The Kanadorii torii gate was first built in 1788, but since then it has been rebuilt multiple times. The current Kanadorii is the fourth. In the old days, this was the gate to the oshi town. The main street would stretch ahead of it, with the oshi houses lining either side.

Let’s look at some old photos and try to see what life was like back then. Take a look at the next photo.

The rail line in the middle of the street was used by a horse-drawn tram. It ran from Ōtsuki to Gotemba, and was frequently used by Fuji-kō pilgrims. Now, it’s covered with concrete, but not the usual kind. It’s been paved with a special kind of concrete so that, during the Fire Festival, when more than 90 burning torches are scattered across the road, it won’t melt.