Top 10 most beautiful temples and shrines near Mount Fuji.

Is there anything more Japanese than Mount Fuji and visiting temples and shrines? Mount Fuji is an active volcano that is popular for climbing to both Japanese and foreign travelers. Situated on the mountain are the many hot springs that are heated by the volcano. However, Mount Fuji with its perfect shape is still considered a sacred mountain to so many artists and common people for centuries. For this reason, many temples and shrines are now located close to it and the mountain has become an important pilgrimage to many. The Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, for example, used to be the starting point of many before climbing Mount Fuji. Check out this list of the top 10 most beautiful temples and shrines near Mount Fuji.

Fujiyoshida Sengen

From Lake Yamanaka to Lake Kawaguchi, tourists stop by the Fujiyoshida Sengen shrine not only to take a short rest but also to enjoy such the beauty of this divine shrine.

Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Jinja is the formal name of the shrine, meaning North Entrance Sengen Main Shrine. Although there are more than 1000 Sengen shrines dedicated to Mt Fuji across Japan, the main deity of Mount Fuji is believed to be reversely placed in the Fujiyoshida Sengen shrine. The shrine contributes as the focal point of Mt Fuji worship during the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

Climbers begin their Mt Fuji climb after praying at the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine. The old trail begins from behind the Shrine’s main hall. A wooden trail behind the shrine remarks the start of this tradition.

 Even to this day, there are some hikers undertake the climb as a pilgrimage beginning their climb after praying at the shrine. However, most climbers prefer to begin their ascent from one of the several 5th stations of Mt Fuji, Kawaguchiko 5th station has become the most popular starting point. If you begin at the Fujiyoshida Sengen shrine, it takes about 8 to 10 hours to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji instead of 13 to 15 hours if you start from the first station.

 The large red-painted wooden Shinto gate of the Sengen shrine is over 18 m high and is counted amongst one of the largest and the most beautiful wooden gates in Japan. According to tradition, the Torii is rebuilt slightly larger, every six decades. Near the top of the Torii, a signboard written ‘Sangoko Daiichizan’, meaning ‘the highest mountain among three countries- Japan, India, and China’.

Unique characteristics: The main hall dates back to 1615 and the altar is decorated in ornamental style.  Many murals and wooden masks adorn the walls and ceilings of the shrine. Three of the original cedar trees are believed to have lived over the centuries and these are adorned by a holy rope.

Address: 〒401-0304 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 富士河口湖町Kawaguchi.

Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine

A peaceful wooded setting despite the simpleness and smallness is believed to be the feature of Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine. It makes a nice mid-way stop as one climbs the 400 steps up to the Chureito Pagoda. Tourists especially love the dragon fountain that provides clean water for not only their hands but also a calmness to your soul before visiting the shrine. Combining with the pagoda is a great unique mixture that you cannot see anywhere else when visiting this scenic and holy place.

The postcard view of Mt Fuji with the cherry blossoms and the Chureito Pagoda is probably an unforgettable experience for those who have visited there and still be a myth for those who haven't. It needs to take a 300 JPY one way, 15 min train ride to get to the Shimoyoshida Station from Kawaguchiko Station and a small walk to the Shrine. For the pagoda, you will need to take a flight of stairs.

Address: 〒401-0304 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 富士河口湖町Kawaguchi, １

Fuji Omurosengen Shrine Okumiya

(Credit: https://en.kawaguchiko.net/shrine-en/fuji-omuro-sengen-shrine/ )

As the  Mt.Fuji oldest shrine was built in 699, Okumiya has become an important cultural property of Japan and Fujikawaguchiko city.

Possessing a stunning view of Mt. Fuji at the lantern area, tourists like to be here relaxing in the cool air in the cherry blossoms or summer seasons. Satomiya was built on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko which was a current place to be easy to worship for over 958 years. The main shrine, which was at the Mt.Fuji second stage was burnt down under the influence of the eruption of Mt.Fuji many times. And it decayed because natural environments were severe. The rebuilding of the main shrine was repeated by Imperial Family each time.

The current main shrine was built in 1612 by Naritsugu Torii who was a vassal of Tokugawa and was a feudal lord of this area. After four times after construction, its renovation has been repeated. In 1974, the main shrine was moved from the Mt.Fuji second stage to the current place for eternal protection. Okumiya was built new in the place of the current Mt.Fuji second stage. The hall of worship remains at the time. This place is an enclave of Fujikawaguchiko-Machi in Fujiyoshida-shi.

*Note: You cannot bring pets and parking is near the lakeside.  There are 2 available red seals/stamps.

Taisekiji temple

Several hundred thousand pilgrims come here every year, and its compound is known for several historically significant buildings, its gardens, and the old weeping cherry trees...

