Fujinomiya is the temple town of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, which worships Mount Fuji to calm its fury. Past eruptions have frightened and displaced residents, and the 11th emperor established this temple to pacify it. In the 9th century, the emperor ordered to build a new grand shrine at the current site.
The buildings we see today primarily date from the early 17th century. This is the head shrine of over 1300 Sengen shrines across the country.
Traditionally, pilgrimmages to climb the mountain have started from here, although nowadays, the preferred starting point is half way up the mountain at the 5th station.
From the train station, it is a fairly long 15-minute walk to reach the World Heritage Centre and the shrine is just a short distance away.
Staff were cooking up a storm to serve various treats to the long lines of worshippers. These are theoretically free but I observed the local custom is to donate some coins as you receive your treat.
Of course, a temple that worships the mountain would have very good views of the mountain.
