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Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

1,000 Year Old Seven Sequoias

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, built in 865 A.D., is dedicated to the great goddess Sengen of Mount Fuji. Its territory is full of ancient trees, including seven giant cedar trees, which are regarded as sacred trees. Said to be 1200 years old, they are about 45 meters tall and are the symbol and emblem of the shrine.

The Kawaguchiko Asama Shrine 河口浅間神社 was built in 865 in Kawaguchiko Town after a rare eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 A.D., which led to the destruction around Lake Kawaguchi. The shrine is dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime 木花咲耶姫, the Goddess of Mount Fuji.

After passing through the torii at the entrance, a stone-paved Worship Path leads to the Main Hall, and the cedar trees standing on both sides of the path are 800 years old. The surrounding ancient buildings and trees form a Divine Sanctuary inside the Forest.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is home to Seven Giant Cedars 七本杉, which are said to be more than 1200 years old. They are about 45 meters tall, with an average tree circumference of up to 6 to 8 meters, and these seven sacred trees are considered to be the symbol and emblem of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine.

Manywhere Trivia:
Each of the seven giant cedars has its own name: Mishirushi, Ubuya, Reikaku, Shinmen, Tenjo, and the Futahashira Couple Cedars, which are said to bless young couples. The custom of naming those sacred trees is popular in Alishan, Taiwan, too.