Mt Fuji Day

February 23 has been designated Mt Fuji Day in Japan.

The almost perfectly shaped volcano is a national icon, attracting hordes of tourists to Shizuoka Prefecture every year.

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with a height of 3776 meters, on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, with an almost perfectly conical volcano shape.

Many schools in the prefecture of Shizuoka have chosen to close February 23 : the period was not chosen at random, of course, because February is a month with its clear skies, making it one of the best months to enjoy the snow-covered peak.

The 23 also has a special meaning for the royal family. “In the future, it will be a national holiday as the birthday of the Crown Prince,” so said Heit Kawakatsu, governor of Shizuoka.

Another reason that has made the choice to fall on day 23 is because Mount Fuji, or Fuji san in Japanese, it sounds like the numbers 2, 2, 3, and then it was decided that February 23 would be the best date to celebrate .

The hope of the governor of Shizuoka is also the one that fits the Fuji in the UNESCO list of world heritage. In terms of form and type of volcano, however, Mount Fuji is not considered rare, but its cultural significance for the Japanese is immense.

For centuries, pilgrims have climbed its peak, and many shrines have been created along the roads leading to the mountain, and some torii were placed directly on its slopes, as evidence of the status of the sacred volcano.

Now, elegant and tranquil, Mount Fuji can not remain so forever.

In fact, unfortunately, it is an active volcano and there are serious possibilities that could once again erupt with devastating consequences.

Even if it is inactive since 1707, the prefecture is constantly on the alert and take regular exercises with members of self-defense forces and firefighters.