円光寺
Enko-ji is one of Furukawa’s three main temples and conveniently located about 5 minutes from Hida-Furukawa Station. The temple’s rustic wooden buildings, bountiful nature, and close proximity to the Seto Canal create a picturesque scene that matches the quaint ruralness of Hida Furukawa.
A unique aspect of Enkoji is the turtle carvings located under the roof ridges on both sides of the main hall. These turtles, known as ‘water-calling turtles’ to the locals, are said to have protected the temple from the Furukawa Great Fire of 1904, which burned down most of the town. The temple’s gate is also significant as the structure is said to have once been the gate of the nearby Masushima Castle.
Hida celebrates Enkoji Temple annually with its winter tradition called Santera Mairi. On January 15th, locals and visitors alike walk along the town’s candlelit streets and canals and visit Enkoji, Honkoji, and Shinshuji temples to commemorate Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist path. Though now, the event’s main focus is on relationship prosperity. This celebration is a perfect event to introduce travellers to the rich culture and beauty of Hida's Furukawa area.
| Access | Enkoji is about a 5 minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station. |
|---|
One of Hida Furukawa’s biggest annual events is the Furukawa Festival, held in April every year, which sees beautifully decorated floats (yatai) paraded through the city — but what happens to them during the rest of the year? There are 10 storehouses (屋台蔵, yatai-gura) aroun...
This little unassuming store along a Hida Furukawa backstreet is well worth seeking out on your Hida travels. If not to chance your luck by observing a live demonstration of Mishima-san making his Japanese candles (Wa-rousoku) inside the entrance, then just to meet and admire his incredible passi...
