Fuji-Yoshida was an “Oshi town”. On this road are over 80 Oshi homes lined up next to each other where the Fuji-kō climbers would spend the night. The Togawa Oshi House is one of these homes. The Oshi were not only inn owners, but also Shinto priests, who served as mediators for the Fuji-kō people.

Let’s look at some of the characteristics of this Oshi home. First, facing the road, you should notice a stone lantern. From there, follow the long and narrow path that will lead you to the house. A waterfall flows into the garden as you enter the space. The Fuji-kō climbers would cleanse their bodies here before entering the Oshi’s home, similar to the hand-washing stations at a temple. Inside, there was space for many people to sleep and the Oshi would prepare food in accordance with the doctrines of their faith and arrange for a strong person to support the climbers like the Sherpa mountain people of Nepal. A small shrine is located inside the house where the Oshi would perform a ritual before the guest’s climb.

Since Mt. Fuji can only be climbed during a select time during the year, the Oshi had only two months to make enough money. During the climbing season, the Oshi are very busy hosting the climbers. At the end of the season, the Oshi with talismans and medicine in-hand would go to the towns from which the Fuji-kō people came. As a sign of appreciation, the Oshi would receive produce and the like. And of course, they made sure to make a pitch to the people, saying, “Make sure to come back to Mt. Fuji next year!”

Togawa Oshi House has been declared a world heritage site because of its historical significance relating to the Oshi and is open to the public. There are still a few active Oshi homes. For example, there is the Jōmonji House found on this same street. The head of that household also works as the chief priest of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.