Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: Mysterious Ancient Shrine Covered in Moss

Shrine with Carpet of Moss

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is an ancient shrine in Katsuyama City, Fukui, characterized most by beautiful moss spreading across the entire grounds. About 300,000 clumps of moss cover about 8,000 tsubo of grounds, creating a fantastical scene like a green carpet laid out.

Base of Hakusan Faith

Heisenji (current Heisenji Hakusan Shrine) is a temple said to have been founded by Taicho Daishi in 717, flourishing as a base of Hakusan faith. It is said to have had as many as 6,000 sub-temples at its peak, attracting many believers as a sacred mountain of ascetic practice.

Tourism Course with Ichijodani

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is an important Fukui sightseeing spot together with the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins also called "Japan's Angkor ruins." Especially during the rainy season (around June) moss shines most vividly, with charm as a "moss temple" outstanding.