Kanazakura Shrine

Kanazakura Shrine sits deep beyond Shosenkyo in Mitake, Kofu City, Yamanashi. An old mountain faith shrine that reveres the sacred peak of Mount Kinpu as its divine body, it is said by shrine tradition to have been founded as the main hall on Mount Kinpu in the era of Emperor Yuryaku. Until the end of the Edo period it was called Zao Gongen and gathered mountain faith as a training ground for ascetics.

Crystal is essential to any account of this shrine. The Shosenkyo area has long been known as a source of crystal, and the shrine crystal charms have been loved for blessings of protection from misfortune and rising fortune. In the precinct stands a rare sacred tree known as the ukon cherry, which blooms in a pale golden color in season. The enshrined deities include Sukunabikona, Onamuchi, Susanoo, Yamato Takeru, and Kushinada Hime.

Highlights

• A long mountain faith history revering Mount Kinpu as the sacred body
• Enshrined deities such as Sukunabikona and Onamuchi among five kami
• Crystal charms holding blessings of protection from misfortune and fortune
• The sacred ukon cherry tree that blooms in a golden hue
• The clean mountain air spreading deep beyond Shosenkyo

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the sacred ukon cherry opens its pale golden blossoms and delights visitors. It blooms later than the common Yoshino cherry, with its peak in the late spring around the early May holidays. In summer the mountain precinct is cool and the green grows deep. In autumn many come together with the leaf season of Shosenkyo, and the whole mountain is wrapped in color. In winter the snow-dusted grounds fall silent and a dignified holiness lingers.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2347 Mitakecho, Kofu City, Yamanashi
• Nearest station: JR Kofu Station
• Access: By bus toward Shosenkyo from JR Kofu Station; it lies deep beyond Shosenkyo in the mountains along the upper Arakawa River
• Parking: Use the lots around the shrine
• Admission: Free
• Setting: Within Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park

Practical Travel Notes

• The best seasons are the late spring when the ukon cherry blooms, around the early May holidays, and the autumn leaf season when Shosenkyo turns to color
• Because it lies deep beyond Shosenkyo, it is best toured over a full day together with a walk through the gorge past Senga Falls and Kakuenbo rock
• Public transport in the mountains is limited, so plan with plenty of time and check the bus schedule in advance
• The crystal charms are very popular and make a fine memento; budget a few hundred to around a thousand yen
• Admission is free. Combined with a walk along the Shosenkyo trail, you can enjoy both nature and faith on a modest budget

A Quick Tip

Because it lies deep beyond Shosenkyo, it is best toured together with a walk to Senga Falls and along the gorge. The crystal charms are very popular, so do pick one up as a memento of your visit. The mountain road is winding, so allow extra time if driving.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the guidance of Kanazakura Shrine, tourism information from Kofu City and Shosenkyo, explanations of Kinpu-san faith and the ukon sacred cherry, and published materials on Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The crystal amulet offering, the frequency of mountain buses, and the ukon cherry peak vary by season and year. Since fees and times may change, please confirm the shrines or citys official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Best season: The late spring around Golden Week for the ukon cherry, and the autumn foliage of Shosenkyo, are recommended.
• Getting around: Set deep in Shosenkyo, it pairs with a full day of gorge walks such as Senga Falls and Kakuenpo.
• Travel note: Mountain transport is limited, so check bus frequency in advance and plan with time to spare.
• Highlight: The crystal amulet is popular and makes a fine memento of your visit.
• Budget: The visit is free; allow several hundred to about a thousand yen for an amulet.