Mt. Fuji Blog
Discover valuable insights and practical tips for climbing Mt. Fuji, including cultural experiences.
This blog is based on the local knowledge of our expert guides to enhance your journey!
Discover valuable insights and practical tips for climbing Mt. Fuji, including cultural experiences. This blog is based on the local knowledge of our expert guides to enhance your journey!
Mt. Fuji Pilgrimage Tour Report: July 2025 (Part 1)
June 5, 2026
1. The Origins of the 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 spiritual groups called “Fujiko” to climb the mountain together, seeking a sense of “rebirth” through the collective journey.
Why a Pilgrimage?
My first encounter with Mt. Fuji was at the age of 19, during my training to become a mountain guide. Since then, I have spent countless days on its slopes. Back then, I was young and singularly focused on safety and reaching the summit. However, as my relationship with the mountain deepened, I found myself drawn to the legacy of the Fujiko. I felt a growing admiration for their spiritual devotion and community spirit.
Of course, we cannot perfectly replicate the 17th-century experience today; our environment and equipment have evolved significantly. Yet, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, there still exist “Oshi-no-ie” (pilgrim lodgings) that have welcomed travelers for over four centuries
What is an Oshi House?
In 2024, some colleagues and I stayed at an Oshi house the night before our climb. These homes are living museums of Fujiko history. Ancient artifacts are scattered naturally throughout the rooms, and commemorative items donated by generations of pilgrims hang from the walls. There is even an inner sanctum where the Oshi (priest-host) shares the history and guides you through traditional rituals.
Climbing Mt. Fuji after this experience felt fundamentally different. It was as if the mountain’s long history was flowing through me, making me feel part of the unbroken lineage of the Fujiko. The bond I formed with my fellow climbers that day was something truly special.
Inspired by this profound experience, our team—who typically provide private guided tours for international visitors
—decided to curate this unique “Pilgrimage Tour.”
Just like the pilgrims of old, we begin by staying at an Oshi house to purify the mind and body before the ascent. While JIN almost exclusively offers private tours, this specific program adopts a “group climbing” style, where individuals join together to form a modern-day Fujiko. This is our way of keeping the ancient spirit alive in the 21st century.
2-1. The July 2025 Pilgrimage Tour
Our inaugural Pilgrimage Tour took place in July 2025. Given the significance of this first departure, both Ryoma and I served as guides.
Our group consisted of three wonderful guests: a couple from Indonesia and a young woman from the UK. The British traveler joined us through our U30 Scholarship Program, which supports climbers under 30. She has also shared her perspective in a blog post below.
Participant’s Blog
2-2. Day 1: Life at the Oshi House
In the late afternoon, we gathered at Kikuyabo, our designated Oshi house. Ryoma and I were a bit nervous but excited as we waited with our host. The Indonesian couple arrived first, and we gave them a tour of the historic premises, followed shortly by our British guest.
The Oshi house is an expansive, traditional residence with private guest rooms on the second floor. Since there is only one shared shower for the entire house, everyone took turns freshening up before gathering in the first-floor living area. The space was filled with authentic pilgrimage gear, and our guests were absolutely fascinated—it felt as though we had stepped back in time.
Once everyone was settled, the master of the house, Shinichi-san, led us to the inner shrine, the most sacred part of the home. The atmosphere was serene and humbling. We were even given the rare opportunity to use traditional woodblocks—some over 100 years old—to stamp our pilgrimage attire. This hands-on connection to history was a massive hit with everyone.
For dinner, we enjoyed traditional “Oshi Cuisine” prepared by the entire family. The immersion into the world of the Fujiko was so complete that it felt as if the tour’s mission had already been accomplished. However, the real climb was still ahead of us. After a final gear check and a briefing on the next day’s logistics, we headed to bed to rest for the journey to the summit.
To be continued in Tour Report No. 2.
Click here for more details about the pilgrimage tour.