Following in Fujiko’s footsteps: Pilgrims at Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain and has long been considered a sacred place. It erupted several times during the eighth and ninth centuries, which some interpreted as an expression of the wrath of the mountain god Asama. After the volcanic activity subsided, the mountain became a major center for Shugendo practitioners, Practitioners are called Mountains or Xingziclimbing it involves rigorous spiritual training.

Fujiko Sports

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, ordinary people began to climb Mount Fuji, and a cult called Fujiko emerged. The movement, founded by Shinto priest Kakuyuki Hasegawa, views the mountain as a creator and god, and followers view climbing the mountain as an act of worship. However, until 1872, Kunoichi Venus Women are prohibited from climbing the mountain because they are considered ritually impure and pose a threat to the mountain’s sanctity.

The climb was also considered too dangerous for the elderly and children, as this was a bygone era. Modern infrastructure. There are no well-maintained trails or cabins, and safety measures are lacking. Shinto priests are called oh Therefore, we are always available to provide support and act as an intermediary between pilgrims and the mountains. In addition to providing accommodation and meals, they also arrange for powerful guides called garlic Help Fujiko climb the holy land.

Jinshan Waterfall

Mount Fuji Museum

At one time, there were as many as 86 oshi-ryokans in Fujiyoshida that provided accommodation for climbers. Today, there are only a few. On a recent visit to this city in Yamanashi Prefecture, we had the opportunity to stay at one of the hotels and partially – as the climbing season comes to an end – follow in the footsteps of the Fujiko Pilgrims. Before doing that, though, we stopped by the Mount Fuji Museum, which offers visitors an immersive educational experience on the volcano’s profound significance as a sacred object.

Located adjacent to the majestic Kanayama Falls, the highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the virtual reality room, which takes visitors on a 360-degree cinematic tour of Mount Fuji. A 12-minute high-definition video plays on the walls, ceiling and floor, simulating the pilgrim’s spiritual journey to the top of the mountain, making you feel like you are reaching the top. This is an exciting introduction to the museum, which also features a large three-dimensional model of Mount Fuji made from Japanese paper and brought to life with lighting and video effects.

The Sacred Boundary Between Earthly Life and the Spiritual World of Mount Fuji

It was interesting to learn about the history of Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida before starting our journey, which begins at the Kintsu Torii, a historic torii built to welcome believers and mark the sacred boundary between the earthly world and the spiritual realm of the mountain. In the past, pilgrims would check their documents and religious beliefs here. It is a landmark of the city and a welcome sign for climbers, making it a must-visit destination for photographers on a clear day. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when we went, but it was still worth a visit for the sense of history it provides.

After leaving Kintori, we walked a short distance to our next destination: Maitreya Hall. After getting our Congo-Yu We headed there to pray in front of a statue of Shinto priest Maitreya, the founder of the Fujiko Maitreya sect, on a seal (wooden staff) made by a local craftsman. A true ascetic, he meditated and fasted on Mount Fuji for more than 30 days in 1733. Help all sentient beings and transform society. Died at 63 Near the current Yuanzu room in Bahe. This dramatic self-sacrifice is said to have been the driving force behind the cult of Fuji becoming a mass movement, especially in Edo (now Tokyo).

Womb-like caves and century-old hotels

Although Fujiko is not popular in the mainstream today, the reverence for the mountains that the movement embodied remains. As we climb its forested flanks, we can feel its spiritual presence. Our oshi led us to Yoshida Tainai, a sacred lava tree cave discovered by Fujiko pilgrims in 1892. The cave was formed after a massive eruption in 937, and people in the past crawled through the cave through its womb-like spaces for spiritual rebirth and purification. Although it is not normally open to the public, we were lucky enough to have the rare opportunity to enter the 61-meter narrow tunnel dedicated to Konohanakai Yahime, the patron saint of Mount Fuji.

The final religious ceremony of the day was a prayer service held at Sun and Moon, where we were staying that night. A family-owned Oshi Inn with a history of over 400 years, it was renovated 10 years ago by the 18th generation owner. This inn is a blend of tradition and comfort, with comfortable tatami rooms, some with mountain-view terraces. Other facilities at the hotel include a café, woodworking showroom and oshi gallery. It’s a charming place to stay and both of our meals – homemade dinner and breakfast with lots of locally sourced vegetables – were excellent.

Ride a horse up Mount Fuji

After checking out from Liyue, we took a bus back to the mountain and came to the tea house “Nakano Tea House” with a history of more than 300 years. The name translates to “middle teahouse” as it is located between the start of the Yoshida Trail and the next pit stop, Umagaeshi, which means “the return of the horse.” Horse Bank is where pilgrims dismount their horses and continue walking because the path is too steep for the animals. We had the opportunity to partially recreate that journey as we rode horses from Nakachaya to Ma’an. The gentle rhythm of their horses’ hooves plays a tranquil symphony in the picturesque landscape.

After getting off the bus, we returned to the car and headed back to Okumura for a hearty lunch at another historic inn, Mount Fuji Daikokuya. Then we visited Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, the gateway to Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail. Although this is an important spiritual starting point for Fujiko pilgrims, it is the final destination of our trip. Built in 788 to protect the area’s residents from the eruption of Mt., The shrine—with roots dating back to 100 AD— It is famous for its 18-meter-high red torii gate, moss-covered stone lanterns and sacred Japanese cedar trees. A walk through peaceful, historic grounds felt like the perfect way to end a very educational trip.

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Updated on December 18, 2025