Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Pilgrimage Guide | Head Shrine of All Sengen Shrines, with Mount Fuji as its Sacred Deity

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Introduction

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 1,300 Sengen Shrines nationwide, revering the sacred Mount Fuji as its primary deity. It forms a grand sphere of worship with two main shrine buildings: the main hall located in Fujinomiya City and the Okumiya (Inner Shrine) at the summit of Mount Fuji (3,776m above sea level). In 2013, it was registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Mount Fuji – Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration." This article compiles its history, the legend of Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto, Wakutama Pond, pilgrimage to the Okumiya, FAQs, and an editor's note all on one page for you!

Table of Contents

• Basic Information and Shrine Data
• History and Origin
• The Legend of Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto
• Divine Blessings
• Highlights
• About the Mount Fuji Summit Okumiya (Inner Shrine)
• Misogi (Purification Ritual) at Wakutama Pond
• Access
• Recommended Power Stones
• Nearby Spots You'll Want to Visit
• Basic Shrine Etiquette
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Editor's Note
• Related Articles You'll Want to Read

Basic Information and Shrine Data

Item	Details
Official Name	Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine
Location	1-1 Miyamae-cho, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Primary Deity (Housed)	Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto
Secondary Deities (Housed)	Ame no Hihikoho Ninigi no Mikoto and Oyamatsumi no Kami
Founding	Believed to be in the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin's reign (27 BC)
Sacred Object (Goshintai)	Mount Fuji
Okumiya (Inner Shrine)	Mount Fuji Summit (Areas above the 8th station are part of Sengen Taisha Shrine grounds)
World Heritage Site	2013 (Component of Mount Fuji)
Official Website	http://fuji-hongu.or.jp

History and Origin

From ancient times, Mount Fuji has been revered and feared as an "erupting active volcano." It's said that the origin of Sengen worship dates back to the 11th Emperor Suinin's reign, when rituals were performed to appease Mount Fuji's eruptions by enshrining Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto. During the reign of the 12th Emperor Keiko, Prince Yamato Takeru ascended the mountain, and in the Heian period, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built the shrine buildings at the current location. In 1604, Tokugawa Ieyasu rebuilt the main hall in the unique two-story "Sengen-zukuri" architectural style, which remains today as a National Important Cultural Property.

All areas of Mount Fuji above the 8th station are considered part of the Sengen Taisha Shrine grounds, a remarkably rare ownership status officially recognized by a shogunate decree in 1779.

Source: Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Official Documents, Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and various historical materials.

The Legend of Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto

The primary deity, Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto, is a mountain goddess renowned for her beauty, likened to that of a cherry blossom. The legend goes that after conceiving a child with Ninigi no Mikoto (the deity who descended from Heaven), her chastity was questioned. To prove her purity, she declared, "If this child is truly divine, it will be born safely in fire," and then gave birth to three divine children amidst flames. From this legend, she is revered as the goddess of safe childbirth, fertility, and protection from fire.

It is also said that the Japanese word for cherry blossom, sakura, derives from "Sakuya," making her a foundational figure in the enduring connection between cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and their status as symbols of Japan.

Divine Blessings

• Safe Childbirth and Fertility (from the legend of Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto)
• Family Harmony
• Protection from Fire and Fire Prevention
• Good Fortune and Prosperity
• Improvement in Arts and Culture

Highlights

• Main Hall (Important Cultural Property, Sengen-zukuri style) — A rare two-story pavilion architectural style.
• Wakutama Pond (Special Natural Monument) — A clear spring where Mount Fuji's underground water gushes forth.
• Sakura no Baba (Cherry Blossom Horse Riding Grounds) — Featuring 500 Someiyoshino cherry trees, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in spring.
• Yabusame Festival (May) — A Shinto ritual that has continued since the Kamakura period.
• Mount Fuji Summit Okumiya (Inner Shrine) (Summer only)

About the Mount Fuji Summit Okumiya (Inner Shrine)

At the summit of Mount Fuji, you'll find Kusushi Shrine (affiliated with Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Jinja Shrine) and the Sengen Taisha Okumiya.

• Opening Period: Only during the climbing season, from around July 10th to September 10th.
• Access: Via Mount Fuji climbing trails (Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya routes).
• Okumiya Goshuin (shrine seal stamp) is available only to those who have made the pilgrimage to the summit.
• The Mount Fuji summit is considered part of Sengen Taisha Shrine's grounds (from the 8th station upwards).

Misogi (Purification Ritual) at Wakutama Pond

Wakutama Pond is a sacred spring where Mount Fuji's snowmelt water gushes forth after many years. Designated as a Special Natural Monument, this divine area sees a remarkable 2.4 cubic meters of water per second flowing out! Traditionally, pilgrims would perform misogi (a purification ritual) here before ascending Mount Fuji, and even today, many visitors come to collect its sacred water to take home.

