Exploring the Shrines in the Eastern Part of Asuwa Mountain, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
散策 足羽山東部の神社群 福井県福井市
Kotohira Shrine
Located on Asuwa Mountain in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Kotohira Shrine (Kotohira Jinja) is affectionately known as “Konpira-san” by the locals. The shrine enshrines Ōmononushi no Ōkami, the guardian deity of maritime safety and abundant catches, and offers blessings for household safety, good health, traffic safety, and business prosperity. The shrine is particularly revered as a protector of maritime safety due to the enshrinement of a sacred spirit from Konpira Shrine in Sanuki.
Asahiyama Fudōji Temple
Founded in 1711 by a retainer of the Fukui Domain, this temple enshrines Fudō Myōō (Acala) and has a history of around 300 years. The temple grounds also feature the remains of an open-air quarry of Shakudani stone, a notable stone from Fukui, where you can directly observe the rock surface.
Shakudani Stone Quarry Ruins
Shakudani stone is a green tuff found around Asuwa Mountain in Fukui City, formed about 16 million years ago due to volcanic activity. It is also known as “Echizen Blue Stone” for its ability to deepen in color when wet. The stone has been widely used for castle walls, moats, gravestones, and lanterns. The quarrying was active in the Shakudani area on the northwestern slopes of Asuwa Mountain, with the “Nanatsuo Entrance Mine” being particularly famous. During the late Pacific War, the mine was repurposed for manufacturing aircraft parts and as an air-raid shelter. Today, part of the quarry is used for long-term aging of sake and as a wine cellar.
Fujishima Shrine
Fujishima Shrine, located on the middle slopes of Asuwa Mountain in Fukui City, enshrines Nitta Yoshisada, a military commander from the Northern and Southern Courts period. The shrine was established in 1870 and was once a special shrine under government protection. The shrine grounds also include enshrinements of Nitta Yoshisada’s descendants and retainers, giving the place a historical atmosphere.
Keya Kurotatsu Shrine
Keya Kurotatsu Shrine, located in Fukui City, is known locally as “Kurotatsu-san.” It was established as a guardian deity of the Kuzuryu River and enshrines two deities of water, Takeminakata no Kami and Kuramikata no Kami. The shrine is believed to originate from a prayer for flood control conducted by Emperor Keitai before his enthronement. The shrine also houses Ishiwa Hachiman Shrine and Nishinomiya Ebisu Shrine, known for blessings in expelling evil, granting children, and ensuring safe childbirth. It is a popular spiritual spot for clearing negative energy.
Nearby, you can explore Asuwa Shrine and other temples, shrines, parks, and museums.
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00:00 Start Kotohira Shrine
03:33 Asahiyama Fudōji Temple
04:40 Shakudani Stone Quarry Ruins
09:35 Fujishima Shrine
16:55 Keya Kurotatsu Shrine