Rising above the surrounding landscape, Mount Fuji has long been regarded as Japan's most sacred mountain.

For generations, people have looked upon its iconic form with awe and reverence. More than a natural landmark, Fuji has shaped religious beliefs, inspired works of art, and served as a destination for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.

For centuries, Mount Fuji was considered a sacred presence that could not be approached directly. Worshippers offered prayers from afar, honoring the mountain as a deity. Later, with the arrival of Buddhism and the development of mountain ascetic traditions, devotion came to be expressed through pilgrimage and climbing. By the Edo period, countless worshippers joined pilgrimage groups known as Fuji-ko, dreaming of ascending the sacred mountain at least once in their lifetime.

At the foot of Mount Fuji stands Sengen Shrine, the traditional gateway for pilgrims beginning their journey toward Fuji. For centuries, worshippers passed through its grounds before setting out toward the mountain.

While Mount Fuji is impressive when viewed up close, it is equally powerful when seen from the deep forests of Aokigahara. Often called Jukai, or “the Sea of Trees,” this volcanic forest offers a rare sense of silence and serenity. Surrounded by ancient woodland and the presence of Fuji beyond the trees, visitors often find themselves slowing down, reflecting, and experiencing a profound sense of stillness.