Spotlight – FUJINOMIYA CITY
Fujinomiya City is a perfect place to get up close and personal with Mt Fuji and experience what life is like for those living at the foot of this magnificent mountain.
THE CLOSEST CITY TO MT FUJI
Mt Fuji, Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre, Yakisoba
If you’ve ever dreamt of climbing Mt Fuji, you’ve most likely heard of Fujinomiya. Located in Central Shizuoka, most of the town lies within the borders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Fujinomiya is the main starting point for climbers using the Fujinomiya Trail and also the Prince Route which has become popular in recent years (ascending from Fujinomiya and descending into Gotemba).
Fujinomiya is the closest town to Mt Fuji and as such is blessed with remarkable views of the mountain.
Fuji-san to the Japanese is commonly referred to in the female form, because the goddess that resides within the mountain is “Konohanasakuya-hime”.
Konohanasakuya is the goddess of Mt Fuji, all volcanoes and the ‘Princess of Cherry Blossoms,’ symbolizing delicate earthly life.
She is otherwise also called Sakuya-hime or Sengen.
FUJISAN HONGU SENGEN TAISHA SHRINE
An ancient settlement town, Fujinomiya is a former post and market town that is affiliated with the Ichinomiya (first shrine), the supreme shrine in each of the ‘Old Provinces of Japan’ (ryoseikoku).
In Fujinomiya, the ‘Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha’, is the Ichinomiya of the former Suruga Province.
For over 1100 years, it has been the head shrine for over 1300 shinto shrines in the country which are centered on the worship of volcanoes and Fuji-san in particular.
Such shinto shrines are also known as Asama/Sengen Shrines. Almost all of these shrines possess views of Fuji-san on their grounds, and if not, a miniature replica called Fujizaka is recreated from rocks from the mountain itself.
Many festivals are held at the shrine – the main one is held on May 5th and features yabusame horseback archery.
SHIN FUJI STATION
As the name suggests Shin-Fuji Station is all about Mt Fuji – hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in authentic local Japanese experiences at the foothills of this majestic mountain should consider stopping here.
EXPERIENCE
There are a number of great experiences waiting in Fujinomiya City for visitors that want to learn what life is like living at the foot of the Majestic Mt Fuji.
Try on a traditional Japanese Kimono and wander from store to store meeting local shop keepers and learning skills that have been passed down over generations.
ADVENTURE
For many visitors to Japan climbing Mt Fuji and watching a sunrise from the summit is an adventure that they will cherish for years to come.
Other adventures easily accessible to Shin-Fuji Station include white water rafting, bungy jumping, and the immensely popular Mt Fuji Paragliding.
FAMILY
Visiting Shiraito Waterfalls, Fuji Milk Land or Fuji Flower Bird Park with the kids is a great way to spend the day and enjoy amazing views of Mt Fuji - Learn more.
Other family-friendly activities include cultural eco-tours and Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre in Fujinomiya or taking the ultimate Japanese family photo at the iconic Obuchi Sasaba Green Tea Fields in Fuji City with Mt Fuji in the background.
CHECK MT FUJI TRAVEL FOR EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM SHIN FUJI STATION
MT FUJI WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE
The Mt-Fuji World Heritage Center is a stunning museum in Fujinomiya that was opened to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a World Heritage Site in 2013.
Designed by famed architect Shigeru Ban, the museum lies adjacent to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha main Torii gate.
Visually striking as you approach it, the museum’s inverted conical shape has been constructed from Japanese Cypress and reflects beautifully a mirror image of not only the museum’s design but also the beauty of Fuji-san herself in the reflecting pool on the premises.
The Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre aims to deepen and educate the conversation regarding Mt Fuji’s preservation, cultural history, and meaning to both individuals in Japan and abroad.
Visitors are able to experience the ascent of Mt Fuji from the ocean by walking a 193m long spiral ramp while watching time-lapse videos of Fuji’s landscape.
LOCAL TOWNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Visiting Fujinomiya not only allows you unbelievable views of Mt Fuji, but gives you the opportunity to also experience a way of Japanese life that has relatively remained unchanged.
Many of its people are still carrying on generations of family businesses, such as kimono fittings, sake brewing, traditional sweet and tea production.
One of them is Masa Shinitani, who created Enya Mt Fuji Ecotours– Learn more about his ecotours – HERE
FUJINOMIYA YAKISOBA
While in Fujinomiya City be sure to get in some Fujinomiya Yakisoba which are characterized by their firm bite.
The firm bite occurs as Fujinomiya yakisoba is steamed without being boiled once, cooled then coated with oil.
Generally it is boiled in other parts of Japan. Additionally the soba must be made in Fujinomiya, are often cooked in the waters of Mt Fuji, and have ‘dashi-ko’ powder sprinkled on it instead of the typical dried bonito flakes.
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