Japan’s Sacred Mountains: The Spirit of Reiho Shinko
When travelers think of Japan, the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji often comes to mind first. It stands not just as a geological marvel, but as a spiritual pillar. This reverence for high places is known as Reihō Shinkō (霊峰信仰), or “Sacred Peak Worship.” For centuries, the Japanese people have viewed mountains not merely as physical landscapes to conquer, but as the dwelling places of the divine and the bridge between the heavens and the earth.
The Origins: Where Gods and Nature Merge
In the earliest days of Japanese history, long before organized religion took root, the land was defined by animism—the belief that spirits, or kami, inhabit all natural phenomena. Mountains, dominating the landscape of the archipelago, were seen as particularly potent.
There were two primary drivers for this ancient worship. First, mountains were the source of water. They caught the rain and fed the rivers that irrigated the rice paddies, making them the givers of life. Second, they were viewed as the realm of the dead. It was believed that when people passed away, their spirits ascended the local peaks to watch over their descendants.
As Buddhism arrived from the continent in the 6th century, it did not replace these indigenous beliefs but rather merged with them. This syncretism gave birth to Shugendo, a mystical ascetic practice where mountain practitioners, known as Yamabushi, retreat into the rugged wilderness to gain supernatural powers and enlightenment through endurance.
Legend and Myth: The Three Holy Mountains
While almost every local mountain in Japan has a shrine, three peaks stand above the rest in the hierarchy of Reihō Shinkō: Mount Fuji, Mount Haku (Hakusan), and Mount Tateyama. Together, they are known as the Sanreizan.
Legends surrounding these peaks are vividly detailed in ancient texts. Mount Fuji is often associated with Konohanasakuya-hime, the blossom-princess goddess who symbolizes the delicate earthly life. She is the deity who keeps the volcano’s fury in check.
Conversely, Mount Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture possesses a darker, more somber legend. In the past, its sulphurous, bubbling landscapes were literally interpreted as the entrance to Hell. Pilgrims would travel there to perform rites for the souls of the deceased, believing that by walking the treacherous paths of Tateyama, they could help save their ancestors from the underworld. It is a profound duality: the mountain as a source of life-giving water and the mountain as a gateway to the afterlife.
Modern Culture: Pilgrimage in the 21st Century
Today, Reihō Shinkō has evolved, but it hasn’t vanished. The solemn asceticism of the past has blended with modern recreational hiking. Every summer, thousands of people climb Mount Fuji. While many go for the sunrise photo, the act itself is a modern iteration of the Tozan (climbing pilgrimage).
There is also a booming interest in “Power Spots”—locations believed to be charged with spiritual energy. Young urbanites from Tokyo flock to Mount Kurama or Mount Takao seeking revitalization from the stress of city life. The Yama Girl (Mountain Girl) fashion trend, featuring stylish yet functional hiking gear, has made mountain worship accessible and trendy for a new demographic.
Despite the commercialization, the core respect remains. You will still see hikers bowing at the trailhead torii (gate) before beginning their ascent, acknowledging that they are entering sacred ground.
Traveler’s Tips: Hiking the Holy Peaks
If you wish to experience Reihō Shinkō yourself, here is how to do it respectfully and safely:
1. Choose Your Mountain Wisely
For beginners, Mount Takao offers a gentle introduction with paved paths and a beautiful temple, Yakuo-in, near the summit. For those seeking history, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes offer a deep dive into the syncretic roots of nature worship. For the ultimate challenge, Mount Fuji is open generally from July to early September, but requires preparation.
2. Follow Spiritual Etiquette
- Bow before entering the mountain gate.
- Do not remove nature: Taking a stone or flower from a sacred mountain is considered bad luck and disrespectful to the kami.
- Carry a coin: Most summits have a shrine. It is customary to offer a 5-yen coin (which symbolizes good relationships) and say a brief prayer.
3. Pack Appropriately
Even sacred mountains have unpredictable weather. Wear layers, sturdy boots, and carry rain gear. The spirits may be welcoming, but the elements are indifferent.
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the depth of Japanese mythology and the position of nature within it, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle (712 AD), detailing the creation of the Japanese islands and the birth of nature deities.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides further elaboration on the lineage of the gods and the imperial family’s connection to the land.
- The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter: For early fictional references to Mount Fuji and the elixir of immortality.
By climbing these peaks, you aren’t just hiking; you are stepping into a living history that spans millennia, breathing the same air as the ascetics and emperors of the past.