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Saifuku-ji Temple
Explore a beautiful garden that feels like stepping into another world.
Saifuku-ji Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Ohara in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, is a historic temple founded in 1368 by Ryonyo Shonin.
A particular highlight is the Shoin Garden, designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty. This vast garden spans as much as 1,400 tsubo and was created in the Edo period to represent the Pure Land. Ponds, stones, and many kinds of trees are skillfully arranged throughout, and you’ll surely be drawn in by the beautiful scenery that changes with each season.
The temple also houses many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including paintings and calligraphy moved from Kyoto to escape the Onin War of 1467. Buildings such as the Mieido Hall and Amida Hall are also designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, making it a place where you can feel its rich history and culture.
The Shoin Garden is especially stunning in autumn, right in the peak fall foliage season. It’s an otherworldly experience, as if you’ve wandered into a different realm.
Highlights
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A temple built in 1368.
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It has two main halls, and together the buildings and garden embody Pure Land Buddhism itself.
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A garden designed with the Pure Land in mind.
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Plenty of cultural properties and buildings with high historical value.
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Major restoration work is underway through Reiwa 18 (2036). (Open to visitors except for the Mieido Hall.)
Photos
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At the foot of the mountain, surrounded by lush nature
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A Japanese garden created with the Pure Land in mind
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In autumn, the garden is colored with vivid fall foliage
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A rare corridor structure said to recreate practitioners crossing over to the Pure Land
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Home to valuable cultural assets, including the Kamakura-period “Kembon Chakushoku Kangyo Hensō Mandarazu”
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you offer goshuin?
A
Yes. There are always three types available, with one additional option only during cherry blossom season. (500 yen–1,000 yen)
Q
Is there parking?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 西福寺
- Postal Code
- 914-0824
- Address
- 13-7 Hara, Tsuruga, Fukui
- Phone
- 0770-22-3926
- Closed on
- None
- Hours
- 9:00am–5:00pm (Reception closes at 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Adults: 500 yen, Junior high school students and under: Free
- Access
- Approx. 15 minutes by car from JR Hokuriku Main Line “Tsuruga” Station
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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