Japanese Symbol for
山yama
mountain · hill · sacred peak
Readings
Meaning
Mountain, hill, peak. 山 is one of the most iconic kanji — a pictograph of three mountain peaks. Japan is 73% mountainous, and mountains are sacred in both Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
Example words
富士山
Fujisan
Mt. Fuji
山頂
sanchō
mountain summit, peak
山道
yamamichi
mountain path, mountain road
火山
kazan
volcano (fire mountain)
山岳
sangaku
mountains (formal)
山林
sanrin
mountain forest
富士山 (Fujisan — Mt. Fuji) is Japan's most iconic symbol — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active volcano at 3,776m. In Shinto, mountains are home to kami (divine spirits). The practice of 山岳信仰 (sangaku shinkō — mountain worship) remains alive, with sacred peaks like Mt. Kōya (高野山) and Mt. Ōmine still drawing pilgrims today.
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