1. What is a Pilgrimage Tour?
For over 400 years, Mt. Fuji has been the site of a continuous tradition of pilgrimage climbing known as “Tohai.” Historically, people formed groups called “Fujiko” to climb the mountain together, seeking a spiritual “rebirth.”
Our Pilgrimage Tour is a modern reimagining of this ancient practice. Just like the pilgrims of old, we begin our journey by staying at an “Oshi-no-ie”—a traditional lodging for pilgrims at the foot of the mountain—to purify both mind and body before the ascent. While most of JIN’s offerings are private tours, this specific pilgrimage is unique, as it brings together travelers who start as strangers and become a group through the shared experience of the climb.

Learn more about “Pilgrimage Tour”

Learn more about “Oshi-no-ie”.

2. The Essence of the Pilgrimage
Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, is a wonderful achievement. however, this tour is about more than just the destination. We focus on the ancient practice of self-reflection and spiritual rebirth. To climb Mt. Fuji in this way is an act of self-transformation. Climbing together and changing together—this is the true heart of our pilgrimage tour.

3. July 2025 Tour Report
This July, we shared this journey with a lovely couple from Indonesia and a solo female traveler from the UK. Our guest from the UK joined us through our U30 Program and has even written her own blog post about her experience!

4. Day 1: Entering the World of Fujiko
We gathered before 5:00 PM at Kikuyabo, a traditional Oshi lodging. The family at Kikuyabo provided a warm welcome, making us feel right at home
. We had the special opportunity to stamp our pilgrimage robes using ancient woodblocks. After enjoying a traditional Oshi meal and checking our gear, we went to sleep, feeling as though we had truly stepped back into the historic world of the Fujiko
.
5. Day 2: The Sacred Path
After breakfast at Kikuyabo, we set off. We offered our prayers at the Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine at the base before heading to the 5th Station. There, we received a formal prayer for safety and a sacred charm at Komitake Shrine.
Beginning the hike after these rituals feels completely different and more sacred than simply arriving by car at the 5th Station. We climbed steadily to the Taishikan hut at the 8th Station, where we rested for the night.

6. Day 3: A Magical Rebirth
We departed the hut in the middle of the night for the final ascent. As we climbed through the darkness, the eastern sky slowly began to brighten. The “Goraiko” (sunrise) we witnessed was absolutely magical and moving
. After reaching the summit and taking a well-deserved rest, we began our descent.
During the walk down, we shared wonderful conversations and deep reflections
. After a small celebration at the 5th Station, we returned to the city. It was only a three-day journey, but we all felt somehow “changed” compared to when we first arrived. This is the power of a true pilgrimage climb.