Fujiyoshida offers several ways to explore Mount Fuji: evidence of religious faith, a shrine that forms part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site, the history of weather observation and activities at a farm. For planning your trip, the main distinction is the theme. The Fujisan Museum displays objects related to the worship of Mount Fuji; at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, the focus is on its buildings and a large torii gate. The Fuji Radar Dome Museum tells a story of technology and offers an experience of the cold at the summit. Fujisan Farm complements the cultural themes with animal-related and hands-on activities.
Fuji Worship at the Fujisan Museum
The collection of items related to Fuji worship from Yoshida-guchi comprises 4,039 objects; the most important materials from the collection are on display in the main exhibition room. The focus is therefore on objects associated with the worship of Mount Fuji. Also currently on general display are a document (御身抜) associated with the Jikyō Miroku faith and the garments 行衣 and 野袴 worn by him when climbing Mount Fuji. A document and the clothing of a specific person are thus displayed side by side. Opening arrangements may change.
Shrine, Torii Gate and Designated Buildings
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site. It includes the Fujisan Grand Torii, one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. In addition, eleven buildings belonging to the shrine have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These details draw attention to different aspects of the site: the torii as a large wooden structure, and the precisely numbered buildings and their designation. Those interested in Fuji worship will find a different focus here than at the museum, where a collection of objects and personal testimonies of faith are displayed.
Radar Dome and Summit Cold Experience
The Fuji Radar Dome Museum opened in 2004 and displays the original radar dome installed at the summit of Mount Fuji in 1964. It observed the weather across Japan until 1999. The dates form a clear sequence: the installation was followed by the end of weather observation and, later, the museum’s opening. The history of this technical instrument can be traced through the original itself. The museum also offers an experience of the cold at Mount Fuji’s summit, using wind, images and sound. Details of this presentation may change.
Activities at Fujisan Farm
Fujisan Farm offers sheep feeding, seasonal contact with lambs, sheep shearing by advance reservation, pony rides for small children and butter making. Conditions therefore vary by activity: contact with lambs is seasonal, and sheep shearing requires advance reservation. The café serves its own soft-serve ice cream as well as light meals made with sheep raised on the farm; café offerings may also vary seasonally. The farm thus offers a different kind of day out from the museums’ religious objects, designated buildings and history of technology.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: KĹŤfu, Yamanakako, Minobu, Nirasaki, Funatsu, Hokuto, Fuefuki, Tsuru.
For the main travel overview: Yamanashi Prefecture.
