The Beauty of Fujishima Shrine

Dramatic shrine on the hillside of Mt. Asuwa

來自 Takako Sakamoto

社團作家

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.

In the shrine grounds trees are changing color under the blue autumn sky

Red autumn leaves shining under the setting sun

Beautiful water purification font on the premises of Fujishima Shrine

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

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!

Guardian dog statue on watch under the blue sky

Looking up at the prayer hall of Fujishima Shrine

Beautiful wooden carving of the prayer hall

'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.

Beautiful drum used in various Shinto rituals

The treasure house surrounded by greenery

Roofs of the main prayer hall seen through green trees

Beautiful golden roof ornaments of the main prayer hall deep in the woods

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.