Fujisan Sengen Shrine

Fujisan Sengen Shrine (富士山本宮浅間大社, Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha) in Fujinomiya is a historic and spiritual landmark at Mount Fuji’s southwestern base. Built over 1,000 years ago to protect against volcanic eruptions, it later became the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen and Asama shrines across Japan. The shrine served as the traditional starting point for climbing Mount Fuji, where climbers purified themselves in Wakutama Pond before their ascent. Its grand architecture includes the unique two-story Inner Shrine, a rare example of the Sengen style.

Surrounded by 500 cherry trees, the shrine hosts the yabusame horseback archery contest every May 5. Seasonal ceremonies mark the opening and closing of Mount Fuji’s climbing season. Although most climbers now start from the Fujinomiya 5th Station, the shrine remains a sacred place. At Mount Fuji’s summit lies Okumiya, the shrine’s innermost grounds, encompassing the crater and land above the 8th Station.