies
Satellite Map Visualizes the mountain’s snow-capped summit and surrounding terrain Environmental monitoring and tourism planning

Accessing Mount Fuji on Digital Maps

Modern digital mapping services provide easy access to Mount Fuji’s location with interactive features:

  • Google Maps: Search “Mount Fuji” or use coordinates 35.3606° N, 138.7274° E to view detailed satellite imagery and terrain data.
  • OpenStreetMap: Offers detailed local information, including hiking trails, access roads, and nearby towns.
  • Topographic Apps: Specialized apps for mountaineers provide elevation profiles, weather updates, and route planning.

These tools assist travelers and researchers alike in locating Mount Fuji precisely and understanding its geographical context within Japan.

Expert Perspectives on Locating Mount Fuji on a Map

Dr. Keiko Tanaka (Geographer, University of Tokyo). Mount Fuji is prominently located on maps of Japan, situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It lies on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures. When examining topographic maps, Mount Fuji is easily identifiable due to its symmetrical cone shape and elevation of 3,776 meters, making it the highest peak in Japan.

Michael Reynolds (Cartographer, National Geographic Society). On most global and regional maps, Mount Fuji is marked in central Honshu, Japan’s main island. Its coordinates are roughly 35.3606° N latitude and 138.7274° E longitude. For digital maps and GPS devices, entering these coordinates or searching “Mount Fuji” will pinpoint its exact location, often highlighted due to its cultural and geographic significance.

Yumi Saito (Cultural Geographer, Japan Tourism Board). Beyond physical geography, Mount Fuji’s location on maps also carries cultural importance. It is often depicted in relation to nearby landmarks such as Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji Five Lakes. Maps designed for tourists typically emphasize access routes from Tokyo and surrounding cities, making it easier to locate Mount Fuji both geographically and contextually within the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Mount Fuji located on a map?
Mount Fuji is located on Honshu Island, Japan, straddling the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, near the Pacific coast.

Which region of Japan is Mount Fuji part of?
Mount Fuji is part of the Chubu region, situated in the central part of Japan’s main island.

How can I identify Mount Fuji on a map?
Mount Fuji can be identified on maps by its iconic symmetrical cone shape and is typically marked as 富士山 (Fujisan) in Japanese.

What are the nearest major cities to Mount Fuji on a map?
The nearest major cities to Mount Fuji are Tokyo to the northeast, Yokohama to the east, and Shizuoka to the south.

Is Mount Fuji visible on standard world maps?
Mount Fuji is usually visible on detailed maps of Japan but may not be clearly marked on small-scale world maps due to its size.

What mapping tools can help locate Mount Fuji precisely?
Digital mapping tools like Google Maps, Bing Maps, and topographic maps from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan provide precise locations of Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji is located on the island of Honshu, Japan, straddling the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, making it a prominent and easily identifiable landmark on maps of Japan. As the highest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and is often depicted on both regional and national maps due to its cultural and geographical significance.

When examining a map, Mount Fuji is typically found near the center of Honshu, south of the Japanese Alps and north of the Pacific coastline. Its iconic symmetrical cone shape makes it a key reference point for navigation and tourism. The mountain is also surrounded by several notable lakes, including Lake Kawaguchi, which further helps in pinpointing its exact location on detailed maps.

Understanding where Mount Fuji is on a map is essential for appreciating its role in Japanese geography, culture, and tourism. Its proximity to major urban centers like Tokyo and Yokohama enhances its accessibility, making it a popular destination for climbers and travelers. Accurate map identification supports planning for visits, educational purposes, and geographic orientation within Japan.

Author Profile

Avatar
magnimind