Start our hike from a small temple at the base where we learn a bit about the history of Nichiren Buddhism and Shichimenzan as a pilgrimage site. This has been a training ground for Nichiren Buddhist Monks since the late 1,200's.

Great waterfall at the base of the mountain that is used in winter for ascetic training and purification by the monks of Shichimenzan. There is also a statue of Oman-no-kata, the first woman to climb Shichimenzan in the 1,600's. We will hear her story before starting our climb.

Keishinin is the temple that was built in the late 1,200's to the goddess of Shichimenzan, or the Shichimenzan Daimyojin. She is said to protect the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as well as its followers by changing into a powerful dragon. This temple also features one of the best views of Mt. Fuji and features a diamond Fuji sunrise on the fall and spring equinox. This is when the sun rises directly behind the summit of Mt. Fuji and the light passes over Fuji, through the temple gate, and into the main hall. This is the temple that we will spend the night in. The late afternoon will start with tea and then a chance to get a hot bath (communal gender separated). Then a simple Buddhist Vegetarian meal will be served before there are two services in the temple in the evening that everyone is able to join in on.