14 Day Japan Itinerary
Recently, I went to the Mount Fuji area and discovered a torii gate that overlooks this magnificent mountain. There I met a Samurai and was able to get some epic photos with him.
Touring Tokyo and a Journey through Japan-- these are two books I have written about my travels in Japan. Check these out!!!
Many people come to Japan to observe the stunning and towering Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, and it is one of the world’s famous mountains. The mountain is commonly called “Fuji-san,” and is not surprisingly the country’s tallest peak, standing at a staggering 3,776 meters. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which erupted in 1707. It is located on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures and can be observed from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear sky days.
I have resided in Japan for over 4 years and I have been drawn like a magnet to Mount Fuji. Recently, I was perusing the Instragram posts, and I came across a picture of a tori gate overlooking the magnificent Mount Fuji. I told myself, “I am going there.” What was puzzling though is that the posts I had seen failed to add the location of the place. I was puzzled. Is this some secret and hidden spot that no one wants to disclose. I searched the internet for tori gate and Mount Fuji and still no luck. Then I went back to Instagram and on one of the new feeds was the tori gate area over looking the picture. “That’s it.” The location was added to the post as well: “Tenku no torii.” Translated as “Torii gate in the sky,” it did not take me long to pack my bags and head to this place.
The torii gate area is called Tenku no torii, which translates as the "Torii gate in the sky." When you visit this place yourself, you will feel like the torii gate is literally in the sky. I stumbled upon this place while traveling around the beautiful Lake Kawagichiko. This is a hidden travel spot that will leave you speechless.
The travel to the spot by foot is about 30 minutes. If you love to hike up this steep mountain, this place is for you. It is a beast climbing the hill, but my wife and I were able to successfully accomplish it.
When you finally reach your destination, you will discover that the beautiful vermillion Tenku no tori lies on the edge of the mountain. As you approach this gate, you will instantly have a majestic view of Mount Fuji. Historically, the torii gate was installed in 2019 on the land between Asama shrine and the Hananoshirataki shrine. On a clear day, the torii gate gives one a clear and beautiful view of Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, and Kawaguchikomachi.
After spending over 2 hours taking photos and videoing at the Tenku no torii, I observed some Japanese people hiking up a hill. Shortly afterwards, my wife and I crossed a log shaped bridge and ambled to the top of a hill, where we found a terrace area that overlooked the Kawaguchiko Lake and bridge from such a great height. It was such a spectacular view.
Hours of Operation
They are open Monday- Friday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Prices
The policies at the place are very bizarre. You will be charged 500 yen membership fee if you decide to use a handheld camera to take a picture of the Tenku no torii. However, if you prefer to just use your smartphone, there is no charge.
Address:
1119-2 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304
How to get to Tenku No Torii
If you decide to take a bus, then I recommend boarding the bus at the Kawaguchiko train station. This bus is likely enroute to Kofu, the final destination. You will have about 13 stops (10 minutes) until you reach the the Kawaguchichiuzaisho bus drop off area. From there you will walk about 28-30 minutes to your destination.
If you decide to drive there, the total time will be about 17 minutes.
GUIDES TO TRAVELING YAMANASHI