Kawaguchi Asama shrine

Kawaguchi Asama shrine is registered as world cultural heritage as a part of component assets of “Fujisan, Sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”. It was erected to calm the eruption of Mt.Fuji which occurred in 864. The sacred tree of seven cedars called “Shichi-hon Sugi" is very famous. All seven of these cedars are more than 1,200 years old. They are certified as Yamanashi natural monuments.

On the main approach to the shrine, there is a large torii gate with a height of 18m, and the road is lined with big cedar trees. This row of the big cedar is a natural monument of Fujikawaguchiko-machi.

There are big trees in this precinct more than 100 of them as well as Big Seven Cedars, so it has a solemn atmosphere.

Hahano Shirataki shrine and Ubuyagasaki shrine subordinate shrines belonging to Kawaguchi Asama shrine.

Kawaguchi Asama shrine Introductory Video *English subtitles available*

The main shrine and “Omotodama no Ongaku".

Important cultural property of Fujikawaguchiko-machi

The cinnabar red shrine that can be seen at the back of the hall of worship is the main shrine. The calligraphy of “Omoto-dama" displayed on the front of the main shrine is handwritten by Emperor Daigo. It is designated as a tangible cultual property of Fujikawaguchiko-machi along with the main shrine.

Main inner shrine and Omotodama no Ongaku
Main shrine and “Omotodama no Ongaku”

“Magomi Matsuri" and “Chigo-no Mai"

“Magomi Matsuri" is an annual festival held on April 25 every year. “Chigo-no Mai" that is an intangible cultural asset of the Yamanashi-ken designation is dedicated. “Chigo-no Mai" is a traditional dance to quiet the disasters such as earthquake or the eruption of Mt. Fuji. It is a dance performance not to suppress disasters directly but to pray for God to be calm.

After “Chigo-no Mai” was dedicated, the party of a Shinto priest and the portable shrine parade to Ubuyagasaki shrine.

“Daidai-Okagurasai"

“Chigo-no Mai" is dedicated to the “Daidai-Okagurasai" that is held on Jul.28 every year.

Hichi-hon Sugi (Seven cedars)

Seven big cedars became the natural monument of Yamanashi in 1958.

Mishirushi
1.Mishirushi
2.Ubuya, 3.Reikaku, 4.Shinmen
2.Ubuya, 3.Reikaku, 4.Shinmen
5.6.Futahashira
5.6.Futahashira
7.Tenjo
7.Tenjo


“5.6.Futahashira" is called a cedar of matchmaking.

Tenku-no Torii (Torii gate in the sky)

In 2019, a place of worship for Mt.Fuji has been newly constructed on a hill.

Tnku-no Torii

Tenku-no Torii (Torii gate in the sky)

To purify ourselves

Purge of the hand
Purge of the hand
Before entering the shrine, we perform ritual ablutions.
Before entering the shrine, we perform ritual ablutions.

How to purify your hands and mouth

  1. Take a ladle with your right hand and scoop water, then wash your left hand.
  2. Then, switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
  3. Returning the ladle to your right hand, pour water in palm of your left hand and rinse your mouth.
  4. Hold the ladle vertically to wash it with the remaining water and put it back.
  5. You must not touch the ladle directly with your mouth.

The above is carried out with one ladle-full of water.

Give a small offering

Manners of the worship
Manners of the worship
Very old appearance
Hall of worship

This is how we worship

  1. Throw change in the offering box, and ring the bell.
  2. Bow twice.
  3. Clap your hands twice.
  4. Pray with putting your both hands together.
  5. After praying, bow one more time.

Gallery

Panorama

Map

1 kawaguchi, kawaguchiko-machi

Shrine