Lesser-Known Japanese Beliefs Vol. 4 | Mount Fuji Worship & Hidden Fujizuka in Tokyo Edomae Tempura

Discover the fascinating spiritual history of Mount Fuji worship and how it shaped everyday life in Edo-period Japan. Long before it became a famous tourist destination, Mount Fuji was revered as a sacred site believed to bring blessings and rebirth.

Find out more about the cultural significance of Mount Fuji here:

The Cultural Importantance of Mount Fuji and What to do Around Mt. Fuji

In this video, we explore the origins of Fuji faith and its founder, Kakugyo, how common people in Edo worshipped the mountain through Fujiko pilgrimages, why climbing Mount Fuji was a spiritual act of death and rebirth, the secret world of Fujizuka—mini Mount Fujis hidden across Tokyo for those who couldn’t make the real journey, two fascinating Fujizuka you can still climb today in Sendagaya and Shinagawa, and a taste of authentic Edomae tempura from Tokyo’s fishing heritage.

You’ll also learn about rare customs like kuchidome (mouth-sealing for purification) and the deep ties between yamabushi training, Shugendo, and Mount Fuji beliefs.

If you’re into Japanese folklore, hidden spiritual traditions, or love uncovering Tokyo’s forgotten past, this video is for you.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
06:35 Climbing Sendagaya, Tokyo’s Mount Fuji
09:00 Climbing Shinagawa, Tokyo’s Mount Fuji
12:30 Eating Edomae Conger Eel Tempura

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