Last Updated on 2026-03-07 by Tsubaki
I’ve visited Lake Kawaguchi five times in the past, but I had never seen the legendary Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky) in person, mainly because public transportation doesn’t offer easy access to the site. This time, I went on a three-day glamping trip with friends, and since we had a car, I finally had the chance to include this elusive scenic spot in our itinerary.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a car! In this article, I will share not only the self-drive and parking information but also the public transportation routes, important things to know before you go, and some personal tips from my visit, so you can easily plan your own trip to this breathtaking viewpoint!
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About the Kawaguchi Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky)
The Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky) is a torii gate established in 2019 by Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. It was originally built to allow worshippers to pray from a distance, even without reaching the main hall of the shrine.
Since it’s a relatively new addition, it only started gaining popularity on social media over the past few years.
At first, I honestly assumed this torii was constructed to attract foreign tourists and encourage more offerings. After all, many news outlets label it as a “hot spot for international visitors,” which only reinforced my impression. But later, I chatted with some locals and found out that the original plan was actually to build a small auxiliary shrine up here, and the torii gate was just the first step. However, when the request to build the shrine was submitted, it was unfortunately rejected during local government review. As a result, only the torii remained, and that’s how it came to be the Tenku no Torii that everyone knows today.
Where is the Tenku no Torii?
The Tenku no Torii is located on the northeastern side of the Lake Kawaguchi tourist area and is part of the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine grounds. If you look at a map, it’s near the top-right area, slightly away from the lake’s shoreline.
It takes about 30 minutes on foot from the entrance of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine to reach the torii. If you’re up for the challenge and have some extra time, you can even hike further uphill to visit the shrine’s subsidiary shrine, Hahanoshirataki Shrine (母の白滝神社).
When Can You Visit?
As part of the shrine grounds, the Tenku no Torii is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There are no specific opening or closing hours.
However, keep in mind that in winter, the mountain paths can be covered in snow and get slippery. If you plan to visit during the colder months, make sure to dress warmly and watch your step!
How to Get to the Tenku no Torii
① By Bus + On Foot
From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a Fujikyu Bus and then walk to the torii.
・Get off at Kawaguchi Post Office (河口局前), about a 10-minute ride.
→ Walk about 3 minutes to reach the entrance of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine.
→ From there, it’s about a 20–30 minute uphill walk to the Tenku no Torii.
Fujikyu Bus Lines Available:
・K-Line (for Kofu Station)
・T-Line (for Tenkachaya)
K-Line (Kofu Line)
・Bus fare: ¥310 one way
・Departs from Bus Stop No. 5 at Kawaguchiko Station
[Timetable– Official Website]T-Line (Tenkachaya Line)
* 310 JPY (≈ $1.94 USD / £1.44 GBP / €1.67 EUR)
・Bus fare: ¥310 one way
・Also departs from Bus Stop No. 5
・Only one bus per day at 9:50 AM
3 Recommended Transportation Passes for Lake Kawaguchi
1. Fuji Five Lakes Passport (2-Day Pass)
If you’re only planning to explore the Lake Kawaguchi area by bus, you can purchase this pass at Kawaguchiko Station.
・Price: ¥3,300
・Includes unlimited rides on designated buses around the Fuji Five Lakes area
・Also includes discounts at many participating facilities
[Check on official website]
2. Fuji Hakone Pass (3-Day Pass)
If your trip also includes Hakone, this pass offers great value.
・Valid for unlimited rides in both the Fuji and Hakone areas
・Ideal for those planning to explore beyond Lake Kawaguchi
>> Check prices on Klook | KKday
3. Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Pass (1–3 Day Options)
If your Kawaguchi itinerary includes rides like the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or the sightseeing boat, this pass is highly recommended.
・Includes unlimited bus rides plus free rides on the ropeway and boat
・Available in 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day options
・Best to finalize your itinerary first, then pick the pass that fits your needs.
