Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Shrine, Asama shrine in Fujiyoshida, Japan
Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Shrine is an Asama shrine in Fujiyoshida surrounded by dense forest with a path lined by stone lanterns and towering cedar trees leading into the grounds. The complex contains multiple historic structures including the main hall and separate shrine buildings on both sides.
The shrine was established in early times to honor a figure connected with Mount Fuji, marking one of the oldest religious sites in the region. Additional deities were later enshrined to invoke protection from the mountain's volcanic activity.
The shrine serves as a traditional departure point for pilgrims heading to Mount Fuji, with a sacred gate positioned behind the main hall marking the start of this spiritual journey. Visitors experience the place as a threshold between the village below and the mountain's sacred realm above.
The shrine sits within a dense forest and requires walking along a marked path to reach the buildings, so sturdy footwear is advisable. Visitors should budget time to walk slowly through the wooded grounds and appreciate the surroundings before entering the structures.
The site contains several ancient trees of remarkable girth, including a pair of cypress trees that naturally merge together at their base forming a single trunk. This unusual natural formation has become a quiet attraction for visitors interested in forest ecology and long-lived trees.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
