Osawa Collapse, known in Japanese as Osawa崩れ or 大沢崩れ, is a large erosion gully on the western flank of Mount Fuji, in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, in Japan's Chubu Region on Honshu. It is one of the country's three largest erosion sites, and its scale is what draws visitors. The gully runs for nearly 2,000 metres down the mountain's slope, a pale, scarred channel that stands out clearly against the darker volcanic ground around it.
What to expect
Much of the feature can be appreciated from the surrounding plains, where its length and shape are easy to follow from a distance. For many travellers, this is the simplest way to see it, combined with a wider view of the mountain itself. The site is a natural landmark rather than a built attraction, so the visit is one of looking at a landscape shaped slowly by water and gravity over time.
Planning a visit
- Suited to those interested in geology, volcanic landscapes and the scenery of Mount Fuji.
- Best combined with other stops in the Fujinomiya area, which lies in the foothills on the mountain's southern side.
- Check local information for current access and conditions before setting out, as the terrain is rugged and remote.
Osawa Collapse makes a focused and rewarding stop for anyone travelling through the region. It offers a clear view of how the mountain's surface is continually reshaped, and it sits within reach of the wider Mount Fuji landscape that gives this part of Shizuoka much of its character.