When people think of Yamanashi Prefecture, the first image that often comes to mind is Mt. Fuji. As Japan’s highest peak, this sacred mountain offers breathtaking views in every season. For centuries, it has been revered as an object of worship and a symbol of spiritual devotion.
Yamanashi is also home to numerous Spiritual Power Spots, shrines and temples, and sacred natural sites deeply connected to Mt. Fuji worship. Many of these places are said to recharge your spirit, restore balance, and even bring good fortune simply by visiting.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most recommended Spiritual Power Spots in Yamanashi, carefully selected for their history, beauty, and spiritual energy. Let this guide inspire you to set out on a journey where you can heal your heart, refresh your mind, and embrace the power of nature.
At the end, we’ll also highlight recommended accommodations around Mt. Fuji, perfect for pairing with your spiritual journey. Use this guide to help plan your next trip to the Yamanashi & Mt. Fuji area.
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is a historic shrine known as the starting point of the Yoshida Trail, one of the traditional climbing routes to Mt. Fuji’s northern side. Revered for centuries, it is both a place of worship and a powerful Spiritual Power Spot, attracting countless climbers and worshippers seeking its spiritual energy.
The shrine’s origins trace back over 1,900 years to the legendary Japanese hero Prince Yamato Takeru. According to tradition, upon gazing at the sacred mountain from this very spot, he declared: “This is the place from which Mt. Fuji, with its magnificent northern slope, should be worshipped.” A torii gate was erected, and the shrine was founded to honor this vision.
Today, the shrine enshrines three deities:
Because of this divine lineage, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is especially revered as a place to pray for family harmony, safe childbirth, and fertility. Among its most famous legends is that of Konohanasakuya-hime giving birth safely within a burning hut, symbolizing both maternal strength and the unbreakable bond of family. This story continues to move worshippers to this day.
Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find towering cedar and cypress trees over 1,000 years old, creating a sacred space that feels deeply connected with nature. The solemn atmosphere is so powerful that it may truly leave you speechless. Even walking along the approach to the shrine, many visitors describe feeling as though their hearts are cleansed and their spirits renewed.
For those who seek to honor Mt. Fuji and be embraced by the power of nature, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is undeniably a must-visit Spiritual Power Spot.
Chinka-sai Fire Festival
At Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, together with its auxiliary Suwa Shrine, the Chinka-sai Fire Festival is held annually on August 26–27.
This sacred ritual, designed to calm Mt. Fuji’s volcanic eruptions and ward off disasters, is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Most Unique Festivals as well as among the Top Ten Fire Festivals in Japan for its scale and tradition.
The highlight takes place on the night of August 26, when enormous torches lining the streets are set ablaze. As flames spread across the town, the entire area becomes engulfed in a majestic sea of fire, creating a spectacular and otherworldly atmosphere.
This awe-inspiring scene offers a rare chance to experience both the spiritual worship of Mt. Fuji as a volcano and the depth of Japanese traditional culture. It is a festival filled with the faith and pride of the local community.
【Access & Nearby Attractions】
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is conveniently located about 6 minutes by bus from Fujisan Station (Fujikyu Line). Simply take the bus bound for Asama Shrine, and even first-time visitors will arrive without difficulty.
Around the shrine, you’ll also find plenty of places worth exploring, including the Fujisan Museum, where you can learn about the history and nature of Mt. Fuji, and Kitaguchi Yume-ya, a charming café that once served as lodging for Mt. Fuji climbers.
Known since ancient times as the shrine that climbers should visit before ascending Mt. Fuji, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is the perfect destination for those planning a climb or those wishing to explore Spiritual Power Spots.
Want to know more about Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine? Click here!
【Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine】
| Address | 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi, 403-0005 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-22-0221 |
| Website | https://sengenjinja.jp/index.html |
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine has long been a central place of worship for Mt. Fuji faith. It is located at the foot of the Misaka Pass, famously described by writer Osamu Dazai in his literary classic Fugaku Hyakkei (One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji), where he wrote: “Evening primroses suit Mt. Fuji best.” This shrine occupies a truly special location with an unbroken view of the sacred mountain.
