What to know
The Former Togawa Residence (Kyū Togawa-ke Jūtaku) once served as a pilgrim inn along the approach to Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, the historic northern trailhead to the summit of Mount Fuji. It is one of only a few surviving examples of more than 80 such inns that catered to pilgrims before improved transportation made it unnecessary to stay overnight at the foot of the mountain before the ascent. Although known as pilgrim inns, these lodgings were also the private homes of oshi, low-ranking priests who promoted the worship of Mount Fuji. In addition to opening their homes to pilgrims climbing Mount Fuji, oshi priests performed various religious rites and maintained the trail to the peak.
The Togawa Residence was built in 1768 and remained in operation until 1962. The building is only a few meters wide but extends 40 meters to the rear, consisting of an older front section and a newer rear section. Inside are tatami rooms and a small shrine dedicated to the gods of Mount Fuji. Clothing and hiking equipment used by the oshi priests and pilgrims are also on display. The building is part of the World Heritage site surrounding Japan's most famous mountain.
Today, the residence serves as an annex of the Fujisan Museum, located 2.5 kilometers further south, providing visitors with more information about the religious customs related to Mount Fuji and climbing the mountain in the old days.
The Former Togawa Residence is a five-minute walk uphill along the straight road leading toward Mount Fuji in front of Fujisan Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line.
How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed
- Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
- Admission
- 100 yen (~$0.64) (residence only)
- English name
- The Togawa Oshi House, A Pilgrim's Inn
- Original name
- Former Togawa Residence
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.