Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan, all dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji. The shrine's origins date back to 27 BC, when Emperor Suinin ordered the worship of the mountain deity to calm volcanic eruptions. The current location was established by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 806 AD.

During the Edo period, the shrine became the starting point for the popular Fuji pilgrimage, and the Tokugawa shoguns lavished it with patronage, donating the magnificent main hall that still stands today. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site component, the shrine represents the deep spiritual connection between the Japanese people and their most sacred mountain.

The main hall (Honden) is a spectacular two-story vermilion structure built in 1604 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The unique architectural style, known as 'Sengen-zukuri,' was created specifically for this shrine. In front of the main hall stands the beautiful Sakura-no-baba, a promenade lined with 500 cherry trees that creates a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms in spring.

The Wakutama Pond, fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji that has been filtered through volcanic rock for centuries, produces remarkably clear spring water. Adjacent to the shrine is the Fujisan World Heritage Center, providing cultural context for the mountain's significance.

The Yabusame Festival, held on May 5th, features mounted archers in traditional costume shooting arrows at targets while galloping on horseback—a thrilling display of martial skill. The Fuji-san Kaizan Festival on July 1st marks the official opening of the climbing season with solemn ceremonies. In November, the Chrysanthemum Festival displays hundreds of elaborate chrysanthemum arrangements throughout the shrine grounds.