Fujinomiya & Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

About

Two-story Sengen-zukuri style main hall built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1604. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is Japan's most important shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji, serving as the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines nationwide. Located in Fujinomiya City at the southwestern base of Mount Fuji, this UNESCO World Heritage Site component offers car travelers an accessible and culturally significant stop along the historic Tomei Expressway corridor. With 15-20 minutes detour time from the highway, convenient parking facilities (30 minutes free), and a recommended 1-2 hour visit duration, it provides an ideal balance of cultural immersion and route efficiency. 🔗

Cultural & Religious Significance

Foundation & Historical Development

The shrine's current location dates to 806 CE when Emperor Heizei ordered Sakanoue-no-tamuramaro to build a new grand shrine at the present site in Ohmiya, relocating from an earlier site (Yamamiya) located about six kilometers north. This construction was partly a response to Mount Fuji's volcanic eruptions—the Shoku Nihongi records that Mount Fuji erupted in 781, and it is logical that a shrine was erected to pray for the end of the eruption between 781 and around 806 CE. 🔗 🔗

For over 1,100 years, this shrine has served as the head shrine for more than 1,300 Sengen shrines throughout Japan. The Engishiki compiled in 927 listed Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha as a myōjin (eminent shrine) and as the primary shrine of the Suruga domain. 🔗

Princess Konohanasakuya-hime: The Goddess of Mount Fuji

The shrine enshrines Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes in Japanese mythology, also known as the blossom-princess and symbol of delicate earthly life. She is often considered an avatar of Japanese life, especially since her symbol is the sakura (cherry blossom). 🔗

The Marriage Legend: Konohanasakuya-hime meets Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the great-grandfather of Emperor Jinmu (legendary first emperor of Japan). They fall in love, and Ninigi asks the mountain god for his daughter's hand in marriage. The mountain god recommends the rock princess Iwa-Naga, but Ninigi is determined to have Konohanasakuya-hime. Because Ninigi refused the rock-princess, human lives are said to be short and fleeting like sakura blossoms, instead of enduring and long-lasting like stones. 🔗

The Trial by Fire: When Ninigi questions the paternity of her children, Konohanasakuya-hime retires to a small hut to demonstrate her purity. She sets fire to the hut and successfully delivers her three babies while engulfed in flames, illustrating her power over fire. Over time, the story and the princess became linked with Mount Fuji due to the desire to appease the volcano and keep it quiet. 🔗

UNESCO World Heritage Component

In June 2013, Mount Fuji was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as a Cultural Site having significance as an object of pilgrimage and a source of inspiration for the arts. Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha is included among the sites of cultural interest within the World Heritage listing. 🔗

The shrine holds sway over the entire peak of Mount Fuji above the eighth climbing station. At the top of Mount Fuji is the Okumiya (innermost grounds), which encompasses the entire summit including the crater and all land above the 8th Station. 🔗

Mount Fuji Worship & Pilgrimage Traditions

During the Edo period, the shrine became the center of a cult worshipping Mount Fuji, drawing pilgrims from all over Japan. Climbers would pay a visit to the shrine to pray and purify themselves in the shrine's Wakutama Pond before making the ascent, making it the traditional starting point for climbing Mount Fuji. 🔗

The shrine is connected to the Nakamichi Oukan, a road that linked Suruga to Kai with religious worship of Mt. Fuji and the Fuji-ko sect in the background. The fact that many people passed along the Nakamichi Oukan on their way to Mt. Fuji suggests it was a road of religious pilgrimage. 🔗

Visiting Information

Route Access & Detour Time

From Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway:

• Shin-Fuji IC (New Tomei): Approximately 15 minutes via West Fuji Bypass 🔗
• Fuji IC (Tomei): Approximately 20 minutes via West Fuji Bypass 🔗

Detour Classification: Short Detour (15-30 minutes off main route)

Parking Facilities

Shrine Parking Lot:

• Capacity: Approximately 150 cars 🔗
• Cost: First 30 minutes free, then ¥200 per hour 🔗
• Location: Paid parking located just next to the shrine for convenient access
• Note: Parking lot can be almost full during peak times, but the 30-minute free period accommodates short visits

Parking Access: After entering the entrance, there is a downhill slope on the right leading to the First Parking Lot—turn right after passing through the torii gate. 🔗

