Mount Fuji Craft for Kids

Today, I’m excited to share a special project inspired by one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Fuji. Our paper Mount Fuji craft is not only easy to make but also a fantastic activity for kids of all ages. Whether you have preschoolers or older children, this craft is sure to be a hit.

Using our free template, your kids can create a beautiful representation of Mount Fuji with just a few simple steps.

This craft is perfect for adding a hands-on element to a Japan or around the world unit of study, making learning both fun and interactive. And if you are studying Japan, be sure to check out our Japan crafts and activities for some other fun ideas.

At the bottom of this page you’ll also find some interesting facts about Mount Fuji to discuss while you’re working on your craft.

Read on for instructions to make this fun and easy craft!

Mount Fuji Craft

Materials

• Mount Fuji craft template (available for download below)
• Colored paper (blue, red)
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions

First, download and print out the free Mount Fuji craft printable template, which you can find at the bottom of this artice.

Next, cut out the pieces of the template.

Trace the mountain on colored paper of your choice. Good color options include blue, grey, or brown. Cut out the mountain.

Now trace the sun on colored paper as well and cut it out. Red is a good option, as the red sun is a key element of the country’s national flag and has deep cultural and historical significance.

Glue the white snowcap onto the top of the mountain. I would suggest flipping the snowcap piece over so that you can’t see the black outline when you glue it.

Now glue the sun behind the mountain so that it’s poking out from behind the snowcap.

Finally, glue the clouds onto the edges of the sun, turning them over so that the black outline is not visible.

And now your craft is complete!

Fun facts about Mount Fuji

• Tallest Mountain in Japan: Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) tall.
• Volcanic Peak: Mount Fuji is an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted since 1707. It is classified as a stratovolcano, which means it has been built up by many layers of hardened lava and volcanic ash.
• Sacred Symbol: Mount Fuji is considered a sacred mountain in Japan. It has been a site for pilgrimages for centuries, and many people climb it for spiritual reasons.
• Perfect Shape: Mount Fuji is famous for its almost perfectly symmetrical cone shape, which makes it one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
• Popular Climbing Spot: Every year, thousands of people climb Mount Fuji. The official climbing season is in July and August when the weather is milder.
• Inspiration for Art: Mount Fuji has been a popular subject in Japanese art for centuries. One of the most famous series of artworks featuring Mount Fuji is “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” by the artist Katsushika Hokusai.
• National Park: Mount Fuji is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy hiking, hot springs, and scenic views.
• Snow-Capped Peak: The top of Mount Fuji is often covered in snow for about five months of the year, from October to around May, adding to its picturesque beauty.
• Cultural Festivals: There are various festivals held in honor of Mount Fuji, including the Yoshida Fire Festival, which marks the end of the climbing season and prays for the safety of climbers.
• World Heritage Site: In 2013, Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance and its role in inspiring artists and poets.
• Five Lakes: Mount Fuji is surrounded by five beautiful lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Motosu, and Lake Shoji. These lakes provide stunning views of the mountain.
• Astronomical Observations: There is an astronomical observatory on the summit of Mount Fuji where scientists can study the stars and the atmosphere due to its high altitude and clear skies.