A real hidden gem and off the beaten path, Kawaguichi Asama Shrine and Tenku no Torii are a must visit during your trip to Kawaguichiko. It is fast becoming one of the top spots to view Mount Fuji in Japan. The shrine has a long history associated with Fuji worship. Pilgrims and Visitors come to the shrine to pay their respect to the sacred mountain, and take in the serene grounds of the shrine. The shrine was awarded UNESCO Heritage Status in 2013 and is a designated heritage site of the Mount Fuji heritage site.

Due to Mount Fuji’s consistent eruptions, people believed the mountain and gods were angry. Therefore the shrine was founded in the year 865 as a way to appease Fuji. To reach the shrine, visitors should take the red line sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko station to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum bus stop. The bus journey will take approximately 20 minutes. From the bus stop, visitors will have to walk approximately 15 minutes to the shrine. The walk is beautiful, where you will walk through rural streets and past luscious green rice fields.

As you walk through the shrine’s grounds, visitors can see many Japanese Cedar trees. Seven of these trees are over 1,200 years old and are considered sacred. On a sunny day, the trees provide shade and a space to enjoy the calming atmosphere. The grounds also have a beautiful Koi Carp pond.

Once visitors have enjoyed the grounds of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, they can then start the short hike to Tenku no Torii. It is important to note, that this hike is short but is quite steep. You have to walk through steps through the forest, and in total the hike will take approximately 15 minutes. For those that don’t want to walk, and if you have a hire car or taxi, the entrance to Tenku no Torii has a small car park.

The hike however is worth it! The views will be your reward. The torii is actually on private land, which has spectacular views of Mount Fuji. To enter, visitors need to give a small 100 yen donation to help maintain the land and torii gate. Depending on how busy it is, you may need to wait a little while for photos with the torii gate and view of Fuji in the background. It is much busier on the weekends, so it is advised visiting during weekdays.

At the top of Tenku no Torii there are a few small vendors selling drinks and snacks to help boost your energy! There are also some small cafes at the entrance of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, and a rest area with toilets where visitors can have a picnic and relax.

Want to experience the beauty and impressive sights of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine & Tenku no Torii for yourself?

Why not join our ’Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure Around Lake Kawaguchiko’ tour . Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to venture out of Tokyo. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Period	All Year Round
Time	07:50 – 19:45
Meeting Place	Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥15,500