In the Edo Period, climbing Mount Fuji became more widespread through Fuji-kō, groups of believers who organized pilgrimages.

Members pooled resources and sent representatives to climb on behalf of the group, dressed in white garments symbolizing both pilgrimage and death.

The journey was seen as one of death and rebirth, culminating in the moment of Goraikō—meeting the light at dawn.

Pilgrims climbed the steep mountain and finally reached the summit. And there, they encountered the purpose of their pilgrimage.

That purpose was Goraigō.

They walked through the darkness of night, and at the moment of dawn, they welcomed the light from the summit.

To them, this light was not simply the morning sun. People of the past saw in that light the moment when gods or Buddhas appeared.