Arakura Fuji Sengen is a historic Shinto shrine in Fujiyoshida, founded in 705 and known for prayers for safety, family happiness, and childbirth. It is especially famous for spring cherry blossoms and sweeping views of Mt. Fuji near Chureito Pagoda.
Check Mount Fuji visibility forecasts before your visit, as the mountain is often obscured by clouds or fog—even on days predicted to be clear, weather can change quickly and impact your photo opportunities.
Visit in spring if you want the classic cherry blossom and Mt. Fuji view that made the shrine especially famous.
Arakura Fuji Sengen is traditionally dated to 705, making it a shrine with over 1,300 years of history.
You must climb exactly 398 steps to reach the iconic pagoda viewpoint - a challenging 15-minute ascent that rewards you with Japan's most photographed Mt. Fuji vista.
Founded in 705 CE, this shrine has stood for over 1,300 years, predating the famous Chureito Pagoda by more than a millennium and witnessing countless eruptions of sacred Mt. Fuji.
To handle massive crowds, the shrine issues only pre-written goshuin (stamp seals) - a rare practice showing just how internationally famous this Mt. Fuji viewpoint has become.
The shrine attracts so many foreign visitors that Japanese tourists report hearing almost no Japanese spoken - you're more likely to hear English, Chinese, and other languages than the local tongue.
Research parking options in advance as nearby lots charge between 1,000-1,500 yen and facilities vary in quality—some private homes offer parking for 1,000 yen but may not have restroom access.
Visit at sunrise (around 6:30-7:00 AM) to experience the iconic Mount Fuji and pagoda view with minimal crowds—by 8:00 AM the platform becomes significantly more congested, and food stalls don't open until around 8:30 AM.
Prepare for a challenging climb of approximately 398 steep steps to reach the famous five-story pagoda viewpoint, or use the alternative sloped path which is longer but easier on the knees—both routes take about 15-20 minutes.
The shrine offers only pre-written goshuin (stamp books) rather than hand-calligraphed ones due to the extremely high volume of international visitors, so adjust your expectations accordingly if collecting temple stamps.
