A Guide to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine: Panoramic Views of Iconic Japanese Scenery

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine was founded in 705 as the guardian shrine of what is now the Arakura district, during the reign of Emperor Monmu, who is said to have inspired the emperor in The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
When Mount Fuji erupted violently in 807, a ritual was performed to pray for the eruption to subside, and Emperor Heizei dedicated an imperial plaque and other offerings to the shrine.
An imperial plaque is a plaque inscribed in the emperor’s own hand. The one at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is displayed on the Great Torii Gate, so be sure to look for it as you pass beneath the gate.

Chureito Pagoda serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in war. The Chureito Pagoda at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine commemorates those from Fujiyoshida City who died in war.
Chureito memorial towers, which are built to house the remains of the war dead, take various forms. The one at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, however, takes the form of a five-story pagoda. This is one of the traditional forms of Buddhist pagoda architecture, with each of its five levels representing a different Buddhist concept.
The pagoda itself is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, with a sense of understated elegance.

Arahama Shrine, a subordinate shrine of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, stands to the left when facing the main hall. Smaller shrines associated with a main shrine include massha and sessha, which are collectively known as setsumatsusha.
Arahama Shrine enshrines Hatagami-sama, a deity associated with weaving, as well as a deity of sericulture. Because woven fabric is created by interlacing warp and weft threads, the shrine has long been known for blessings related to love and relationships. With its simple, understated appearance, the shrine has a peaceful atmosphere.

The main hall serves as the sacred space where the shintai, an object believed to embody the shrine’s deity, is enshrined, and Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is no exception.
The deities enshrined here are Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto and Ninigi no Mikoto, who are husband and wife, along with Oyamatsumi no Mikoto, the father of Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto. Because the three deities are connected as husband and wife and as parent and child, the shrine is said to offer blessings for family harmony and child-rearing.
The main hall is an impressive structure with a solemn and sacred presence.

Climb the 398-step Sakuya-hime Stairway, located just before Shiogama Shrine, and you’ll reach the observation deck near Chureito Pagoda. From here, Mount Fuji rises beyond the pagoda, creating one of the shrine’s most iconic views.
The 398 steps, named after Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto, also offer glimpses of Mount Fuji through the trees along the way. Surrounded by nature, visitors can take in sweeping views of Fujiyoshida and the surrounding scenery.
The biggest highlight of the observation deck is the chance to see Mount Fuji and Chureito Pagoda together. In spring, cherry blossoms add another element to the scene, creating what could easily be called one of Japan’s most quintessential landscapes.
In fact, photos taken from this observation deck are often featured in travel guidebooks and other materials introducing Japan, so there’s a good chance you’ve seen this iconic view before.

As you walk up the main approach toward the shrine grounds, the Great Torii Gate comes into view. Its striking vermilion color gives it a powerful presence.
The gate also bears an imperial plaque presented by Emperor Heizei, so be sure to look for it as you pass through.
One of the highlights here is the view of Mount Fuji framed by the gate and surrounding nature. The view of Mount Fuji through the torii is particularly impressive, with cherry blossoms adding color in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
It offers a quintessentially Japanese scene with a different charm from the view at the observation deck.

A restaurant serving Yoshida udon, a local specialty of the Fujiyoshida area in Yamanashi Prefecture.
At Genji, the owner, a former professional Japanese chef, prepares a popular broth by blending soy sauce and miso, paired with smooth noodles that are easy to slurp. The menu includes kake udon, tsuke udon, and chilled tanuki udon, with the Niku-ten Udon being a particular favorite.

A long-established Yoshida udon restaurant with a history of around 70 years, now run by the third generation of the family.
The restaurant is said to have pioneered the use of horse meat in Yoshida udon, a practice that has since become common. The noodles are made with mineral-rich sea salt and contain only about half the salt typically used in Yoshida udon noodles.
The seafood-based broth combines soy sauce-based kaeshi with rustic miso and is made without any artificial seasonings, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to carefully selected ingredients.

Ganso Miura Udon is a renowned Yoshida udon restaurant in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, established in 1981.
Its house-made, hand-crafted noodles have been prepared using the same methods and carefully selected ingredients since the restaurant first opened, preserving a traditional flavor that has long been loved by locals. Compared with many other well-known Yoshida udon restaurants, the noodles here are relatively less firm, making them a good introduction for first-time Yoshida udon diners.

Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for eight spring-fed ponds whose water originates from Mount Fuji: Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sokonuki Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond, and Shobu Pond.
The area was once covered by a lake, which eventually dried up and left behind the eight spring-fed ponds seen today. The ponds are exceptionally clear, as snowmelt from Mount Fuji is filtered through underground layers of volcanic rock over a period of around 20 years.
The beautiful natural scenery created by the crystal-clear ponds and Mount Fuji in the background makes Oshino Hakkai a popular sightseeing destination.

Lake Yamanaka covers an area of approximately 6.57 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of about 980.5 meters. It is the third-highest lake in Japan. Of the Fuji Five Lakes, it is the closest to Mount Fuji, offering beautiful seasonal views of the majestic mountain reflected in the surrounding lakeside scenery.
Tulips bloom in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos flowers in fall. Visitors can also enjoy colorful autumn foliage and views of snow-capped Mount Fuji in winter, making Lake Yamanaka an appealing destination year-round.

Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a popular destination known for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
The lakeshore offers beautiful scenery in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, purple lavender in early summer, and colorful autumn foliage in fall.
It is also known for being the only one of the Fuji Five Lakes with both an island and a bridge.

Located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, this glamping resort is about 90 minutes from central Tokyo. Its convenient location also makes it an ideal base for exploring Mount Fuji and the surrounding area.
Guests can choose from four types of accommodations, including villas and dome tents, depending on their group size and travel style. All 16 units feature private natural hot springs and saunas, allowing guests to relax in complete privacy.
Inspired by the surface of Lake Kawaguchi, the outdoor pool is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

A classic hotel located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. With a history spanning more than 90 years, this prestigious hotel has even welcomed members of Japan’s Imperial Family. It offers 38 Japanese- and Western-style guest rooms, as well as cottages with kitchens for guests seeking a more private stay.
One of the hotel’s biggest highlights is its panoramic public bath. The men’s bath offers views of both Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Open 24 hours a day, the panoramic public bath lets guests enjoy the changing scenery throughout the day, from sunrise and sunset to the sparkling night view.

A hot spring ryokan located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. Its prime location offers views of Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Lake Kawaguchi stretching out below, making it a popular choice among visitors.
The highlight of the ryokan is undoubtedly its baths. Guests can soak while taking in views of Mount Fuji from the large public bath with a scenic open-air bath, three private baths, or the rooftop footbath.