Operating Hours & Admission

Hours: Grounds accessible year-round; seasonal hours vary

• November to February: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM 🔗

Admission: Free (no entrance fees for shrine grounds) 🔗

Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours for car travelers

• 30-40 minutes for a leisurely tour of the shrine grounds 🔗
• Additional time recommended for photography, Wakutama Pond exploration, and local food stops

The Shrine Experience

Architectural & Cultural Treasures

Main Hall (Honden) - Sengen-zukuri Style

The two-story main hall features the rare "Sengen-zukuri" architectural style, a special two-layered design that can only be seen at this shrine in Japan. Built in 1604 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the structure is about 14 meters high and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The main hall's striking red lacquer and ornate woodwork exemplify Edo-period craftsmanship. 🔗

Romon Gate

The Romon gate is a designated Tangible Cultural Property of Shizuoka Prefecture, featuring an authentic roof covered in cedar bark. 🔗

Great Red Torii Gate

The main entrance is marked by a huge bright red torii gate, creating an impressive view with Mount Fuji standing in the horizon beyond it. On clear early mornings, visitors can see a divine scene where Mount Fuji peeks out beyond the great torii gate. 🔗

Wakutamaike Pond - Sacred Spring

Wakutamaike Pond springs underground water from Mount Fuji at about 200,000 tons per day, with water temperature staying at 14°C year-round. Formed by melted snow from Mount Fuji, this pond has been designated a special natural treasure. 🔗

In former times, those climbing Mount Fuji from Ohmiya purified themselves in this sacred spring. The water is extremely clear—so clear that visitors can see coins offered at the bottom of the pond. 🔗

Cherry Blossom Grounds - Sakura no Baba

The shrine grounds boast over 500 cherry trees in the "Sakura no Baba" area, including the "Shingen-zakura," a second-generation weeping cherry planted by warlord Takeda Shingen. The cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April. 🔗

This path is also used for the shrine's famous yabusame (horseback archery contest) held annually on May 5. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

November Seasonal Context

Weather Conditions:

• Daytime highs: 11-14°C (52-57°F) 🔗
• Nighttime lows: Below 3°C (37°F) in the Fujinomiya area 🔗

Mount Fuji Visibility: November offers excellent visibility conditions with 57% likelihood of seeing the mountain fully. The cold, clear autumn air provides 60-70% visibility rates—significantly better than summer months. Mount Fuji is best visible from autumn to winter. 🔗

Autumn Foliage: November is the peak month of fall foliage around Mount Fuji, with colored leaves everywhere. The fall foliage season usually begins in mid-October and ends in mid-late November. The cold, clear air also makes this season ideal for stargazing. 🔗

Shichi-Go-San Festival Season

Festival Overview: Shichi-Go-San (literally "seven-five-three") is a Japanese custom observed on November 15 in which five-year-old boys and three- and seven-year-old girls visit shrines to pray for health and prosperity. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend. 🔗

What to Expect at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha:

• Children dressed in traditional kimono and hakama visiting the shrine with their families
• Special ceremonies where priests read Shinto prayers and offer blessings
• Families presenting small monetary offerings and praying for children's good health
• Children receiving Chitose Ame ("thousand-year candy"), long sticks of red and white candy symbolizing hope for a long and healthy life 🔗

Timing: October and November are the most popular months for Shichi-Go-San celebrations, with mid-November weekends being the busiest. 🔗

The shrine also hosts a massive three-day celebration in November, part of the Autumn Annual Festival. 🔗

Photography Opportunities

Mount Fuji Views:

• Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is a special shooting spot where the majestic great torii gate and Mount Fuji create divine compositions
• On clear early mornings, Mount Fuji peeks out beyond the great torii gate
• The view of snow-capped Mount Fuji through vermilion torii gates makes for picturesque scenes 🔗

Photography Tips:

• Bring a tripod for early morning or evening shoots when light becomes scarce
• Carry both wide-angle lenses (for torii gate compositions) and telephoto lenses (for Mount Fuji details)
• November's clear weather provides excellent conditions for Mount Fuji photography 🔗

Key Photo Subjects:

• Great red torii gate with Mount Fuji backdrop
• Wakutamaike Pond's crystal-clear waters
• Sengen-style two-story main hall architecture
• Autumn foliage throughout shrine grounds (late November)
• Shichi-Go-San children in traditional attire (mid-November weekends)

Cultural Etiquette for International Visitors

Entering the Shrine:

• Bow before passing through the torii gate as courtesy when entering sacred ground 🔗

Purification Ritual (Chozuya):