The shrine is said to have been founded in 864 AD, following a major eruption of Mt. Fuji, as a way to calm the volcano’s fury. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites enshrining the spirit of Mt. Fuji. In 2013, it was registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage property “Mt. Fuji: Object of Worship and Source of Artistic Inspiration”, officially recognizing its cultural and historical value worldwide.
Visitors are first welcomed by the shrine’s giant torii gate, an awe-inspiring structure that marks the entrance into the sacred grounds. Beyond the gate, a cedar-lined approach with trees over 800 years old leads you further inside, culminating in the famous “Seven Cedars”, believed to be more than 1,200 years old. The solemn atmosphere of this pathway creates a powerful sense of mystery and reverence.
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is also renowned for its blessings of protection from disasters and misfortune, rooted in the enshrined deity Jōsai Sanmei, believed to safeguard the nation and ward off calamities. For centuries, it has been revered as a place of safe-journey prayers and purification rituals.
Within the shrine grounds, you will also find the famous “Twin Cedars of Enmusubi”, two sacred trees joined at the base. This site has become a beloved Spiritual Power Spot for love and matchmaking, drawing many who wish for romance and lasting relationships.
Blending history, faith, and nature, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a sacred site you should not miss on any journey around Mt. Fuji. Within its solemn atmosphere, why not take a moment to offer a quiet prayer and reflect in peace?
Haha no Shirataki (Mother’s Waterfall)
Before challenging the sacred Mt. Fuji, pilgrims would come to cleanse both body and spirit at Haha no Shirataki Waterfall. Located just beyond Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, along the Shirataki forest road, this waterfall is also revered as Haha no Shirataki Shrine. As an auxiliary shrine of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, it has long served as a place of waterfall purification rituals for Mt. Fuji ascetics.
Traditionally, worshippers would first visit Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and then purify themselves at this waterfall before embarking on their Mt. Fuji pilgrimage. Even today, the atmosphere here remains sacred, and the site is cherished as a Spiritual Power Spot where visitors feel their hearts cleansed and their spirits renewed.
Beyond its role as a training ground, Haha no Shirataki is also believed to bring a variety of blessings, including:
This makes it an ideal place for those who wish to focus on their goals and receive the energy of nature.
【Access & Nearby Attractions】
Access to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is easy—about 20 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line). Get off at the Kawaguchi Post Office bus stop, and the shrine is just a 3-minute walk.
From the shrine to Haha no Shirataki, however, the path is a bit longer. For those concerned about walking, traveling by car is recommended. From the parking area, you’ll need to walk along a mountain path, so comfortable, non-slip footwear such as sneakers is essential.
The surrounding area also offers many cultural attractions. Highlights include the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, known for its enchanting tie-dye kimono creations, and the Music Forest Museum, where antique music boxes and elegant gardens create a fairytale-like experience. Both are perfect for those wishing to combine nature and art in their journey.
Want to know more about Kawaguchi Asama Shrine? Click here!
【Kawaguchi Asama Shrine】
| Address | 1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, 401-0304 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-76-7186 |
| Website | https://asamajinja.or.jp/ |
Yamanaka Suwa Shrine
Nestled along the shores of Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is revered as a powerful Spiritual Power Spot attracting countless worshippers seeking blessings for safe childbirth and fertility. Surrounded by tranquil forests and the pure air of nature, the shrine offers a deep sense of healing and reassurance to all who visit.
The blessings here are wide-ranging, including love, fertility, safe delivery, and protection for child-rearing. As a result, the shrine has become a deeply meaningful destination for those wishing to celebrate life’s milestones or pray for family happiness. It is especially popular among couples hoping to conceive, expectant mothers, and families seeking peace—making it one of the most prominent Spiritual Power Spots in the Mt. Fuji area.
The enshrined deity of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, daughter of the sea god Watatsumi. For centuries, she has been venerated as a symbol of safe childbirth, fertility, and maternal strength.
According to ancient mythology, Toyotama-hime descended from the realm of the sea god to the earth and overcame great trials while giving birth. This legend has established her as a divine figure embodying resilience during childbirth. Because of this, Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is strongly worshipped as a place dedicated to the goddess of safe childbirth.
