Shrine Entrance
Once you arrive at the park, you will find this gorgeous entrance to the stairs that lead up to the shrine, grounds and pagoda.
Shrine Entrance Monument
Another view of the entrance, depicting the location marker and monument.
Shrine Steps
A close up view of the stairs after I started the hike up also depicting the beautiful and famed torii (gateway) into the main shrine and park areas.
Shrine Torii
Another view of the stairs and torii.
Shrine Torii Closer
Another view of the torii close up.
Shrine Torii & Mt.Fuji View
A view looking back after having passed under the torii and witnessing the magic of Mt. Fuji! This is a very popular spot so be patient with the number of folks trying to get the best pics they can :)
Shrine Torii Mt.Fuji & Tourists
Another shot showing its beauty and the fans present.
Mt. Fuji First Time
Mt. Fuji in its glory. This was my first time seeing it in person, totally magical!
Me & Mt. Fuji
My first pic with me and Mt. Fuji take by two new friends I met that day
Purification Ritual
A mandatory part of the hike is the purification ritual and paying respects at the shrine--please do it its fun, worth it and respectful!
Purification Ritual & Water
Purifying myself :)
Inner Shrine
A view of the inner shrine and its bell for offering and ringing for good luck
List of Donors
A list of donors who have given substantially to the park
Ringing the Bell
Me finishing the ritual and paying my respects with an offering and for good luck
Chureito Pagoda Up Close
After finishing the brief hike up the staircase, I arrived at the pagoda and snapped many images of it standing tall and beautiful!
Chureito Pagoda Up Close Side
A view closer to the pagoda and from an angle focusing on its incredible roofs
Mt. Fuji and Clouds
Another shot of Mt. Fuji showing its size and the beautiful lucky weather that day for a December afternoon
Mt. Fuji Park Plaque
A wonderful plaque describing the history and praising the park and Mt. Fuji (I think hahaha)
Mt. Fuji Park Plaque Side
Shimoyoshida Mt. Fuji
A view of Shimoyoshida far into the distance laying at the foot of Mt. Fuji showing its scale.
My Setup for the Shoot Sunset
My iPhone pic (came out great!). On any given day, number of visitors may create set up issues, and bring a clamp as tripod setup is discouraged and may be impossible
My Setup for the Shoot
As before, clamped to the fence for capturing the images using my Really Right Stuff clamp. On any given day, number of visitors may create set up issues, and bring a clamp as tripod setup is discouraged and may be impossible
My Setup for the Shoot Portrait
Same, portrait view
Me & My Chureito Pagoda Setup
Me, myself and my setup...plus Mt. Fuji and the pagoda--thanks new friends for the pic!
I think this one came out the best from my iPhone!
