Technically speaking, the Omuro Sengen Shrine is farther up ahead, but let’s take a second to stop here. If you look around, do you notice anything? As a matter of fact, the torii gate for Omuro Sengen Shrine used to be here. To the left and right, you can still see the foundations of the old gates.

Are you surprised that the remains of the gate are at eye level? Back when these gates were in use, the gates weren’t actually so low, but due to flash floods caused by melted snow, the earth below eroded and a little valley was created. Seeing how powerful nature can be really makes your re-evaluate your existence within it. Maybe this is another Sadhana you go through when climbing the mountain.

The Omuro Sengen Shrine found one-fifth of the way up the mountain is said to be the first shrine built on Mt. Fuji. The main hall was actually moved to the shrine in Kawaguchiko Lake but would still go on to become a part of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage sites.