Fukui's Beautiful Heisen-ji Temple

Once one of the biggest and most influential in Japan

Larry Knipfing Aug 25, 2013 - 1 min read

This is not grass, but moss, blanketing the grounds

A mixture of both Buddhist and Shinto statues can be found here

Embankment bordering the path leading to the temple buildings

Moss-covered stone steps leading up into the mountain

Relics displayed at a museum near the entrance

Located at the base of the sacred Mt. Hakusan, the entire region was once home to an entire city consisting of 48 shrines and 36 temples. It was established in the 8th Century by Taicho Daishi. Sadly, in 1574, most of them were destroyed in a battle between warring clans and warrior monks. Now, though, you can visit the remaining, beautiful Heisen-ji Temple. Most striking are the tall majestic cedar trees, and the blanket of green moss covering the temple's precincts. Come in the early morning or evening to catch the best light. Busses available from the Echizen Line's Katsuyama Station.

More info

Find out more about Heisenji Hakusan Shrine.

Things to Do in Fukui

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...