Fujisanhongu Sengen shrine

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, was enshrined to pacify the mountain’s spirit. It is regarded as the head shrine of more than 1,300 Sengen shrines built across Japan as Mt. Fuji worship spread. The shrine stands on land rich in Mt. Fuji’s sacred spring water, and it is famous for ponds within the grounds fed by underground springs—so clear they are often compared to crystal, taking visitors’ breath away. The precincts cover about 17,000 tsubo (approx. 56,000 m²) and include shrine buildings donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main sanctuary (honden) is a rare two-story “Sengen-zukuri” structure and is designated an Important Cultural Property. In spring, around 500 cherry trees bloom, making it a popular sakura spot. Every year around Mt. Fuji’s July opening of the climbing season, a festival is held to pray for safety. On the summit of Mt. Fuji stands the Fujisancho Sengen Taisha Okumiya, visited by many climbers during the open season. Access: about a 10-minute walk from JR Minobu Line “Fujinomiya” Station. By car, it’s about 15–20 minutes from Tomei Expressway Fuji IC or Shin-Tomei Expressway Shin-Fuji IC.