YamanashiTravel

Shishin-kaku Hall (思親閣)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Enjoy approximately 7 minutes of aerial sightseeing from Kuonji Station, with views of the Fuji River valley below as you reach the summit

About 120 min here

About 45 min to the next stop

Next stop: Appreciate delicate paper-cut art at the Kirie Forest Museum and leisurely stroll through the fountain and flower gardens

About this spot

The Okunoin (inner temple) of Kuonji on the summit of Mt. Minobu, over 1,000 meters in elevation, said to be a sacred place that Saint Nichiren frequently climbed to remember his parents in his homeland. Along the approach stands a towering old Japanese cedar said to have been planted by the saint, and standing before the Founder's Hall, the mountain-top silence penetrates the heart. From the summit observation deck, a grand vista unfolds: Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay to the south, and the peaks of the Southern Alps to the north—a unique charm of experiencing both pilgrimage and spectacular scenery at once. The summit shop allows you to enjoy the famous Minobu dango to satisfy your appetite.

Tips

Worship is free. There are observation decks on both the south and north sides; head south for Mt. Fuji views. The summit feels considerably cooler than the base, so bring an upper layer for comfort. You can have lunch at the shop with dango and light snacks, or enjoy yuba (tofu skin) cuisine in the gate town after descending. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the gravel paths of the approach.