Living Under Mt. Fuji: A Guide to Local Life and Its Pilgrim Trails

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to reside in the shadow of Japan’s majestic volcano?*

Nestled in the shadow of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji lies Fujiyoshida, the small town I now call home. Living under one of the most iconic and photographed mountains of all time is a pleasure to wake up to every day. 

In winter, Mt. Fuji is draped in a blanket of snow, while summer sees its slopes come alive with climbers from around the world striving to reach the peak. 

Join me through this blog as we explore local life beneath Mt. Fuji, or Fujisan, as it's affectionately known here.

A Tale of Two Sides: Living Under Mt. Fuji’s Northern and Southern Areas

I've had the privilege of living on both the south and north sides of Mount Fuji. While one might assume these sides wouldn't differ much, the climate and culture are remarkably distinct. In the south, in Fujinomiya, the atmosphere is warm, humid, and influenced by its proximity to the sea.

 In contrast, where I currently reside in the north, we're nestled among mountains and lakes, 800 m above sea level, experiencing temperatures about 5 degrees cooler than the south. In Japan, as in many other places, climate significantly shapes culture and attitudes. 

The south was very relaxed, but I've noticed a particularly strong reverence for Mount Fuji in the north. 

Mt. Fuji: A Sacred Mountain in Shinto and Buddhism

The worship of Mount Fuji dates back centuries and has deep roots in Shinto beliefs, where natural phenomena like mountains are often regarded as kami (神), or divine spirits. When Buddhism arrived in Japan, the practice of climbing mountains as a spiritual pilgrimage gained popularity.

During the Edo period, climbers from all over Japan journeyed to Mt. Fuji, collectively known as Fujiko. Fujiyoshida became a crucial rest and worship area for these pilgrims.

Exploring Fujiyoshida’s Historic Pilgrim Trail

I often pass by the historic rest houses where these pilgrims once stayed. They are filled with history, and our town takes great pride in preserving their legacy. The road where these houses lead up to Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine, a revered place that has been the northern gateway to Mt. Fuji for hundreds of years. Founded in the early 8th century, this shrine has been an important stop for those visiting Japan’s iconic peak.

Here, the Shinto deity enshrined is Princess Konohanasakuya,  a goddess in Japanese mythology known as the blossom princess and the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes. 

She is renowned for her beauty and protection from fire, having safely given birth to three children in a house set ablaze. She is the perfect deity to invoke for safety before attempting the climb.

In my previous town, Fujinomiya, Princess Konohanasakuya is affectionately celebrated as “Sakuya-chan,” a cute and beloved mascot.

There are many shrines dedicated to the mountain, and many people come from all over Japan to give their respects or pray for safety before attempting to climb to the summit. Each year, I also make my way to the summit to watch the sunrise and visit the shrine at the top—yes, there’s a shrine at the summit! 

There’s even a post office where you can send a postcard. The climb is always a bit of a struggle for me, but it is always fun to speak with fellow climbers and meet people from all over the country and all over the world. 

And if you're lucky to visit in late summer, you can witness my favorite festival in Fujiyoshida—the Fujiyoshida Fire Festival (Fujiyoshida no Himatsuri), where huge pine torches and smaller bonfires illuminate the road leading to the shrine at the end of summer, marking the end of the climbing season!

Mt. Fuji Beyond the Photos

Many tourists come to Japan to capture Mt. Fuji in photographs, often posing with the mountain in the background of convenience store selfies, or to climb it as a bucket-list achievement. Yet they might not fully grasp the mountain’s significance to locals. 

For us, Mt. Fuji is more than a picturesque landmark; it’s an active volcano with the potential to impact our lives profoundly. That’s why we treat it with the utmost respect and continue to honor it as both a sacred and formidable presence.

Start planning your tour to witness more of Mt. Fuji’s local secrets and rich culture.

*Mt. Fuji has a low risk of eruption and is considered safe for climbing. Its last eruption was in 1707, and the mountain has remained dormant since.