1. Take water with your left hand first
2. Then rinse your right hand
3. Rinse your mouth for purification
4. Never drink directly from the ladle 🔗

Worship Protocol:

• Follow "two bows, two claps, one bow" at the main shrine:
  • First bow twice deeply
  • Then clap twice
  • Finally make one deep bow 🔗

General Conduct:

• Be quiet during worship and avoid disturbing other visitors
• The shrine welcomes all visitors regardless of religious background
• Photography is generally permitted, but be respectful of worshippers and ceremonies 🔗

Practical Tips for Car Travelers

Language Support: English support in Fujinomiya is not sufficient—at small local shops and places away from tourist areas, there's almost no English support. Use translation apps like Google Translate or iTranslate downloaded in advance, as they can be used offline. 🔗

Timing Recommendations:

• Visit early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) for best Mount Fuji visibility and fewer crowds
• Late afternoon also offers good golden-hour lighting for photography
• Avoid mid-November weekends if you prefer to bypass Shichi-Go-San crowds

November Weather Preparation:

• Dress in layers: temperatures range 3-14°C
• Bring warm jacket for early morning visits
• Clear weather is likely, but pack compact umbrella just in case
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring shrine grounds

Local Food Experiences Near the Shrine

Fujinomiya Yakisoba (B-Grade Gourmet Specialty)

What Makes It Unique:

• Firmer, chewier noodles than typical yakisoba created by forcibly cooling the noodles and coating them with oil
• Topped with dried sardine flakes (not the usual bonito flakes) that add a rich fishy aroma
• Finished with shaved sardine powder
• Recognized as representative B-class gourmet food popular nationwide 🔗

Where to Find Near Shrine:

Fujinomiya Yakisoba Antenna Shop

• Location: South of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine at the entrance on the Sengen Taisha side
• Price: Regular plate ¥600, Large plate ¥800 🔗

Omiya Yokocho

• Location: Between Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center
• Offerings: Fujinomiya Yakisoba and gelato 🔗

Houtou Noodles (Mount Fuji Regional Specialty)

About the Dish:

• Traditional dish of Yamanashi Prefecture passed down for over 400 years
• Thick, flat wheat flour noodles simmered in miso-based soup
• Packed with seasonal vegetables: pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, green onions, napa cabbage
• Selected as one of Top 100 Local Dishes by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture in 2007 🔗

Perfect for November: Especially popular during cold season from autumn to winter, making it ideal for November visits. 🔗

Route Integration

Why This Stop Enhances the Osaka-Izu Journey

Cultural Counterpoint to Highway Travel: The Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway follows the historic Tokaido corridor—adding Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha creates a meaningful connection to the pilgrimage traditions that defined this route for centuries. The shrine offers a contemplative cultural pause between the urban modernity of Osaka/Nagoya and the coastal nature of Izu Peninsula.

Mount Fuji Worship Context: For travelers journeying past Mount Fuji along the expressway, stopping at the head shrine of 1,300+ Sengen shrines provides deeper understanding of the mountain's sacred significance in Japanese culture beyond its visual majesty.

UNESCO World Heritage Experience: This stop adds a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the route itinerary without requiring a separate mountain excursion, efficiently combining cultural education with travel logistics.

Logical Stop Timing

Route Position: Approximately 400-420 km into the Osaka-Izu journey (midpoint), making it an ideal rest stop after 4.5-5.5 hours of highway driving. The shrine visit provides physical movement, cultural engagement, and refreshment opportunities.

Before or After Lunch: The 1-2 hour visit duration aligns perfectly with a lunch stop:

• Late morning arrival (10:00-11:00 AM): Explore shrine, then enjoy Fujinomiya yakisoba for lunch
• Post-lunch arrival (1:00-2:00 PM): Lunch elsewhere on route, shrine visit for afternoon culture and photography

Alternative Options

If shrine is unavailable or time-constrained:

• Continue directly on Tomei Expressway to maximize Izu Peninsula time
• Alternative cultural stop: Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka (adjacent to shrine, modern museum)
• Quick photo stop: Fujikawa Service Area for Mount Fuji views without detour

If seeking more Mount Fuji immersion:

• Combine with Lake Tanuki visit (walking trail, Mount Fuji reflections)
• Add Fuji Dream Bridge (panoramic views, short detour)
• Both options add 30-60 minutes to detour time

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/osaka-to-izu-main-route/fujinomiya-fujisan-hongu-sengen-taisha.md