Hello, this is Interpreter Takezawa!
In our previous post, we explored the enchanting legends of Mount Fuji. Today, we delve into its spiritual legacy—how Japan’s most iconic mountain evolved from a feared volcano to a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered as a “sacred mountain and artistic inspiration.”
From Fear to Reverence: The Roots of Fuji Worship
For ancient Japanese communities, Mount Fuji was both a terror and a wonder. Its frequent eruptions kept people at a distance, but its awe-inspiring presence gradually transformed it into a sacred symbol.
Archaeological sites like Oshikakubo and Sengoku Ruins (dating back to the Jomon Period) reveal early practices of yohai (遥拝)—worshiping Fuji from afar. One of Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage components, Yamamiya Sengen Shrine, was originally a yohai site with no main hall, reflecting this distant reverence.
The Rise of Pilgrimage: Shugendo and Fuji’s Spiritual Ascent
Over time, Fuji worship shifted from distant admiration to physical devotion through tohai (登拝)—ascending the mountain. This change was driven by Shugendo, a blend of mountain asceticism and Buddhism emphasizing enlightenment through harsh mountain rituals.
Key Figures in Fuji’s Spiritual History
1. En no Gyoja (役小角) – The Legendary Ascetic
-
Born in 634 CE in modern-day Nara, En no Gyoja founded Shugendo, practicing austerities on mountains like Kinpusen and Omine.
-
Exiled to Izu Oshima Island in 699, legends claim he escaped nightly to train on Fuji, “walking across the sea” using mystical powers.
-
Revered at Murayama Sengen Shrine (a UNESCO site), his legacy blends history and myth, inspiring characters in Japanese literature and anime.
2. Matsudai Shonin (末代上人) – Fuji’s Pilgrimage Pioneer
-
In the late Heian Period, Matsudai became the “father of Fuji asceticism,” summiting the mountain over 100 times.
-
He chanted “Rokkon Shōjō” (purification of the six senses), a phrase believed to inspire the climbers’ chant “Dokkoi-sho!”
-
Matsudai built Dainichi Hall on Fuji’s summit and later became a sokushinbutsu (a self-mummified monk) at Murayama.
The Murayama Pilgrimage Route: Rise and Decline
The Murayama Route, once the main path for Shugendo practitioners, connected Murayama Sengen Shrine (469m) to the 6th Station (2,490m) of the modern Fujinomiya Trail.
-
Golden Age: Depicted in the Silk Fuji Mandala, it thrived with pilgrims until the 1707 Hoei Eruption disrupted travel.
-
Decline: Popularity shifted to northern and eastern routes, and newer trails like Gotemba and Fujinomiya further sidelined Murayama.
-
Revival: Today, local volunteers preserve the Murayama Ancient Trail, reviving its historical and spiritual significance.
Fuji’s UNESCO Legacy: Faith in the Modern World
In 2013, Mount Fuji was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its role as a “sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.” Sites like Murayama Sengen Shrine and Yamamiya Sengen Shrine stand as testaments to its enduring spiritual power—from ancient yohai rituals to the daring ascents of Shugendo monks.
Final Thoughts
Mount Fuji’s journey—from volcanic menace to spiritual beacon—mirrors Japan’s own cultural evolution. Whether you’re drawn to its legends, trails, or tranquil beauty, Fuji remains a mountain that transcends time.
To explore Fuji’s legendary tales, read our previous post:
