Konohanasakuya-hime
| Konohanasakuya-hime | |
|---|---|
Nature deity | |
Konohanasakuya-hime, print by Hokusai, 1834 | |
| Other names | Konohananosakuya-hime Sakuya-hime Sengen Asama no Okami |
| Japanese | 木花之佐久夜毘売 木花咲耶姫 木花開耶姫 |
| Affiliation | Blossoms, life, Mount Fuji, volcanoes |
| Major cult center | Asama shrines |
| Abodes | Mount Fuji |
| Symbol | Sakura cherry blossom |
| Texts | Kojiki, Nihon Shoki |
| Gender | Female |
| Region | Japan |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents | Ōyamatsumi |
| Siblings | Iwanaga-hime |
| Consort | Ninigi |
| Offspring | Hoderi, Hosuseri, Hoori |
Konohanasakuya-hime is the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes in Japanese mythology; she is also the blossom-princess and symbol of delicate earthly life. She is often considered an avatar of Japanese life, especially since her symbol is the sakura (cherry blossom).
Shinto shrines have been built on Mount Fuji for Sakuya-hime, collectively known as the Asama or Sengen Shrines. It is believed that she will keep Mount Fuji from erupting, but shrines to her at Kirishima have been repeatedly destroyed by volcanic eruptions. She is also known for having torn up the Yatsugatake Mountains, because it was higher than Fujiyama.