Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is a famous shrine known as a holy site for Mount Fuji worship. It is also one of the constituent assets of the World Heritage Site "Mt. Fuji" and the main hall, East Palace, and West Palace are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. There are plenty of attractions such as the "Mt. Fuji Otorii," which is the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, giant trees over 1000 years old, and "Otsuka Hill," where the strongest energy of Mt. Fuji resides. Let's visit and explore the 1900-year-old architecture while feeling the solemn and sacred atmosphere. It's also perfect for collecting goshuin, or temple stamps!

At Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, in addition to Princess Kaguya's model, Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto, there are also enshrined Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto, the husband, and Ooyamatsumi-no-Mikoto, the father, making it known as the strongest power spot for love. It is said to have blessings such as matchmaking, marital harmony, love fulfillment, childbirth, safe delivery, financial fortune, and good luck, making it recommended for women seeking love and marriage, as well as families visiting together. After visiting, why not purchase a "beauty charm" that prays for "being healthy and beautiful both physically and mentally" and enhance your femininity?

Along the approach to the shrine, there are towering trees such as cedar and cypress that are around 40 meters tall, creating a sacred atmosphere. Among them, there are two sacred trees on either side of the main hall, "Fujitaro Cedar" and "Fujifufu Cedar," both over 1000 years old, which allow you to feel the power of the earth's vitality. The "Fujifufu Cedar" has a trunk that splits into two at the base and then becomes one as it goes up, like a couple who overcame all difficulties and came together as one, which is truly moving!

If you're planning to visit the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, why not come during one of its festivals? The climbing season for Mt. Fuji is only from around July to September each year, but various festivals are held throughout the year, such as the "Pre-Opening Festival" on June 30th, the "Opening Festival" on July 1st, the "Yoshida Fire Festival (Chinkasai)" to pray for the safety of climbers and to calm the eruption of Mt. Fuji on August 26th and 27th, and the "Closing Festival" around September 10th. Especially recommended are the "Opening Festival," which prays for the safety of climbers, and the "Fire Festival," where flames engulf the area and attract a lot of visitors. Even those who are just there to observe can enjoy the festive atmosphere.

At the back right of the main shrine, there is the entrance to the Yoshida-guchi climbing trail. For those climbing Mt. Fuji, it's recommended to visit and pay respects at the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine before entering. Cleanse your mouth and hands at the "temizuya" where Mt. Fuji's snowmelt water flows, and pray for a safe climb at the main hall while greeting the gods. From here to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji is about 12 km with an elevation difference of 1300m, so the distance to the summit is quite long. It's perfect for those who are confident in their physical strength or those who have climbed Mt. Fuji several times and feel that starting from the 5th station is not enough!