The Beauty of Fujishima Shrine

Dramatic shrine on the hillside of Mt. Asuwa

Takako Sakamoto Nov 02, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Entrance of Fujishima Shrine on the hillside of Mt. Asuwa. The red torii gate and green trees under the blue sky make a striking contrast.</p>

<p>In the shrine grounds trees are changing color under the blue autumn sky</p>

<p>Red autumn leaves shining under the setting sun</p>

<p>Beautiful water purification font on the premises of Fujishima Shrine</p>

<p>The first red torii gate reaching high up to the blue sky. From here, you must climb many stone steps to reach the shrine.</p>

<p>Dragon head statue spurting water from its mouth. The water runs by a motion sensor, when you get close to the dragon water starts to flow, but when you move away the water stops. Cool high-tech dragon!</p>

<p>Guardian dog statue on watch under the blue sky</p>

<p>Looking up at the prayer hall of Fujishima Shrine</p>

<p>Beautiful wooden carving of the prayer hall</p>

<p>'Nishiki-no Mihata (Brocade silk flag)' hanging from the ceiling of the prayer hall. This is the war flag that indicates the army of the Emperor.</p>

<p>Beautiful drum used in various Shinto rituals</p>

<p>The treasure house surrounded by greenery</p>

<p>Roofs of the main prayer hall seen through green trees</p>

<p>Beautiful golden roof ornaments of the main prayer hall deep in the woods</p>

Fujishima Shrine in Fukui was founded in 1876 to honor Nitta Yoshisada, a prominent samurai of the Kamakura Period who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo and died a tragic death in a rice field of Fukui city in 1338. Although he was based in the present-day Gunma prefecture, by a twist of fate, he spent the last days of his life in various battle fields in Fukui, close to the Japan's capital city, Kyoto. Another curious twist of fate is that this shrine is now served by a head priest who is the direct descendant of Nitta Yoshisada. This shrine is the perfect place to appreciate the dramatic history of Japan! For other Nitta Yoshisada-related places in Fukui, please refer to the links below.

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Find out more about Fujishima Shrine.

Nitta Yoshisada

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...