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Eiheiji Temple and the "5 lucky paintings"

2018.12.21

Places to visit

eiheiji temple and its stairs

I visited Eiheji Temple in Fukui Prefecture.

eiheiji garden

We've visited there and introduced the temple several times.

paitings on the ceiling

Today, I'd like to introduce the 5 lucky paintings on the ceiling in one of the rooms called "Sansho-kaku" in the Eiheiji Temple. In the room, there are 230 paintings on the ceiling and they make the visitors impressed.

The paintings are painted by 144 great painters. One of them is a father of a famous actress in Japan, Yukiji Asaoka.

The 5 lucky paitings

It is said that if you find 5 of the 230 paintings; a squirrel, the Chinese-style figure of a blue lion, the Chinese-style figure of a white lion, two white carps, and a black carp, your wish might come true.

It is fun to enjoy looking at all the beautiful paintings on the ceiling and looking for the 5 special ones. It might help you to make your wish come true.

I'd like to share the video that introduces the words of Dogen Zenji (19 January 1200-22 September 1253), a Japanese Buddhist priest, writer, poet, philosopher, and the founder of the Soto school of Zen in Japan. His words are very meaningful. Before the new year starts, it might be a good thing to think about things in your life with his words.

T.F.

Awara Onsen (hot spring) in Fukui Prefecture

2018.12.13

Places to visit

It's getting cold these days and it is obvious that winter has finally arrived in Japan. In Fukui, it usually become very cold and we have so much snow in Fukui every winter. Therefore, many of us visit the hot spring resort in Fukui called Awara.

There are about 30 hot spring hotels in the resort and some of their hot springs are opened to the public.

Without staying at the hotels, the visitors can take bath 3 times at any hot springs you'd like that join Awara Hot Spring Ryokan Union with one "Yumeguri-tegata" pass.

I have used the "Yumeguri-tegata" pass several times, and I enjoyed the different hot spring water. It's interesting to experience that every hot spring has different texture, smell and color. I've learned so much about the hot spring by using the pass.

panphlet of yumeguri pass finishing

Unfortunately, the "Yumeguri-tegata" pass will be discontinued on December 20th, 2018 and the service will be ended on April 25th, 2019 which means that if you buy the pass now, you must use it by April 25th, 2019.

After finishing their service, they haven't decided if they take visitors only for their hot springs.
They might open the hot springs only to their staying guests.

"Ashiyu" (foot-bath) will continue so the visitors can still relax there.
If you have a chance to come to Fukui, how about visiting Awara and relax there?

T.F

This is the video of Charlotte from Australia experienced a foot-bath at "Ashiyu", which is located near Awara-Yunomachi Station in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture. It is free of charge and anyone can enjoy.

Enjoy!

Tsuruga Port Illumination "Miraie (To the Future)"

2018.12.05

Places to visit

the illumination in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture

I visited Tsuruga Port in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture to see the illumination "Miraie".

"Miraie" means "to the future" in Japanese.

the illumination in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture

The venue that is right in front of the sea, the whole area is decorated by many colorful

light bulbs and it looks stunning. Moreover, there is the sound of waves as well,

so the visitors can feel as if you are in a completely different world.

the illumination in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture

My favorite one is the tunnel of illumination. It looks fantastic,

and walking under the tunnel is such an amazing experience.

the illumination in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture

After walking through the tunnel, there are more illuminations to see such as

heart shaped ones, train one, etc.

the illumination in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture

There are also the illumination hanging that were made by children from the local area.

Of course, they are handmade and each one has their names on them.

Tsuruga Port Illumination "Miraie (To the Future)" is being held until December 25th.
The lighting time of the illumination is from 18:00~21:00 during weekdays and Sundays.
It's from 18:00~22:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

If you are near Tsuruga City, how about visiting the Tsuruga Port Illumination "Miraie"?
It's cold at night around the venue, so make sure to wear something warm.

T.F

I would like share video of "DYC entertainment",

"Tsruga Port Illumination Miraie 2015

~One of the largest illumination in the Hokuriku region~".

Enjoy!

Lake Manahime-ko in the early morning, Ono City, Fukui Prefecture

2018.11.22

Places to visit

Lake Manahime-ko

Statue of Princess Manahime

Managawa Dam

National Route 157

Early in the morning of last Tuesday, I was driving National Route 157 towards Nukumi Pass at the border between Fukui Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture. After a while, I stopped the car near Managawa Dam, where I thought that it was beautiful scenery.

A golden statue of Princess Manahime stands there. And it looked like a mysterious scenery suitable for the legend of the princess, with the morning haze over the lake in the background.

By the way, as this road goes further, its width suddenly becomes narrower and there are several points along a cliff. But at least until around Sasogawa Dam upstream of the Managawa Dam, there is no problem. It is a nice drive way that you can enjoy the scenery.
T.S

500 Years Old Samurai (Japanese Warrior) House -Oldest Samurai House in Fukui-

2018.11.11

Places to visit

I visited "Senko-no-ie" the oldest samurai (Japanese warrior) house

in Takeda district, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture.

beautiful day around the Senko-no-Ie which is sorrounded by rich nature
in front of the Senko-no-Ie

The area where the house is located is surrounded by rich nature.

It was very soothing just to walk around in the area.

around the Senko-no-Ie, Japanese pampas grasses were constantly moving gently in the breeze

When I visited, it was in the beginning of autumn and the weather was very nice.

Japanese pampas grasses were constantly moving gently in the breeze.

I felt "fuzei" from the scenery. Encyclopedia JAPAN says that the Japanese word

"fuzei is one of the aesthetic feelings which have existed from ancient times in Japan".

500years old house, the house of Samurai, Senko-no-Ie

As I walked into the grounds of the house, a big old house caught my eyes.

This is the residence of Tsubokawa's that is about 500 years old.

It is believed that the Tsubokawa family was founded in the 13th century

by Sadasumi Tsubokawa who was a high-ranking samurai.

In 1966, the national government designated the house

as an Important National Cultural Asset.

During winter, we have a lot of snow in this area (Takeda district in Fukui Prefecture).

It is unbelievable to see that the house is still here without missing parts or anything,

even the house must have had so much snow in 500 years.

a family is having lunch by the irori fireplace

It is enjoyable to eat by the irori fireplace feeling nice and warm.

a cafe near by the Senko-no-Ie
inside of the cafe

Besides eating by the irori fireplace, there's a cozy cafe right by the Senko-no Ie.

Noodles, light meals, coffee, tea, etc., are served.

If you have a chance to visit Fukui, how about visiting "Senko-no-ie"?

I'm sure you have such a soothing and beautiful experience there.

T.F

*You need advance reservation for meals/drinks.

Senko Cafe(website is only available in Japanese)

*Reservation is requested no later than one week before the date for having the meals,

and by the previous day for drinks.

This is the video of Charlotte from Australia visited "Senko-no-Ie". Enjoy!

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