The Soul of Japan: A Cultural Heritage Tour

Tateyama’s establishment as a religious site dates back to at least the early 10th century. Over time, Tateyama’s harsh natural environment became a renowned place for ascetic training. Buddhist statues and staff ornaments (shakujoto) used by ascetic practitioners discovered in the mountains offer insight into how Tateyama Worship developed. Through displays of Buddhist statues once enshrined in the mountains, Tateyama Mandalas, and ancient documents, Tenjikan showcases the culture and history of Mt. Tateyama, a mountain endowed with divinity that eventually became revered as a site embodying Buddhist concepts of both hell and paradise.

Oyama Shrine in Ashikuraji features various structures, including a prominent prayer hall. Towering Tateyama cedars—said to be 400-500 years old with trunk circumferences exceeding 2 meters—surround the shrine, creating a solemn atmosphere. The wooden seated statue of Jiko Shonin (a National Important Cultural Property), enshrined in the Kaizando Hall, is considered to depict Saeki no Ariyori (later known as Jiko Shonin) at age 83, who established Mt. Tateyama as a religious site. His mausoleum stands within the shrine grounds beneath Mt. Oyama’s towering summit, where it is said Jiko Shonin continued his prayers until his final moments.

Kyosanbo was one of the 33 temple lodges once located in Ashikuraji and was built in the late Edo period (1603–1868) when Tateyama Worship was flourishing. These lodgings are unique, featuring a private home structure with religious functions. Upon passing through the lodge’s gate, visitors are welcomed by a Japanese garden with stone arrangements and a pond, surrounded by towering Tateyama cedar trees. The garden, changing with the seasons, continues to soothe visitors’ hearts today. In the past, pilgrims were treated to mountain delicacies here while preparing for their climb the following day. The Shukubo also provided mountain-climbing attire and packed meals for the journey.

The gallery houses and exhibits valuable modern mountaineering materials, including a mikoshi (portable shrine) and mountain equipment donated by the Kaga clan during the Edo period, as well as mountaineering books, films, and other related materials from the Meiji era onward.