This teahouse dates back to 300 years ago.The name “Naka no Chaya” literally translates to “middle teahouse”. The name comes from being located in the center between the beginning of the mountain trail and the next pitstop, Umagaeshi.

However, it does have another name: Yūkyō Teahouse. “Yūkyō” literally translates to “spirit boundary”, referring to the boundary between our world and the spirit world. Ahead of the teahouse spans a small bridge, which is said to lead to the Sanzu River (the Buddhist equivalent to the River Styx). Try to remember. The Fuji-kō followers’ goal wasn’t just to get to the top of Mt. Fuji, but to go to the other world, to be reborn.

You, who have passed under the Kanadorii gate into the world of the Fuji fath, will next pass under the torii gate of Sengen Shrine into the holy land. And by crossing the bridge near Naka no Chaya, you will start your journey to the other world.