- Culture
- Yamanashi
Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine
Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine, located at the entrance of the World Cultural Heritage Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest and most beautiful mountain, Mount Fuji has been considered from ancient times a sacred mountain and a dwelling place for deities and portrayed in many artworks such as ukiyo-e woodblock paintings. Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine, which is at the starting point of the trail of Mount Fuji, is a constituent of the World Cultural Heritage site. The shrine is also known as a place of worship for Mount Fuji Fujiko worshippers and includes many important cultural properties such as the worship hall and main shrine on the premises. At its entrance, Japan’s largest wooden torii gate welcomes visitors.
The entrance of the climbing trail of Mount Fuji
Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine is the starting point of the climbing trail of Mount Fuji. On June 30, the day before the start of the mountain’s climbing season, a ritual is held in the shrine precinct. In this ceremony called “omichibiraki,” or the opening of the way, the sacred rope that is stretched on the torii gate at the entrance of the mountain trail is cut to signal the arrival of the summer climbing season. The cutting of the rope is quite an exciting scene, and Mount Fuji Fujiko worshippers gather for the event as well. The strong relationship between Mount Fuji and Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine is evident in this annual ritual.
Yoshida Fire Festival
The Yoshida Fire Festival is held annually on August 26 and 27 to close off Mount Fuji until the next year. The festival ceremony starts in the afternoon of the 26th at Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine, and at night, large torches are lit all around the town. The festival is designated as the country’s Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset and considered one of the top three unusual festivals of Japan. With the end of the festival on the 27th, the short summer of Mount Fuji also ends, and fall arrives at the foot of the sacred mountain.
Location
| Name | Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja Shrine |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | https://sengenjinja.jp/english/ |
| Address | 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi |
| Access |
Approximately 20 minutes' walk from Mount Fuji Station on the Fujikyu Railway From Mount Fuji Station, take the bus to Sengenjinja bus stop Approximately 10 minutes' drive from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway Approximately 10 minutes' drive from Fujiyoshida IC on the Higashifuji-goko Road |
| Business Hours | Shrine grounds: Open all year round |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0555-22-0221 |
