Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine北口本宮冨士浅間神社
In ancient times, it was forbidden for people to venture into lofty and beautiful mountains like Mount Fuji, believed to be the dwelling place of gods. Consequently, this area became a sacred space for remote worship and rituals dedicated to the revered Mount Fuji.
As time progressed, during the Heian period, the practice of mountain worship gained popularity. With the rise of ascetic disciplines and pilgrimages to Mount Fuji, individuals began to aspire to reach the mountain's summit through the act of “tōhai", a combination of climbing and worship, serving as a form of prayer.
In the 40th year of Emperor Keikō (110 AD), a torii gate was erected on Ōtsuka Hill, located at the northern foothills of Mount Fuji. Subsequently, in the 50th year of Emperor Keikō, a shrine was constructed to enshrine both Sengen (Fuji) Ōkami and Prince Yamato Takeru, marking the establishment of this sacred site.
In the first year of the Ten'ō era (781), following an eruption of Mount Fuji, a divination was conducted. In the seventh year of the Enryaku era (788), a shrine was erected to the north of Ōtsuka Hill, which is now known as Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine. This location, where Sengen Ōkami is enshrined, also serves as the worship site for Prince Yamato Takeru.
The Sengen Okami of Mount Fuji consists of three gods enshrined at the shrine: Konohanasakuya-hime-no-mikoto, the principal deity of Mount Fuji, revered as a goddess of beauty, art, and entertainment, as well as the guardian of safe delivery and childbirth. Her spouse, Ninigi-no-mikoto, is the grandson of Amaterasu-ohmikami, the most revered god in Japan and the great-grandfather of Jinmu-tennoh, the first emperor, from whom the unbroken imperial line descends. Completing the divine triad is her father, Ohyamazumi-no-kami, the god of all mountains.
Address
5558 Kamiyoshida
Getting There
- 30 minutes walk from Mt. Fuji Station (富士山駅)
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