DISCOVER FUKUI

This is a large temple of the Honzan class within the Hokke-shu Shimon-ryu sect, boasting five sub-temples.

Based on the size of the precincts recorded in ancient documents and the location of ancient grid-pattern settlement remains preserved in the suburbs of Echizen City, it is speculated that the provincial capital of Echizen Province may have been located here.

The magnificent red plum tree before the main hall is known as the "Murasaki Shikibu-associated red plum." Legend has it that Murasaki Shikibu, who spent over a year in Echizen, planted a white plum tree when returning to the capital. After her death, her daughter, Kanko, is said to have planted the red plum tree in her mother's memory. (The current tree is the fourth generation.)

Other notable trees include a large bodhi tree, a crepe myrtle, and a massive ginkgo with a circumference of about 4 meters, all seeming to convey the temple's long history.

【Goshuin】

Pre-written stamps available ※Requires prior contact

❖Pick Up!❖

Echizen Kokufu Excavation Project Underway!

The location of the ancient provincial government office, "Echizen Kokufu," remains unclear to this day.

While it was known to have been located in the Takefu area of Echizen City, its exact position remained unknown.

Amidst this, the "Kōfu Excavation Project" launched in fiscal year 2023 as a five-year initiative!

Honkoji Temple in Echizen City is considered a prime candidate site where the core facilities of the Kokufu may lie. To uncover the location, volunteers from within and outside the city, along with city curators, are collaborating on excavation surveys within the temple grounds.

To date, ancient structures and artifacts have been discovered. From layers dating to the late Heian period or earlier, a trench was found that is highly likely to be the remnant of a government office district.

Excavations will continue!

▼Scene from the 2023 excavation

■For more details, click here