Higashiguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, Ancient Shinto shrine in Oyama, Japan.
Higashiguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary located at the eastern base of Mount Fuji, built in the traditional Ishi-no-ma-zukuri style that incorporates stone elements throughout its structure. The grounds feature cedar-lined pathways, water basins for purification, and wooden plaques where visitors leave prayers.
The shrine was established in 807 CE and grew into a major religious center dedicated to Mount Fuji worship over many centuries. Recognition came in 2013 when it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation for Fujisan, honoring its role in Japan's cultural landscape.
The shrine honors Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mount Fuji in Shinto tradition, and visitors can observe how people pray and make offerings here. The place serves as a spiritual point of arrival for those beginning or completing mountain pilgrimages.
Visitors can easily access the shrine and should plan time to participate in the water purification ritual before walking the grounds. The early morning and late afternoon hours tend to be quieter times for exploring without crowds.
The grounds hold four ancient trees with circumferences of about 23 meters, each estimated to be over 1,000 years old and symbolizing the sacred bond with the mountain. These massive specimens are often missed by visitors but quietly mark the spiritual depth of the site.
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