>> Check prices on Klook | KKday
After getting off at Kawaguchi Post Office, it’s just a short 3-minute walk to the entrance of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. While there is an alternate route via the main road, I recommend walking through the omotesando (front approach path) and the shrine grounds, it really enhances the spiritual feeling of visiting the Tenku no Torii.
From the shrine entrance, it’s a 20- to 30-minute uphill hike to the torii. If you’re not a fan of mountain paths or are short on time, driving is also an option and will save you a lot of effort.
② By Car + Short Walk
Driving is by far the most convenient way to reach the Tenku no Torii. You can drive all the way up to the entrance near the torii gate. However, you’ll still need to park at the designated lot and walk about 3 to 5 minutes to reach the torii itself.
That said, parking is extremely limited at the entrance, only about 4 to 5 cars can fit, and the access road is quite narrow and winding.
Unless you’re visiting on a weekday, chances are the spaces will already be full. So here’s my personal tip: park at the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine parking lot instead, and then walk from the shrine to the torii. That way, you won’t risk having to back out of tight roads if the entrance lot is full.
If you’re unsure how to rent a car in Japan, I recommend Tabirai, Rentalcars, and Klook, all of which offer Chinese or English website support.
Rentalcars.com guarantees the lowest rental prices, while Tabirai partners with more rental companies. Klook is convenient for booking. Sometimes, if Rentalcars has no available cars, you may find options on Tabirai or Klook. Comparing different platforms can help you find the best deal!
💡Quick Tip: If you’re not seeing any available cars when searching, it might be because you’re trying to book outside of business hours. Try adjusting your pickup or drop-off time! (Most rental car companies in Japan operate between 8:00 or 9:00 AM and 7:00 or 8:00 PM.)
Before Visiting the Tenku no Torii
Since Mt. Fuji doesn’t always show her face, clouds can easily obscure the entire view, there’s a chance you might come all the way here and see absolutely nothing. Disappointing, right?
That’s why I highly recommend checking the live cam feed before heading out. This way, you can confirm the weather and visibility, and plan your visit with more peace of mind.
Stepping Into the Sacred Beauty of Tenku no Torii
Entrance to the Tenku no Torii
After driving up the paved road, you’ll arrive at a small parking area near the entrance. The first thing you’ll see is a large, striking torii gate, this is the official start of your walk toward the Tenku no Torii. From here, it’s just a 5-minute uphill walk to that long-awaited dreamlike view!
💡 A Friendly Tip Before You Go
Although it only takes about 3 to 5 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Tenku no Torii, the trail is actually quite uneven and rugged, with loose gravel and sloped terrain.
Please, don’t even think about wearing heels, going uphill might still be manageable, but coming back down is slippery and genuinely dangerous!
A Walk Through the Sakura Reforestation Zone
To help protect the mountainside and prevent landslides, the shrine has launched a sakura reforestation project. Once these cherry trees mature, the area around the torii could transform into a stunning cherry blossom spot in spring, making this destination even more popular.
The goal is to plant 1,000 cherry trees, with each tree available for donation at ¥35,000 (approx. $230 USD). Along the path, you’ll even find adorable name plaques showing the donors’ names.
Arriving at the Tenku no Torii Remote Worship Hall
After just a few minutes of uphill walking, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji perfectly framed by the torii. Even before stepping through the gate, many visitors stop to take in the sight, the torii, Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the red bridge all in one frame. It’s truly a photographer’s dream spot.
Small Shop at the Entrance of Tenku no Torii
Right at the entrance to the Tenku no Torii Remote Worship Hall, there’s a small stall where you can pick up a goshuin (shrine stamp) and a few limited-edition souvenirs. It’s a tiny spot, but full of character, and a nice place to take a short break before or after your visit.
Entrance Support Donation for Tenku no Torii
This is the official entry point to the Tenku no Torii. To help maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty of the site, visitors are kindly asked to contribute a ¥100 support donation.
