Mt. Fuji is known worldwide as a mountain brimming with natural beauty. Besides this, Mt. Fuji is also a sacred mountain that has been revered and admired since ancient times. It is the symbolic object of nature worship which has taken root in Japan.This tour gives you a great opportunity to feel the essence of Mt. Fuji worship by tracing the footsteps of its pilgrims.
Mt. Fuji station (Fujisan station)
- Meet at Mt. Fuji station
- [Mt. Fuji worship] Its origin dates back to the ancient times when Mt. Fuji erupted furiously. People at that time did believe that fierce eruptions were caused by the anger of the deity of Mt. Fuji. Since then, Mt. Fuji has been worshipped as a sacred mountain.
- This tour features three key places deeply linked to Mt. Fuji worship.
- The district used to be prosperous as the gateway of Pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji
- Stroll through the district and visit the museum and the shrine designated as the cultural assets of Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage
- This lodging has a history of 250 years and used to offer accommodations to Mt. Fuji pilgrims. The owner, who also worked as a Shinto priest, preached the teachings of Mt. Fuji worship to pilgrims who came there.
- Enjoy the local specialty: Yoshida Udon Noodles
Their firm and chewy texture may surprise you!
- The shrine in the dense woods has the history of over 1900 years. Dedicated to the deity of Mt. Fuji, it used to be the gateway to Mt. Fuji pilgrimage. Pilgrims visited there to purify themselves and pray for their safe pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji. The 1000-year-old sacred trees and the magnificent buildings in Shinto-style architecture have created the solemn and serene atmosphere.
- Take a taxi for Funatsu Lava Tree Molds
＊Taxi fare is included in the tour charge. (Approximately 15-minute traveling)
- This spot used to be a sacred place for Mt. Fuji pilgrims. The lava tree molds resemble the interior of a human body. The deepest part, especially, looks like a “Mother womb”. Mt. Fuji Pilgrims, having entered there, wished for a symbolic rebirth.
- Enter the lava tree molds and stroll through the woods nearby. The forest is quite distinctive in that it has grown on the lava-covered ground. It would be a great opportunity for you to be exposed to beautiful nature created by Mt. Fuji.
- Go back to Mt. Fuji station by taxi
＊Taxi fare is included in the tour charge. (Approximately 20-minute traveling)
Mt. Fuji station (Fujisan station)
Mt. Fuji worship - Its origin dates back to the ancient times when Mt. Fuji erupted furiously. People at that time did believe that fierce eruptions were caused by the anger of the deity of Mt. Fuji. Since then, Mt. Fuji has been worshipped as a sacred mountain.
This tour features three key places deeply linked to Mt. Fuji worship.
1) Former House of the Togawa Family (Museum featuring Mt. Fuji worship) – This lodging has a history of 250 years and used to offer accommodations to Mt. Fuji pilgrims. The owner, who also worked as a Shinto priest, preached the teachings of Mt. Fuji worship to pilgrims who came there.
2) Kitaguhi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine – This shrine was regarded as one of the most important bases of Mt. Fuji worship. Pilgrims visited it to purify themselves and pray for their safe pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji.
3) Funatsu Lava Tree Molds – This spot used to be a sacred place for Mt. Fuji pilgrims. The lava tree molds resemble the interior of a human body. The deepest part, especially, looks like a “Mother womb”. Mt. Fuji Pilgrims, having entered there, wished for a symbolic rebirth.
You enter the lava tree molds and stroll through the woods nearby. The forest is quite distinctive in that it has grown on the lava-covered ground. It would be a great opportunity for you to be exposed to beautiful nature created by Mt. Fuji.
【Itinerary】
① Meet at Mt. Fuji station and Stroll through the Oshi district
＊There used to be 86 lodgings for Mt. Fuji Pilgrims along the street. Some relics related to Mt. Fuji worship still remain there.
② Visit “Former House of the Togawa Family” (The entrance fee is included in the tour charge.)
③ Have lunch (Yosida Udon noodles)
＊Yosida Udon noodles are famous for their firm and chewy texture. They are worth trying!
④ Visit “Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine”
⑤ Take a taxi for Funatsu Lava Tree Molds
＊Taxi fare is included in the tour charge. (Approximately 15-minute ride)
⑥ Visit “Funatsu Lava Tree Molds” (The entrance fee is included in the tour charge.)
＊Enter Funatsu Lava Tree Molds which are a complex of lava caves.
You might experience a symbolic rebirth there as Mt. Fuji Pilgrims did in those days.
＊Enjoy strolling in the nearby forest for half an hour.
⑦ Go back to Mt. Fuji station by taxi
＊Taxi fare is included in the tour charge. (Approximately 20-minute ride)
＊You can enjoy a nice walk all the way up to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine. Former House of the Togawa Family and the Japanese restaurant are located on the way.
Guide fee, Taxi fare: About 7,000jpy
Lunch and admission fees
The tour is not available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
＊ As some parts of the lava tree molds are narrow and rough, those who have Claustrophobia should not enter. People with their back or knees problems will not be able to enter the deepest part called “Mother's womb”.
＊ Wear comfortable shoes for a walk. Sneakers would be preferable especially for a forest hike and a cave-exploring.
＊ Highway bus service between Tokyo (Shinjuku) and Mt. Fuji Station is available. A booking for round-trip tickets is highly recommended in advance as highway bus tickets for Tokyo (Shinjuku) are booked up quickly.
We learned much about the religious history of Mt. Fuji and Tomomi went above and beyond our expectations to make sure we had a wonderful day! I highly recommend you take the time to enjoy this tour!
Tomomi was a fantastic tour guide! She was knowledgeable, patient, and accommodating for all our needs. Her English is impeccable and we understood her perfectly. I would highly recommend her for anyone who is looking for a tour guide!
Tomomi San has given us a wonderful experience exploring Fuji. She has excellent local knowledge and has taken to some very beautiful places. I most definitely recommend Tomomi San as your excellent guide. Her English is perfect and she even helped to translate with the hotel we are staying at and booked us taxi rides. All we can say is Tomomi San is the best and has made our experience in Fujisan most memorable.. Arigato Tomomi San... Jacqui and Anusha
Thank you for giving me such a great comment on the tour. I am very happy that you two shared your special time with me. It was such a joy you enjoying a stroll through Oshino Hakkai and the breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. The time we spent together was short, but I felt like you were my old friends as you were very nice and friendly to me. Hope you come bake to the Mt. Fuji area in the different season to find the different charms that Mt. Fuji and its surroundings show! Arigato, Jacqui and Anusha san!!
Had a wonderful experience with Tomomi exploring the forest. She is very informative and provides clear insights on the region.
Thank you very much again for having me as your guide, Terrence san! I am very happy to have helped you have an enjoyable and precious time in the Aokigahara forest. It has the different charms depending on the seasons, so you can come visit there again to find them! You are always welcome.