Take a look at the next photograph. At one time, there was a large spring that appeared to be a large pond. The followers of Fuji-kō would bathe in this water to cleanse themselves. This action was called “mizugori” (or “cold-water ablutions”), and would purify your body of any grime. At present, the spring can still be found underground. This water can be found at the hand-washing stations of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and is also used as a source for tap water.

By the way, Mt Fuji resembles the shape of the character for “eight” (八). Japanese people call this character the “eight of prosperity” and believe it will bring good luck. Along with the lakes Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shōjiko, Motosuko, Shibireko, and Asumiko, the Sensui spring here acts as the “Fuji Eight Lakes” and forms the “Eight Lake pilgrimage” which the people of Fuji-kō would undergo. They would go around the sites where the ancestor of Fuji-kō, the Kakugyō, performed Sadhanas and experience them for themselves.