Discover the Enchanting Moss-Covered Beauty of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
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Heisenji Hakusan Shrine in Katsuyama is famously known as the "Moss Palace" or "Moss Temple." It’s also a scenic spot that has garnered praise alongside Saihoji Temple in Kyoto. This article will introduce the hidden charms of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine.
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Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is a shrine that originated from Hakusan Heisenji Temple, which was established about 1,300 years ago as a base for worshiping Mt. Hakusan. It is called the "Moss Shrine of Fukui" because of the beautiful moss that spreads across the grounds.
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Table of Contents
- Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: Historical Background
- The Charm of the “Moss Palace” at Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
- Access to Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
- Highlights and Recommended Ways to Enjoy the Shrine
- 1. A Mysterious Carpet of Moss Spreading Out as Far as the Eye Can See!
- 2. Mitarai Pond: Where the Goddess of Mt. Hakusan Appeared
- 3. The 450-Years-Old Giant Cedar Tree of Wakamiya Shrine
- 4. The Largest Cobblestone Street in the Middle Ages
- See 1300 Years of History and the Spectacular Moss Scenery
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: Historical Background
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine was founded 1,300 years ago in 717 by the Echizen monk Taicho.
Heisenji soon became a hub for monks and mountain ascetics worshiping Mt. Hakusa. It soon flourished as a religious town serving as the trailhead on the Echizen side of Mt. Hakusan. At its peak, there were reportedly 48 shrines, 36 temples, and 6,000 houses for monks on the premises, with around 8,000 warrior monks living there.
However, it was defeated in a battle with the Ikko Ikki uprising in 1574 and burned down completely. It is said that the current grounds are just the remains of the shrine buildings that were rebuilt about 500 years ago.
The Charm of the “Moss Palace” at Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is famous for its beautiful moss, primarily cypress moss, which covers the grounds and is especially beautiful during the rainy season from June to July.
If you visit the morning after the rain, you’ll see the moss sparkling in the sunlight filtering through the trees. The magnificent view of the moss with the early morning silence creates a fantastical atmosphere, like stepping into another world.
Access to Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
By Public Transport
Weekdays
Take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line from JR Fukui Station (approx. 55 minutes)
Take the city loop bus "Gururin" Heisenji Line from Katsuyama Station (13 minutes)
Get off at Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays
Take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line from JR Fukui Station (approx. 55 minutes)
From the last stop, Katsuyama Station, take the "Dynagon" sightseeing bus bound for Heisenji or take a 10-minute taxi ride from Katsuyama Station.
By Private Car
From Fukui Kita JCT (Junction Interchange) on the Hokuriku Expressway to the Chubu Jukan Expressway
About 15 minutes by car from Katsuyama IC *Parking available
By Bicycle
Bicycle rentals are available at Echizen Railway Katsuyama Station. Please feel free to use them on sunny days.
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
*E-bike rental plan: 2,500 yen per bike (reservation required)
*Echizen Railway bicycle rentals: Regular bicycle 100 yen per ride/ Electric bicycle 500 yen per ride (reservations not accepted)
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Highlights and Recommended Ways to Enjoy the Shrine
The moss isn't the only attraction of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine.
The grounds are dotted with large cedar trees and historical artifacts. There are plenty of things to see, including Mitarai Pond, the large cedar tree at Wakamiya Shrine, and the largest cobblestone road in the Middle Ages.
Additionally, the Hakusan Heisenji Temple History Exploration Museum "Mahoroba" has exhibits related to the history and nature of Heisenji Temple. Therefore, you can enjoy it even more if you visit before worshiping.
1. A Mysterious Carpet of Moss Spreading Out as Far as the Eye Can See!
The moss covering the grounds is the most attractive feature of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine. It spreads like a carpet, making you want to lie on it.
Over 220 species of moss, mainly cypress moss, grow naturally on the premises and in the surrounding area. This moss expanse is one of the largest among temples and shrines in the country.
The best time to see this moss is during the rainy season from June to July. It is said to be most beautiful the morning after the rain has stopped.
Staff recommendation: Early morning walks from June to August
The moss glittering in the sunlight through the gaps in the giant cedar trees is a mystical sight. Early mornings are especially recommended since there are fewer people around.
Rays of light shine upon the serene grounds, creating a fantastical scene and allowing you to have the quiet grounds all to yourself.
2. Mitarai Pond: Where the Goddess of Mt. Hakusan Appeared
Mitarai Pond is a legendary site where a monk long ago visited to pray. A goddess is rumored to have appeared in the pond, and he founded Mt. Hakusan after receiving a message from the female deity.
Come and relax in front of this 1,300-year-old spring.
3. The 450-Years-Old Giant Cedar Tree of Wakamiya Shrine
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine has a history of 1,300 years, but the most eye-catching feature is the large cedar tree of Wakamiya Shrine.
After losing the battle against the Ikko Ikki rebels, the entire mountain was burned down. However, this is said to be one of the remaining cedar trees.
The trunk measures 5 meters in circumference, and the branches stretching out in all directions give it a powerful feel. You can get close enough to touch them, so be sure to check it out.
4. The Largest Cobblestone Street in the Middle Ages
Excavations that began in 1989 uncovered the remains of a stone-paved road and a temple.
These excavations have revealed that the area is neatly divided into sections. The remains of the largest medieval religious city in Japan have even been confirmed, giving an idea of the city's prosperity at the time.
The stone-paved road stretches for over one kilometer and was built by monks using river stones collected from the Kuzuryu River—all carried by hand.
See 1300 Years of History and the Spectacular Moss Scenery
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, Fukui's Moss Palace, is a fascinating spot where history and nature blend.
Enjoy the beautiful moss and historical remains while soaking up the mysterious atmosphere. Be sure to visit this place where you can feel the power of nature.
Written by
Fukui
Katsuyama City is located in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture. The city is located on a river terrace formed along the course of the Kuzuryu River, and is a rural city rich in water and greenery, with commerce and industry based on the local textile industry since the Meiji period, and agriculture and forestry having been thriving since ancient times. Our company is a DMO (tourism region development organization) that works with local communities to develop tourist areas. Katsuyama City is a treasure trove of attractive tourist content, including the Dinosaur Museum and Heisenji Temple! We provide detailed services to customers visiting Katsuyama , such as guided tours that allow many people to experience Katsuyama , the Geo Terminal in the parking lot of the Dinosaur Museum, and the operation of the "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama" Roadside Station , which opened in June 2020. We are also actively challenging ourselves to create new businesses centered around tourism, aiming to revitalize the town of Katsuyama.
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