What sight best represents Japan? Most people would say “Mount Fuji.” It can be admired from both Tokyo and Yamanashi, but for the most unique mountain views, Shizuoka Prefecture takes the top spot. Whether you’re in tea plantations, cherry blossom groves, strawberry farms, or on a ferry at sea, you can see it almost everywhere. No wonder Chibi Maruko-chan, who lives in Shizuoka, often talks about Mount Fuji.
“Climbing Mount Fuji at least once in your life is a must-do experience!” As Japan’s highest peak and a sacred mountain, every Japanese person hopes to make a pilgrimage to climb it. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, climbing is not allowed. Every year, the official mountain-opening ceremony is held on July 1st at the “Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha,” after which climbing is permitted until the end of August.
The Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha enshrines the deity of Mount Fuji. Surprisingly, although the conical Mount Fuji appears majestic and powerful, its deity is actually a goddess, who is believed to bless safe childbirth. Priest Tsuchihashi explains, “The snow that falls on Mount Fuji melts and emerges as springs on the surface—earth-born water symbolizes fertility.”
The shrine houses a 400-year-old Fuji Mandala painting that depicts how people used to climb the mountain in the past. They would first visit the Yugama Pond at the shrine, bathe and purify themselves in the melted snowwater from Mount Fuji, then change into white clothes before beginning their ascent. By the time they reached the mountainside, it would already be dark, so they could buy torches to light the way. After reaching the summit and paying respects to the mountain deity, they would be able to enjoy the sunrise.
In the painting, there were no women on the mountain because women were not allowed to climb to the summit in the past—they could only go up to the second station. This ban was lifted during the Meiji period. The Yugama Pond still continuously produces spring water today, but it is now only for washing hands and drinking—no more skinny-dipping. Fortunately, modern-day climbers face far fewer restrictions and don’t have to endure such hardships. Vehicles can take you directly to the mountainside, and you can reach the summit in just six hours.