Hitobana Fuji-ko Ruins

Overview

The Hitobana Fuji-ko Ruins are a group of historical sites in Hitobana, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, related to the Fuji-ko faith. They are designated as a National Historic Site and are part of the World Heritage Site "Mount Fuji: objects of faith and source of artistic inspiration". The central feature of the Hitobana Fuji-ko Ruins is the Hitobana-fukake, a lava cave. This is said to be where Kakugyo Hasegawa, considered the founder of Fuji-ko, practiced asceticism from the 16th to the 17th centuries, received divine revelation from Asama Daibosatsu, and ultimately passed away. Kakugyo revered Mount Fuji as a sacred site, led many followers on pilgrimages to the mountain, and his philosophy developed into the Fuji-ko faith. Due to the risk of collapse, the Hitobana-fukake cave is currently closed to the public. However, you can still sense its mystical atmosphere from near the entrance. Around the cave, numerous grave markers of Kakugyo and Fuji-ko devotees stand, testifying to the fervent devotion of that time. The Hitobana Fuji-ko Ruins also include the Hitobana Asama Shrine. This shrine was a focal point of Fuji-ko devotees' faith, with many monuments erected there. Inscriptions on the monuments include the names of devotees and the dates of their construction, providing insight into the practices of Fuji-ko. The Hitobana Fuji-ko Ruins are a precious place that conveys the history and culture of Mount Fuji faith. Visit this site nestled in a quiet forest and experience the grandeur of Mount Fuji faith and the depth of people's devotion.