Access

Approximately a 10-minute walk from Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line. If you're coming by car, it's about a 15-minute drive from Shin-Fuji IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, or about 20 minutes from Fuji IC on the Tomei Expressway.

Parking: Available (150 spaces, first 30 minutes free).

Recommended Power Stones

Here are some power stones that are believed to resonate well with the sacred energy of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine when you bring them for your visit.

Stone	Reason for Compatibility
Moonstone	Energy for safe childbirth and feminine power
Rose Quartz	Family harmony and marital bliss
Crystal	To receive Mount Fuji's high vibrations
Aquamarine	Resonates with the clear waters of Wakutama Pond
Kunzite	For prayers related to motherhood and fertility

Nearby Spots You'll Want to Visit

• Shiraito Falls — A famous waterfall where Mount Fuji's underground water cascades, a World Heritage site.
• Tanuki Lake — A superb spot for viewing "Sakasa Fuji" (inverted Mount Fuji reflection).
• Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre — A facility where you can learn about Mount Fuji's religious beliefs.
• Murayama Sengen Shrine — The central place for Fuji-Shugen (Mount Fuji ascetic practices).
• Yamamiya Sengen Shrine — The original shrine (Motomiya) of Sengen Taisha, a sacred place for distant worship of Mount Fuji.

Basic Shrine Etiquette

1. Bow once before passing through the torii gate or main gate.
2. The center of the approach path is for the deities, so please walk along the sides.
3. At the temizuya (water ablution pavilion), purify your left hand, then your right hand, rinse your mouth, cleanse your left hand again, and then rinse the dipper.
4. Perform two bows, two claps, and one bow (nihai nihakushu ippai).
5. Keep personal wishes modest, and focus on expressing gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. When is the best time for prayers for safe childbirth?

A. Traditionally, the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy is recommended. Pregnant women from all over Japan visit to pray for safe childbirth, seeking blessings from Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto. No advance reservation is needed; you can register at the shrine office at any time.

Q2. Who can receive the Goshuin (shrine seal stamp) at the Okumiya on Mount Fuji's summit?

A. Only pilgrims who have ascended to the summit. The Goshuin is offered at the Okumiya on Mount Fuji's summit exclusively during the climbing season, typically from July 10th to September 10th. After descending, you can also receive a "Summit Pilgrimage Commemoration" Goshuin at the main shrine.

Q3. Is the water from Wakutama Pond drinkable?

A. The water from Wakutama Pond is considered "sacred water" and can be taken home. There's a designated spot within the shrine grounds for collecting it. However, as it's raw water, it's recommended to boil it at home before drinking.

Q4. When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?

A. Late March to early April. The combination of the Sakura no Baba (Cherry Blossom Horse Riding Grounds) in front of the main hall and Mount Fuji is a classic photo composition. There are also years when evening cherry blossom illuminations are held.

Q5. There are Sengen Shrines all over Japan, but is this the head shrine?

A. Yes, that's right! Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine is indeed the head shrine of approximately 1,300 Sengen Shrines nationwide. Famous shrines like Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine (Yamanashi Prefecture) are also part of this main lineage.

Editor's Note

For me, Sun-chan, Sengen Taisha Shrine is a place where you can "worship Mount Fuji up close, as if a part of it." While Mount Fuji itself is often viewed from a distance, standing on the grounds of Sengen Taisha Shrine gives you the feeling of being at the "entrance to a colossal shrine that is Mount Fuji itself." When I bring home some of the sacred water from Wakutama Pond and offer it at my home altar, a sense of peace mysteriously arises, like "Mount Fuji is with me every day." It's a truly special shrine with a unique sense of scale, unlike any other!

Related Articles You'll Want to Read

• Ise Jingu Shrine Pilgrimage Guide — Japan's Most Sacred Place
• Meiji Jingu Shrine Pilgrimage Guide — Tokyo's Serene Forest of the Gods
• Meaning and Effects of Moonstone — An Amulet for Safe Childbirth and Feminine Power
• Meaning and Effects of Aquamarine — A Stone that Resonates with Spring Water
• Complete Guide to Power Stones by Purpose — Featured in the chapter on marriage and romantic luck

Summary

• Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of 1,300 Sengen Shrines nationwide and a World Heritage site.
• The primary deity is Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto, the goddess of safe childbirth, fertility, and protection from fire.
• Areas above the 8th station of Mount Fuji are part of Sengen Taisha Shrine's grounds.
• Wakutama Pond is a Special Natural Monument where Mount Fuji's underground water gushes forth.
• During summer, it's also possible to visit the Okumiya (Inner Shrine) at the summit of Mount Fuji.

Whether you're welcoming a new life or standing at a turning point in your journey, Mount Fuji and Wakutama Pond will surely support you with their ancient blessings and prayers.