Today, Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is recognized nationwide as one of Japan’s most prominent shrines for prayers of safe childbirth. It attracts not only expectant mothers and their families, but also many who hope to conceive and welcome new life.
Visitors come here to pray for the protection of the life they have already been blessed with, and to seek a sacred connection with the gift of future children. For countless worshippers, this shrine remains a place of faith, hope, and powerful Spiritual energy.
Anzan Festival (Easy delivery Fes.)
The event that made Yamanaka Suwa Shrine truly famous is its annual Anzan Festival, held every September. This unique festival, rarely seen even across Japan, is entirely dedicated to prayers for fertility and safe childbirth, drawing countless worshippers seeking blessings.
The festival begins with the Okumiya Ceremony on September 1, followed by two days of preparation (September 2–3). From September 4–6, the grand celebration takes place over three vibrant days.
The highlight is the Yoi Festival on September 4. At around 18:30, a portable shrine (mikoshi) departs from Yamanaka Suwa Shrine, paraded through the village to the unique chant of “Yoi-yoi!”.
It is said that women who carry the mikoshi are blessed with safe childbirth, and every year many hopeful participants gather to take part. For those wishing for fertility or safe delivery, this is a truly special festival worth experiencing at least once.
【Access & Nearby Attractions】
Access to Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is straightforward: about 35 minutes by bus from Fujisan Station (bound for Hirano), followed by a 10-minute walk.
Nearby, you can enjoy scenic spots such as Oshino Hakkai, famous for its crystal-clear spring water from Mt. Fuji, and Hana-no-Miyako Park, where seasonal flowers bloom beautifully throughout the year.
Combine your visit to the Anzan Festival with prayers for safe childbirth, fertility, or love blessings, and immerse yourself in both tradition and nature at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
【Yamanaka Suwa Shrine】
| Address | 13 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, 401-0501 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-62-3952 |
| Website | http://www.suwajinja.com/index.php |
Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako | An Exclusive Private Stay with Stunning Views of Mt. Fuji
If you dream of enjoying luxury in complete privacy while gazing at the majestic Mt. Fuji, look no further than Private Villa Glamping FujiYamanakako, a premium retreat located in the Lake Yamanaka area.
Each villa is fully equipped with a private pool, in-room hot spring bath, barrel sauna, and fire pit, offering the comfort of a private vacation home. Guests can relax without worry and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Mt. Fuji from their rooms, with the mountain glowing in different lights from dawn to dusk.
Dining is another highlight. The glamping BBQ dinner features local delicacies such as Koshu beef sirloin steak, grilled river fish from Oshino’s clear streams, and fresh seasonal vegetables from Yamanashi, all creating a feast that allows you to savor the region’s gourmet flavors to the fullest. This is outdoor dining at its most luxurious and immersive.
With two free parking spaces per villa, the property is also ideal for families and groups. Whether you’re swimming in the pool, finding balance in the barrel sauna, or gathering around the fire pit at night, every moment here blends luxury with nature, offering an unforgettable escape.
【Private Villa Glamping Fuji Yamanakako】
| Address | 262-5 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, 401-0501 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-62-3952 |
| Website | https://www.fuji-suitevilla.com/ |
Summary
In this article, we introduced three carefully selected Spiritual Power Spots around Mt. Fuji, each offering a sacred atmosphere where you can reset your mind and body through nature’s energy and deep-rooted faith.
As a sacred mountain worshipped since ancient times, Mt. Fuji has inspired countless places of prayer and purification, and Yamanashi Prefecture is still home to many hidden Spiritual Power Spots waiting to be discovered.
If you’ve been feeling unlucky, in need of a change in fortune, or simply wanting to find balance, a journey to the foothills of Mt. Fuji may be exactly what you need. The pure air, majestic nature, and sacred energy of the region will gently guide and uplift you.
May your exploration of Mt. Fuji’s Spiritual Power Spots become a new beginning for you. Use this guide as inspiration when planning your next journey.
Recommended for You! Featured Articles You May Also Like
