Echizen's Murasaki Shikibu Park

Autumn leaves and the Tale of Genji

Takako Sakamoto Nov 26, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Statue of Murasaki Shikibu in gold making clear contrast with the autumn leaves and the blue sky</p>

<p>Autumn trees reflected on the water surface</p>

<p>Burning red maple leaves beside the pond</p>

<p>Shinden-zukuri style building beside the pond</p>

<p>This garden utilizes 'borrowed scenery' (a tradition of good Japanese gardens) from Mount Hino in the background</p>

<p>Radiant red leaves under the setting sun</p>

<p>Red and green leaves reflecting clearly on the water</p>

<p>Notice the beautiful ripples on the water</p>

<p>Looking at the pond through a willow tree</p>

<p>Beautiful Shinden-zukuri style Japanese building under the blue sky</p>

<p>Willow trees illuminated by the setting sun</p>

<p>Look at Murasaki Shikibu's long, straight hair!</p>

<p>The blue autumn sky makes the water look blue</p>

<p>Trunks in shadow and  red leaves under the sunshine</p>

<p>Last sparkle of red leaves at the end of the autumn day</p>

Located in Echizen city, Fukui, Murasaki Shikibu Park was built to commemorate the famous female Japanese author of the Tale of Genji. She spent one and half years in this area when her father was the governor of Echizen during Heian Period. In this park, there is a traditional Japanese building in the Shinden-zukuri style. This is the only building reproduced in this style throughout Japan. Although this park is well-known among local people, when I visited here during the three-day holiday in late November, (the highest season for viewing autumn leaves) there were only a few people enjoying this beautiful park. Like other places in Fukui, you'll probably have the whole park to yourself. Entry is free of charge. Highly recommended!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...