Located on the lower slopes of Mt. Fuji is the Taiseki-ji High Sanctuary of the Essential Teachings (大石寺 (多宝富士大日蓮華山大石寺-Tahō Fuji Dainichirenge-zan Taiseki-ji), shortly called the ‘Great Rock Field’ (総本山-Souhonzan) "). Being the head temple of Nichiren Shoushuu makes it become a home of the Dai Gohonzon. An ultimate object of veneration, Taiseki-ji is visited by believers from all around the world who come for personal pilgrimages, participate in regular ceremonies, or to take part in large events such as temple-group pilgrimages, workshop study programs, and large rally meetings.

As the temple ages, it becomes a tremendous character in great historical words of mouth or official story in history books. Nanjo Shichiro-Jiro Tokimitsu was the one who had donated this land for building a temple, later founded in 1290 by Nikkō Shōnin, one of Nichiren's immediate disciples. The land complex is visited annually by faithful believers who go on Tozan religious pilgrimages. Taisekiji's roaming grounds are open to tourists and visitors for sightseeing, however, most buildings, such as the Hoando, are restricted to vowed temple Hokkeko members and Pilgrim believers.

〒418-0116 Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujinomiya, Kamijo, 2057

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Kawaguchi Asama shrine has been worshiped as the shrine served to the goddess of Mt. Fuji for more than 1,000 years.

The goddess of the shrine is Asamano-Okami or Konohana-no-Sakuya-bime. An annual festival- Chigo-mai is held on April 25, and Daidai-Okagura-sai is held on July 28. Coming to Kawaguchi Asama, visitors are impressed with a number of cultural assets, and in the groove of the premises, giant trees stand side by side. People come here to find inner peace or just to pray, walk in the woods, or spend time alone to feel grounded and mindful.

Mt. Fuji had a historically large-scale eruption in 864. The outflow of lava spread all over the town on the north side of Mt. Fuji, damaging the town seriously. In the next year, people held a festival of fire extinction, dedicated to the goddess of Mt. Fuji, Asamano-Okami, in obedience to Imperial command.

Address: 〒401-0304 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 富士河口湖町Kawaguchi, 1

Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔)

Chureito Pagoda, as mentioned above that it’s near Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, is a 10-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station of  Fujikyuko Line. This is a five storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji off in the distance. The pagoda built as a peace memorial in 1963, belongs to a part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine.

It takes you about two hours from Shinjuku. Although it's a 400 step- journey to reach the top, you will be satisfied to enjoy such an unobstructed view of Japan's most iconic peak. Offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji, the pagoda is a very popular photo spot and splendid stereotypical shots of Japan for its devastating beauty during the cherry blossom season, mid-April when there are hundreds of trees in bloom and during the autumn color season in the beginning of November.

Kusushi Shrine

Located in Aomori city, Kusushi Shrine is a large shrine stand on a vast area with beautiful spots. Sometimes it’s packed with people but everyone quietly worships.   

Although the shrine is wide and mountainous and can be tiring to visit all spots, it’s a perfectly safe and enjoyable walk while hikers can stop and rest or buy food at many places on the climb.The shrine faces toward the East, therefore watching the gorgeous sunrise here is a good idea.  The sunrise from the summit above the clouds is something unforgettable that you'll never want to miss. Tourists can also stop by some food, drinks, and souvenirs shops nearby.

Another amazing different experience that you can do is to do the climb at night with the head lamps. Remember to bring some extra layers as the temperature dropping will surprise you.

Address: Awakura, Fujinomiya 418-0011, Shizuoka Prefecture

*Note: 1/ The red seal is amazingly beautiful. 2/ Better check the address beforehand in order not be lost.

Fujisan Komitake

Komitake is a historical mountain which used to exist before Mt.Fuji was born. Komitake and Ko-Fuji, or the Old Fuji,  became a base and erupted repeatedly, which formed the present figure of Mt.Fuji. In 937 of the Shohei 7 period, Fujisan Komitake Sharing was located and constructed on the peak of Komitake Mountain of the sacred place of the mountain faith.

From the old days, many people worshipping and people practicing asceticism have been visiting this shrine. Traditionally, in the early morning of 1st July every year, Kaizan-sai festival is held to celebrate opening Mt.Fuji.

Coming to Komitake,  the garden of long-nosed goblin Tengu at the 5 station area is something that impresses you. There is also a legend that Tengu had been ruling the area. Tengu’s name was Komitake-Tarobo-Shoshin, and it is worshiped at the Fujisan Komitake Shrine as a road-opening God. Many treasures relating to this legend are preserved in the shrine, especially the 375kg weigh ax at the shrine's close. From the old days, this place is crowded with brawny people trying to lift it up.

Address: Yoshidaguchi Tozando 5617 Komitakeshita Kamiyoshida Fujiyoshida City