Shirayama Heisenji Temple Historic Site

In the region centered around present-day Fukui, Ishikawa, and Gifu, Mount Hakusan has long been an object of faith, with Hakusan shrines scattered throughout. Hakusan Heisenji Temple was established in 717 by Saicho as the center of Hakusan faith in Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture). At its peak during the Warring States period, it was a religious city that flourished greatly, with 8,000 warrior monks stationed there. However, it was burned down by the forces of the Ikko Ikki. In recent years, excavation work has been carried out vigorously, and the full picture of this massive religious city is gradually coming to light.

Hakusan Hirayama Izumi Temple is sometimes called the "Moss Palace," which comes from the fact that the entire temple grounds are covered in beautiful moss. Especially during the season of new greenery, the moss carpet is full of negative ions that soothe the hearts of visitors. It's said that there are only a few places in Japan where you can see such a beautiful moss carpet. Be sure to be careful not to step on and damage the moss.

The appeal of Hakusan Hirayu Temple is not just its beautiful moss carpet. The stone staircase that continues from the first torii gate is also very beautiful and attractive. This approach is a mysterious path where beauty and mystique coexist, and has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Roads". It is said that during the Genpei War, Kiso Yoshinaka passed through this shrine while praying for victory. It is also known that Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei, who fled to Oshu, visited this place, making them indispensable figures in medieval Japanese history.

Shirayamahiraizumi Temple, surrounded by abundant greenery, is sometimes referred to as a power spot. The approach to the temple is lined with barrier stones, and there is a legend that says each time you pass through these barriers, your body is purified. Additionally, the spring that the founder of the temple, Saicho, discovered on his way to Mount Hakusan and which became the origin of the temple's name, still remains as the Mitarashi Pond. There is also a sacred tree said to have been planted by Saicho near the pond, and you can feel an incredible power emanating from all around.

It is said that the size of the Shirozawa Heiizan Temple during its peak in the Middle Ages was 200 hectares. Excavation work began in the Heisei era, and only 1% of the ruins have been unearthed so far. The excavated stone-paved road is said to have been of high quality for the time, and it is speculated that cutting-edge technology was used in medieval Japan. Excavation work is planned to continue, and the site is overflowing with historical romance.