Mt. Fuji Travel Guide: Kawaguchi Asama Shrine & the Famous Sky Torii Gate

Hidden in an ancient cedar forest near Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is one of the most peaceful shrines around the area.
Most people know it because of the popular Sky Torii viewpoint, a famous Instagram spot where you can photograph a torii gate with Mt. Fuji in the background.

What Do Asama Shrines Worship?

If you’ve done a bit of research, you’ll notice many Asama Shrines around Mt. Fuji.
Asama Shrines in Japan mainly worship the volcano deity, especially the spirit of Mt. Fuji itself.

Their main deity is Konohanasakuya-hime, and sometimes her father Ōyamatsumi or her sister Iwanaga-hime are also enshrined together.

Both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki mention Konohanasakuya-hime, and in these ancient texts, she is strongly connected with fire and protection from fire.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine has a long history dating back to 865 AD.

During that time, Mt. Fuji erupted continuously, and people believed the volcano god was angry. To calm the deity, Emperor Seiwa ordered the construction of this shrine.

As soon as you walk through the large torii gate, you’re greeted by rows of tall, ancient cedar trees.
No matter how you take pictures, it’s hard to capture just how towering and majestic they really are.

Many of these trees are over 800 years old, with massive trunks and thick foliage, giving the whole place a sacred, timeless atmosphere.

Along the walkway, you’ll often see volunteers quietly sweeping the grounds, helping preserve the shrine’s serenity.

Unlike popular tourist spots, this area is calm and quiet, filled with a mysterious and spiritual feeling.

Behind the main shrine, even more towering cedars fill the space.
Seven of these sacred trees are wrapped with shimenawa ropes, and each one is said to be over 1,200 years old.

The Sky Torii Gate

After spending some time at the shrine, it’s time to head toward the famous Sky Torii Gate, a viewpoint overlooking Mt. Fuji and a hot spot on Instagram.

There are two ways to get there:

• A gentler paved road
• Or a forest trail

You can also drive or take a taxi, but the mountain road is narrow and the parking area has only 6 spaces. If you’re not used to driving on narrow mountain roads, you may want to reconsider.

We chose the forest trail.

From the back of the shrine, we walked uphill until we reached a paved road with two red torii gates.
Once you pass through them, the actual climb begins.

The trail is mostly empty, surrounded by silence.
Only the sound of wind and the occasional rustling leaves accompany you.
Sunlight shines softly through the trees, making the path feel calm and peaceful.

After about 15 minutes, I spotted the torii gate in the distance.

Once you leave the forest trail and reach the paved road, you’ll walk a few curves before seeing the gate clearly, and likely a line of people waiting to take photos.

If you want that classic IG shot, you’ll need to wait your turn.

There’s a 100 yen cooperation fee, and each group gets 3 minutes to take photos.
You can also ask the staff to help take your pictures.
If you want more photos after your time is up, you’ll have to line up again.

Tripods and drones are not allowed.

Mt. Fuji’s weather changes fast. Just minutes ago the peak was completely visible, then suddenly, clouds rose up like soft veils and covered the summit.

By the time I stood at the Sky Torii Gate to take my photos, the top of the mountain was already hidden.

Even so, I loved the entire walk, the tall cedar trees, the quiet forest path, and finally reaching this legendary viewpoint made the whole experience meaningful.

Whether Mt. Fuji decides to show her face or not… that part is pure luck.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine — Hours & Access

• Address: 1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
• Omamori Sales: 09:00–16:00
• Free entry
• Access by bus:
  • Take the Fujikyuko Bus toward Kofu Station and get off at Kawaguchi Kyoku–mae, 1 min walk to the shrine
  • Take the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus and get off at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, right in front of the entrance

Sky Torii Gate — Hours & Access

• Address: 1119-2 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi
• Hours: 09:00–16:00
• Cooperation Fee: 100 yen
• Getting There
  • By car:
    • There are only 6 parking spaces, and the road is narrow.
    • If you’re unsure, it’s easier to park near Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and walk up.
  • On foot:
    • Take a bus to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, explore the shrine first, then walk up to the Sky Torii Gate.