Be sure to bring a ¥100 coin in advance (although if you happen to have 100 one-yen coins, that works too… 😅)
* 100 JPY (≈ $0.63 USD / £0.47 GBP / €0.54 EUR)Time to Snap That Dream Shot!
I finally made it! The weather was absolutely perfect that day, Mt. Fuji gradually emerged wearing a fluffy cloud “hat,” looking absolutely majestic.
The photos honestly don’t do justice to the real-life impact, but this spot definitely ranks among my top Mt. Fuji scenic views of all time. If you’re lucky enough to catch Fuji-san in a good mood, make sure to cherish that moment 🥰
After that uphill walk, of course, the main goal is to capture that picture-perfect shot! Even though I visited on a weekday and the crowds were mild, everyone was patiently waiting for the best lighting and a clear view of Mt. Fuji, so even with just a few groups ahead, I still had to wait a little while (sweating under the sun).
Some people preferred to stand farther back with a telephoto lens to perfectly frame the torii and Mt. Fuji. Others stood closer to the gate, using an ultra-wide lens to capture the entire mountain inside the torii frame.
To be honest, as more people lined up behind me, the pressure to hurry was real, and I couldn’t quite get that classic “torii framing Mt. Fuji” shot this time 😅. If you want to take your time, I highly recommend coming early in the morning to avoid the crowd and the photo stress.
❗️Heads-up: There’s absolutely no shade while waiting, so don’t forget sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must!
⚠️ Additional Notes & Photography Rules
There’s a sign clearly stating that only smartphone photography is allowed at the site. Apparently, this rule was put in place after an incident where a visitor was injured while using camera equipment.
If you’re a professional photographer or want to shoot with a DSLR, you can apply to become a photography member (応援会員証) by paying an annual fee of ¥500. This gives you official permission to take photos with larger equipment on-site.
* 500 JPY (≈ $3.13 USD / £2.33 GBP / €2.69 EUR)You can apply at the main Kawaguchi Asama Shrine office. It’s unclear whether the small stall at the torii entrance also offers this service, so it’s best to check in advance.
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine – Tenku no Torii Remote Worship Hall
Address: 1119-2 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304（Google Maps）
Access: Take the bus and get off at Kawaguchi Post Office stop → Walk 20–30 minutes uphill
Entrance support donation: ¥100 (bring coins)
Parking: fits about 4–5 cars
Next time you’re in Lake Kawaguchi, why not add this little hiking challenge to your itinerary? It’s a beautiful opportunity to feel the quiet spiritual power of Mt. Fuji up close, away from the crowds.
Hope this guide helps you plan your visit!
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Yohaiso FAQ
Do I need to book in advance or pay an admission fee?
No reservation is required. However, to help with environmental maintenance, visitors are asked to pay an entry cooperation fee of 100 JPY at the entrance of the Yohaiso.
What is the best way to get there?
By Bus: Take the Fujikyu Bus (K-Line or T-Line) from Kawaguchiko Station to the “Kawaguchi Post Office” stop. The fare is 310 JPY. From there, it is a 20–30 minute uphill walk through the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine.
By Car: You can drive close to the entrance, but the parking lot is very small (only 4–5 spaces). It is recommended to park near the main shrine and walk up if the top lot is full.
What are the opening hours for the Torii?
The site is part of the shrine grounds and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, for the best views and safety, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours. You should check the “Live Camera” online before heading out to ensure Mt. Fuji is visible.
Are there any safety tips for the hike up?
The path from the parking area to the Torii is steep and covered with loose gravel. Avoid wearing high heels or slippery shoes, as the descent can be quite dangerous. In winter, be extra cautious as the mountain roads can be icy and snow-covered.
Can I take photos freely at the Torii?
Yes, but since it is a popular spot, you will likely need to wait in line for the perfect shot. Please be respectful of others and follow local rules, such as avoiding the use of large tripods during busy times to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the view.
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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