Japan Travel Tokyo - Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine 富士御室浅间神社

 Japan Travel Tokyo - Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine 富士御室浅间神社 (2016 0420)

Location: 403-0005 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi

.Getting There:

Saiko Sightseeing Bus (Green Line)(Lake Saiko/Aokigahara Circuit) from Kawaguchiko Station to Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine Bus Stop

 

Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine stands in a dense forest and is set off from the road by a long approach lined by stone lanterns and shaded by tall cedar trees dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya, the Shinto deity associated with Mount Fuji. Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, formally known as Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社, "North Entrance Fuji Sengen Shrine"), is the main Sengen Shrine on the north side of the mountain. The shrine's red painted buildings include a main hall dating from 1615, a dancing stage and a few auxiliary buildings.

Yabusame Festival

Fuji Omuro-Sengen Shrine is famous for yabusame, horseback archery. Yabusame was first performed here in 940 A.D. to celebrate the successful suppression of a rebellion. These days a yabusame festival is held every year during Golden Week, on April 29th. Yabusame is exciting to watch, with riders in traditional Japanese costumes galloping along a track. They control their horses with their knees, and fire their arrows as they pass the targets.

Cherry blossom festival

Cherry trees must be essential at a shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Cherry Blossom. In spring, about 200 cherry trees transform Fuji Omuro-Sengen shrine into a vision of beauty, drawing many visitors. A festival is held on April 25th, with entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere, and stalls selling food and drink.