Fuchi Rokusho Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka

Standing in Fuji City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Fuchi Rokusho Sengen Shrine is an ancient shrine affectionately known to locals as Mikkaichi Sengen Shrine. Among the many Sengen shrines across Japan, it holds the leading position, the Rokusho no Miya, of the five lower Fuji shrines. While typical Sengen shrines enshrine the goddess Konohanasakuyahime, this shrine instead enshrines her father deity, Oyamatsumi no Mikoto, as its principal deity. Unlike the famous shrines bustling with tourists around Fuji, its charm lies in a calm atmosphere rooted in everyday community life.

Highlights

• The sacred camphor tree rising on the east side of the main hall. Said to be around 1,200 years old, it is a giant tree designated a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture.
• The prestige of being the leading shrine of the five lower Fuji shrines, and quiet grounds that evoke a long, unbroken history.
• Its lineage, distinctive of this land of volcanoes, tradition holding that it was moved to its present site to avoid the eruptions of Mt. Fuji.
• Known for blessings of business prosperity, family harmony, and longevity, long beloved by local people.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time and seasons: Because the sacred camphor is evergreen, it radiates lush vitality all year. Fresh greenery brings its most powerful green, and in the clear air of winter the silhouette of the great tree looks all the more solemn.
• Time needed: The grounds are not large, so a visit and a look at the camphor take about thirty minutes. It is an easy stop during a drive or a Fuji sightseeing trip.
• Avoiding crowds: The first three days of the New Year draw crowds for first prayers, but weekdays are generally quiet. For calm time with the great tree, mornings are recommended.
• Nearby real spots: Drive on to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha in Fujinomiya to visit the head shrine of Fuji worship. Pairing it with a short trip on the Gakunan Railway in Fuji City is also enjoyable.
• Budget sense: Visiting is free. A separate offering is needed for a goshuin seal or amulets.
• Safety notes: The camphor is tall enough to require looking up, so watch your footing and nearby visitors when taking photos.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Train and car: About ten minutes by car or taxi from JR Fuji Station. It is easy to reach from central Fuji City.
• Parking: Available.
• Fees and hours: Visiting the grounds is free. Reception hours at the amulet office and festival dates change, so check official information before your visit.

A Quick Tip

Standing before a camphor tree said to have lived for 1,200 years, you naturally straighten your posture. Because it is a quiet old shrine not overly commercialized, you can take your time to feel the vitality of the great tree. Offer a wish for the health and longevity of your family, and put your hands together after a deep breath. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on Fuji City and local tourism information and on guidance about the history of Fuchi Rokusho Sengen Shrine and its sacred camphor tree. It touches on the great camphor tree designated a Shizuoka Prefecture natural monument and on the shrine's status as the head of the Fuji Shimomo Gosha. Reception hours at the amulet office and festival schedules may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to worship and see the camphor tree
• Access: About 10 minutes by car or taxi from JR Fuji Station, with parking available
• How to get around: A scale easy to drop by during a drive or Fuji sightseeing
• Avoiding crowds: The first three days of the New Year are busy with hatsumode; weekdays and mornings are calmer
• Budget sense: Worship is free; goshuin and amulets require a separate offering
• Safety notes: When photographing the camphor tree, watch your footing and other worshippers