Skip to main content
Shinshuji Temple View Photos

Shinshuji Temple

真宗寺

The temple sits along the Araki River in Furukawacho Sannomachi and is a short 10-minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station. The muted wooden tones of the temple buildings, masterful carpentry, and surrounding greenery create an atmosphere of tranquillity with oneself and nature. 

Originally part of the Jodo Shinshu Higashi Hongan-ji school, it transferred to the Nishi Hongan-ji school in 1705.

Hida pays respect to Shinshuji annually with a winter tradition called Santera Mairi. On January 15th, locals and visitors gather to walk around the area’s three temples (Enkoji, Honkoji, and Shinshuji) in commemoration of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist path. Though now, the tradition focuses more on relationship prosperity. During this time, the canals and streets are illuminated with candles, creating a truly magical scene. 

The nearby Imamiya Bridge, which passes over the Araki River, provides a popular photo spot, with its vibrant vermilion red that pops against the natural tones of the river, temple, and surrounding nature.

During the spring, the cherry blossoms outside the temple can be seen illuminated at night.

Essential Information

Admission

Free admission

Access

A 10-minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station.

Location & Surroundings

You might also like

  • Masushima Castle Ruins

    Masushima Castle Ruins

  • Furukawa Festival

    Furukawa Festival

  • Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall

    Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall

Read next

Festival Float Storehouses

Festival Float Storehouses

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...

 Your Souvenir Stop: Japanese Candles by Mishima

Your Souvenir Stop: Japanese Candles by Mishima

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...