Kanadorii Gate
Kanadorii Gate, with Mt. Fuji framed between its pillars, stands just minutes from Fujisan station. It is a traditional Shinto shrine gate, marking the threshold separating the secular world outside from the spiritual realm centered on the mountain’s peak. It was also known as “the first torii,” because it was the first of eight gates Fujiko pilgrims from Edo passed through on their way to the summit.
Beyond the Threshold
Kanadorii Gate was first erected in 1788 by Fujiko adherents. Its wooden pillars were wrapped in copper sheets; hence the name “Kanadorii,” which means “metal torii.” The original gate was re-erected in 1831 and 1878 after twice being blown down by fierce winds. It then stood until 1942, when its materials were requisitioned for the war. The current Kanadorii Gate was completed in 1957. It stands about 30 meters closer to Mt. Fuji than where historians believe the old gate was, and is made of copper-plated concrete.
The street beyond the gate was once lined with dozens of pilgrims’ inns run by spiritual leaders of the Fujiko faith called oshi. Each Fujiko chapter had ties to a specific inn, where pilgrims would spend the night before setting off for the summit in the morning. Five inns still accept visitors.