Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

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7 of 10 in Fukui

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine (平泉寺白山神社, Heisenji Hakusan Jinja) in Katsuyama is a serene spiritual site surrounded by towering cedar trees and a thick carpet of vibrant moss. Founded in 717 as a Buddhist temple honoring the sacred Mount Hakusan, it grew into one of the region’s most powerful religious centers during the Heian and Kamakura periods. A gentle 600-meter stone path leads from the entrance, passing through rows of weathered torii gates and a tranquil pond, gently ascending to the shrine’s prayer hall and main sanctuary. These buildings represent the three sacred peaks of Mount Hakusan—each a symbol of divine presence in Japan’s mountain worship tradition.

Although the temple complex was largely destroyed in the late 16th century and formally converted into a Shinto shrine during the Meiji era, Heisenji retains a deep sense of sacredness. Visitors who venture beyond the main grounds can follow a quiet forest trail to the secluded Sannomiya inner shrine, which also serves as the trailhead for the historic pilgrimage route to Mount Hakusan’s summit. Nearby, moss-covered stone foundations and remnants of ancient structures offer a glimpse into the site's once-grand scale. With its hushed forest atmosphere and rich spiritual legacy, Heisenji invites quiet reflection and a profound connection to nature and tradition.

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Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

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The easiest way to reach Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is by car—about 45 minutes from Fukui City or 15 minutes from the Fukui Dinosaur Museum. Without a car, you can take the Echizen Railway to Katsuyama Station (50 minutes), then transfer to a community bus on the Heisenji Line (30 minutes, 200 yen). This bus runs only once every 3 to 4 hours, as it primarily serves local residents and is not widely used by tourists. A taxi from the station costs around 3000 yen. On weekends and holidays (except in winter), a "Dinogon" tourist bus also operates for 300 yen per ride, connecting the station, the shrine, the museum, and the Echizen Great Buddha.