Mt Fuji (Japan) 4

The Japanese are very proud of Mt.Fuji,which is visible 50 miles away on a clear day.At almost 12,500 feet,it's the highest mountain there,and is a favorite of artists and poets for it's lovely symmetry and the springtime blossoming of cherry and plum trees on its north side.It is revered as a sacred mountain by those of the Shinto religion.According to Buddhist tradition it appeared "overnight" in 286 BC,(It is in an area full of tectonic faults). Fuji has a long history of volcanic activity and is considered to be "sleeping" not dead.The Native AINU peoples named the Mountain FUCHI,after their Fire Goddess.