I grew up with a copy of this Japanese woodblock print hanging in our upstairs hallway. I never thought that one day I would see this mountain in person! Meet Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan - and their national symbol. It is the most frequently climbed mountain in the world. The mountain we look at everyday, Pikes Peak, comes in second! How cool is that?
Both Pikes Peak and Mount Fuji are cold at the top and covered in snow much of the year. In addition, each have been an inspiration to artists. Pikes Peak inspired Kathy Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful". Mount Fuji inspired
Japanese artist Hokusai to create a famous series of wood block prints called "36 Views of Mount Fuji". It shows the mountain in all seasons and all weather. Click here to see them all. When you look at them, be sure to play "I Spy" with Mount Fuji - sometimes it is hard to find! Can you spy the print I grew up with?Unlike our Pikes Peak, Mount Fuji is an active volcano. The last time it blew was almost 300 years ago, but recently scientists have heard more rumbling than normal. Who knows when it will explode again?!
Here is a math challenge. At 12,388 feet above sea level, Mount Fuji is a bit lower in elevation than Pikes Peak (14,110 above sea level) but Mount Fuji seems MUCH taller. Can you figure out why?
Here is some additional info to help you solve the mystery:
Monument altitude = around 7,000ft
Tokyo = basically sea level.
