Virtual Eastern Edo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #16 Shuzen-in Temple

      Mt. Fuji has been worshiped since ancient times. It was Priest Matsudai (1103-?) who started the organized and systematic worship of Mt. Fuji.  In the Edo Period, the worship became so popular that many people actually climbed the mountain and prayed to the god of Mt. Fuji in Sengen Shrine, or Asama Shrine, there. However, some people were too weak to climb the mountain and they invited the god of Sengen Shrine onto natural hills or existent burial mounds. Others even built artificial mounds with stones and earth to enshrine the god of Sengen Shrine. Those natural and artificial mounds were called Fuji Mounds, and those who couldn't climb Mt. Fuji climbed the mounds and worshiped the god of Sengen Shrine or Mt. Fuji itself.

     The foundation of Asakusa Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine dates back to 1671 at the latest.  The surrounding area was slightly elevated with natural levees along Sumida River.  All the hills but one were flatted to supply earth to reclaim marches and swamps in the area.  On the only hill left, they founded a branch shrine of Sengen Shrine to invite the god of Mt. Fuji.   Shuzen-in Temple was founded as its shrine temple.  After the Meiji Restoration, the temple was abolished and Fuji Elementary School was built at the site.

Fuji Elementary School

Address: 4 Chome-48-9 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Phone: 03-3874-9361

Asakusa Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

Address: 5 Chome-3-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Phone: 03-3844-1575