Fujiyoshida Sightseeing Map (PDF)

The Fujiyoshida Tourist Information Center has published a local sightseeing map. This, other useful local guide-maps, and information (as well as free car parking) are available at the Fujiyoshida Tourist Information Center at Fuji-san Station.

Cherry Blossom Season

Although the season varies every year, Sakura (cherry blossoms) in the Five Lakes area are in full bloom (mankai) around April 10th, as the altitude here is higher and the climate cooler than the Tokyo area. The best viewing time is just before full bloom until the petals fall and green leaves appear for 2023 is from April 9th - 17th (according to https://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/.

Chureito Pagoda

This iconic five-storied pagoda has been the subject of countless photographs throughout the years and understandably so. The image of this crimson structure floating atop a sea of cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji as its majestic backdrop is quintessentially Japanese and has accordinly been used as a symbolic image of Japan in everything from blogs to major advertisement campaigns both domestic and international. The unknown story of this pagoda, however, is that it is also a meaningful monument of peace.

The Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, also known as the Chureito Pagoda, was built by the mayor of Fujiyoshida and the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument Construction Committee on August 12th, 1958 as a memorial for the roughly 960 citizens from Fujiyoshida who died in all of the wars which occurred after 1868 (the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and World War II).

Funds for its construction were obtained by the sale of the plot to the Onshirin Regional Public Association and by private donations from citizens.

The pagoda remains a meaningful monument for the city and has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists in the Fuji Five Lakes Area to capture this iconic image of Mt. Fuji.

Access

Chureito Pagoda| 忠霊塔
3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 403-0011, Japan
【〒403-0011 山梨県富士吉田市新倉3353-1】

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

An ancient Shinto shrine resting beneath large pines in the Suwa Forest, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine served as a focal point of Mt. Fuji worship during the Edo Period. The main shrine, two subordinate shrines, and the massive cedars standing high above the complex were inscribed alongside Mt. Fuji as component UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in June 2013. This historic setting marks the beginning of the Yoshida Trail, where pilgrims would pray before their religious pilgrammage up to Mt. Fuji's summit.

Mt Fuji's main deity, Konohanasakuyanohime, is thought to be enshrined here alongside her husband and father. The shrine is host to many events throughout the year, serving as the area's main place of worship. Its biggest event is the Yoshida Fire Festival, but is also used for New Year's Hatsumode events, 7-5-3 Ceremonies, a large Children's Day Event, many weddings, an annual torchlight Noh performance, the opening ceremony to kick off the Mt. Fuji Climbing Season, and others.

The large wooden torii gate of Sengen Shrine is over 18 meters in height. It is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan and according to tradition is rebuilt slightly larger every six decades. Near the top of the torii is a sign board which reads "Sangoko Daiichizan," meaning the highest mountain among the three countries: China, India, and Japan.

The Goshinboku, or Sacred Trees, are a particulary fascinating element of the shrine compound. Three of the original sacred trees remain, and measure diameter. These trees are said to be over 1,000 years old.

Access

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine | 北口本宮冨士浅間神社
5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 403-0005, Japan
【〒403-0005 山梨県富士吉田市上吉田5558番地】