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Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan, attracts many people because of its beauty.  In recent years many people from abroad have come to Japan to see or climb the beautiful mountain. Mt. Fuji is a must-see tourist spot in Japan.  Apart from being a popular tourist destination, the mountain has a religious aspect and is an object of worship. 

There is a Shinto religious group that worships Mt. Fuji.  Shinto is a religion from Japan that emphasizes spiritual powers or gods in nature, such as mountains, rivers, and trees.  The religious group believes that a god resides in Mt. Fuji because of its magnificent appearance and repeated eruptions. 

Mt. Fuji had erupted many times since ancient times. Each time people suffered in the disasters caused by the eruptions.  To stop the volcanic activities, people started to worship a goddess called Konohanasakuya-Hime or the Cherry Princess, who was believed to have the power to calm down the volcanic activities of Mt. Fuji. 

The faith prevailed in many parts of Japan, and many shrines were built. These are often called Sengen Jinja or Sengen Shrine in Japanese.  There are currently more than 1300 Sengen Shrines around Japan.

 Yamamiya Sengen Taisha Shrine in Fujinomiya (*Photo-1: left ) was first formed without a shrine building in 27 AD.

 Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine (* Photo-2: left ) located in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, is the head shrine for all Sengen shrines around Japan.

(By Izumi) 

＊Not only Izumi but also other FUSION members can guide you through the Mt. Fuji-area!
Contact us if you are interested in a trip around Mt. Fuji.