Kawaguchi Asama Shrine — Attraction in Fujikawaguchiko

🧎‍♀️‍➡️Sacred place near Fujisan. ++++++++++++++++++++++

Asama temples honor Konohanasakuya-hime, also known as the "cherry blossom princess," who is the Japanese mythological deity of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes.

The history of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine goes back to the Jogan Eruption of Mount Fuji in 864, and it's situated only 1.28 km from Lake Kawaguchi, which is northeast of Mount Fuji.

A large tree gate with a height of 18 meters is present on the main approach to the shrine, and the road is surrounded by large cedar trees.

Between the Asama shrine and their subordinate shrine at Hananoshirataki, a new 'tenku no tori' was installed in 2019. The location is on the edge of the mountain and offers a clear view of both Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. The trek to Tenku no tori takes 30 minutes from the bus stop or 10 minutes by car. The steep and narrow roads don't have designated parking, but you can park beside the top of the road.

Three practices exist for worshiping Mount Fuji;

▶︎ Yohai (worship from a distance), ▶︎ Shugen (training), ▶︎ Tohai (worship by climbing). Kawaguchi Asama Shrine takes pride in being the only shrine that offers all three activities.

We perform ritual ablutions before entering the shrine. A guide to cleaning your hands and mouth.

1. Scoop water from a ladle with your right hand, then wash your left hand.
2. Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
3. After bringing back the ladle to your right hand, pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth.
4. Position the ladle vertically to wash it with the remaining water and return it.
5. Do not use your mouth to directly touch the ladle.

The above is executed using a ladle-full of water.

🤲 Practicing worship in the hall of worship.

1* Throw change inside the offering box and ring the bell. 2* Bow twice. 3* Twice clap your hands. 4* To pray, place both hands together. 5* After praying, bow one more time.

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Every year, the festival called 'Magomi Matsuri' takes place on April 25th.

The closest bus stop to reach the shrine is the Kawaguchi Post Office, which is about a 10-minute bus ride from...

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is one of approximately 1,300 Asama shrines in Japan that enshrine the deity of volcanoes in general and Mount Fuji in particular. The shrine is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, designated in 2013. Asama shrines are dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime (“cherry blossom princess”), the goddess of Mt. Fuji and all volcanoes in Japanese mythology. The vast majority of Asama shrines are within sight of Mt. Fuji; where this shrine is not the case because of distance or obstructions by trees. Many major Asama shrines, including Kawaguchi Asama, were built in 865 CE, the year after Mt. Fuji had a major eruption. The mountain purportedly erupted for 10 consecutive days, spewing cinders and ash as far away as Tokyo Bay. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was established on the command of Emperor Seiwa in the hope of placating the volcano deity. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is particularly loved for its striking cedar avenue along the main approach, as well as the seven sacred cedars on the shrine precincts. These are deified––note the shimenawa ropes around them––and are old-growth trees thought to be at least 1,200 years old. To reach the shrine, visitors should take the red line sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko station to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum bus stop. The bus journey will take approximately 20 minutes. From the bus stop, visitors will have to walk approximately 15 minutes...

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a magnificent and ancient shrine that worships the goddess of Mount Fuji and volcanoes. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji and its cultural landscape. The shrine was founded in 865 CE, after a massive eruption of Mount Fuji, to appease the volcano deity and protect the people from disasters.

The shrine is located in the scenic town of Kawaguchiko, near the famous lake of the same name. The shrine is surrounded by nature and has a serene and sacred atmosphere. The most striking feature of the shrine is the cedar avenue that leads to the main hall. There are 11 giant cedars that are over 800 years old and have a trunk circumference of 7 meters. They are designated as natural monuments of the town and create a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.

The shrine also has seven sacred cedars that are over 1200 years old and are 45 meters tall. They are deified with shimenawa ropes and are symbols of the shrine's long history and spiritual power. The shrine also hosts two festivals in April and July, where a ritual dance is performed to honor the volcano goddess and prevent further eruptions and earthquakes.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a place where you can feel the connection between humans and nature, and appreciate the beauty and mystery of Mount Fuji...