What is OSHI-KIKUYA?
OSHI-KIKUYA is not simply a guesthouse. It is a place to experience 500 years of Mt. Fuji faith and history. We warmly invite you to discover the distinctive local culture of Fujiyoshida, shaped by centuries of devotion to Mt. Fuji, and to enjoy a memorable stay with us.
The History of OSHI-KIKUYA
To share the story of OSHI-KIKUYA, we must first introduce “Oshi”, the traditional caretakers of Mt. Fuji pilgrims. Their origins trace back to the Asuka period, many centuries ago. In Japan, mountains have long been revered as places of spiritual power, attracting monks and practitioners seeking training and enlightenment. As the highest mountain in the country, Mt. Fuji naturally became a sacred destination for these journeys of faith.
By the 16th century, local residents began offering lodging and prayer services to pilgrims. These caretakers became known as “Oshi.”
OSHI-KIKUYA is one of these historic “Oshi” houses. For more than 450 years, it has welcomed visitors devoted to Mt. Fuji and supported their spiritual journeys. Pilgrims formed groups called Fujikō, which grew rapidly during the Edo period. One saying described their popularity: “Edo has 808 districts and 808 Fujikō groups. Eighty thousand samurai in Edo, and eighty thousand Fujikō followers.” During summer, the homes of the “Oshi” and the town of Yoshida were said to be alive with activity.
Over time, however, Mt. Fuji’s role as a site of religious pilgrimage gradually faded. The number of “Oshi” houses, once 86 at its peak, has decreased to just 16 today. We hope that by visiting OSHI-KIKUYA, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the long and rich history of Mt. Fuji worship.
By the 16th century, local residents began offering lodging and prayer services to pilgrims. These caretakers became known as “Oshi.”
OSHI-KIKUYA is one of these historic “Oshi” houses. For more than 450 years, it has welcomed visitors devoted to Mt. Fuji and supported their spiritual journeys. Pilgrims formed groups called Fujikō, which grew rapidly during the Edo period. One saying described their popularity: “Edo has 808 districts and 808 Fujikō groups. Eighty thousand samurai in Edo, and eighty thousand Fujikō followers.” During summer, the homes of the “Oshi” and the town of Yoshida were said to be alive with activity.
Over time, however, Mt. Fuji’s role as a site of religious pilgrimage gradually faded. The number of “Oshi” houses, once 86 at its peak, has decreased to just 16 today. We hope that by visiting OSHI-KIKUYA, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the long and rich history of Mt. Fuji worship.
The Oshi’s Family Shrine,
“Goshinzen”
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
Message from the 18th head of OSHI-KIKUYA
Shinichi AkiyamaThe 18th head of OSHI-KIKUYA
TextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextTextText
Photo Gallery
