Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, Fujiyoshida, Japan
There are more than a thousand Fuji Sengen shrines across Japan, dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shinto deity associated with Mount Fuji. Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, formally known as Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja, is the main Sengen Shrine on the north side of the mountain. The head shrine of them all is the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha on the opposite side of the mountain in Fujinomiya.
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine stands in a dense forest and is set off from the road by a long approach lined by stone lanterns and shaded by tall cedar trees. The shrine’s red painted buildings include a main hall dating from 1615, a dancing stage and a few auxiliary buildings.
Epic Japan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound