Increase your luck and enjoy your everyday life more! A trip to Tsuruga and Wakasa's power spots

Don't you feel at ease and energized when you visit a place filled with energy? The Tsuruga/Wakasa area is home to many such power spots.

This article introduces a model course of power spots that can be visited by public transportation. Why not take the Hokuriku Shinkansen and visit the Tsuruga/Wakasa area?

The transportation timetables listed are current as of November 2024. It may be subject to change in the future.

Model Course of "Tour of Power Spots in Tsuruga and Wakasa

01. 9:30: Start from "Kihei Jingu," the main shrine of Hokuriku Province
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02. 10:25:Go to "Seimei Shrine" related to Abe no Seimei
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03. 11:55: Have a blissful lunch of eel from a long-established restaurant
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04. 13:45: Pray for good health at Mikataishi Kannon
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05. 15:35: Bathe in negative ions at Uriwari Waterfall
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06. 16:30:Goal!

[9:30] Start from Kibi Jingu, the general guardian of Hokuriku Road.

About a 15-minute walk from Tsuruga Station, the Kihi Jingu Shrine is surrounded by lush greenery. Entering the shrine from the Omotesando entrance, you will see the 10.9 meter high Otorii, one of the three tallest wooden torii in Japan. This Otorii is one of the "Three Great Wooden Torii" in Japan and is known as the symbol of Kibi Jingu Shrine.

Kii-jingu is the first shrine in Echizen Province, the highest shrine in the area. Although the shrine was founded in 702, it has such a long history that it is said that Izasawake-no-Mikoto, the main deity of Kii-ohmikami, descended to the sacred ground (present-day Dohkoh-san) on its grounds more than 2,000 years ago.

On the left side of the Otorii gate is Chomei-sui, known as the power spot of Kibi Jingu Shrine. Chomei-sui" is the underground water that gushed out at the time of the shrine's construction and has been flowing for more than 1,300 years without drying up.

The name "Chomei-sui" comes from the fact that Takeuchi no Sukune-no-Mikoto, one of the deities of Kibi Jingu Shrine, lived a long life. Why not touch the water flowing from the mouth of the turtle, which represents longevity, and wish for good health and long life?

There are a total of seven deities at Kibi Jingu, led by the main deity, Iyasabetsu-no-mikoto. The shrine is expected to bring various blessings such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation safety, good health, longevity, and music and dance.

Gods and Goddesses	Benefit
Izasawake no Mikoto	Food, clothing, shelter, safety at sea, agriculture, fishing, and traffic safety
Emperor Chuai	Good health, prolongation of life, longevity, and longevity of military fortune
Empress Jingu	Safe delivery, agriculture, fishery, safety at sea, good health, long life, long military life, music and dance
Emperor Ojin	Safety at sea, agriculture, fishery, good health, longevity, long military life
Takemikoto Yamatotakeru	Longevity of military fortune, good health, and longevity of life
Tamahime no Mikoto	Music and dance
Takeuchi-no-Sukune-no-Mikoto	Long life, no illness, long military life

It is said that a shrine with the names of emperors, empresses, and important vassals of high rank is rare even in Japan. The shrine has a history of being enshrined together by the order of Emperor Monmu, indicating the importance the emperor family attached to this site.

Red seals granted at Kibi Jingu Shrine

On the northeast side of the shrine grounds is another power spot of Kibi Jingu, the Dohkoh-san shrine. The large tree towering over the elementary school yard at the far end of the shrine is "Dohkoh-san.

Dohkoh-san is the place where Kibi Jingu Shrine began. More than 2,000 years ago, the main deity, Ijisabetsunomikoto, alighted on Mount Tezutsu, which can be seen from the shrine grounds, and this is said to be the beginning of the worship. Since it was difficult to go to the top of the mountain to pray, a large tree on the plain is said to have been used as a primitive shrine for prayers.

Trees, stones, etc. that serve as a medium for gods and spirits to descend.

Kibi Jingu Shrine is a place where people's prayers have been accumulated for 2,000 years. Why not experience the depth of history that can be felt here and there in the grounds of the shrine?

Kibi Jingu

Address	11-68 Akebono-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	15 minutes on foot from Tsuruga Station on the JR Hokuriku Line, or 5 minutes by bus from the station. Take either the "Community Bus" or "Gurutto Tsuruga Shuyu Bus" and get off at the Kibi Jingu-mae stop. About 10 minutes by car from the Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.
Parking lot	Yes (free of charge)
Opening and closing hours	[April to September] 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. [October to March] 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Telephone number	0770-22-0794
URL	https://kehijingu.jp/

[10:15] Walk from Kibi Jingu Shrine to Seimei Shrine (10 minutes)

[10:25] Go to "Seimei Shrine" related to Abe no Seimei.

Seimei Shrine is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, an Onmyouji (master of Yin-Yang) who was active during the Heian period (794-1185). Abe no Seimei divined the good and bad of things while serving the emperor, and became a great master of Onmyoji. He left behind various legends, such as "he vanquished demons," "he sealed tengu," and "he manipulated shikigami (ceremonial deities)."

Sometime between 990 and 994 A.D., Abe no Seimei is said to have lived in Tsuruga and devoted himself to the study of astronomy and geography. Yin-yang-do is a study based on the ancient Chinese theory of Yin-Yang and the five elements. The fact that Tsuruga was a port town with active trade with the continent seems to be behind this.

Seimei Shrine was built in Tsuruga because of this connection. The shrine has been worshipped as the "god of fire prevention" since it was not burnt down in two battles in the past.

The shrine is located in a residential area, and although it is not large, there is a sacred atmosphere in the grounds. The trees are well maintained, showing that the shrine has been carefully cared for by the shrine parishioners.

In the center of the main hall is an altar where the deity is enshrined.

The sacred object of Seimei Shrine is the "Prayer Stone," used by Abe no Seimei for research and believed to contain spiritual power. It is enshrined under the altar and can be seen by peering inside through a small window.

It is believed that your wish will come true if you throw a monetary offering and get on top of the stone. The trick is to reach out and throw with all your might.

At the main shrine, visitors can receive an ema (votive tablet) and an omamori (talisman). The ema depicts the Seimei crest of a five-pointed star. Write your wish on the opposite side and enshrine it in the precincts of the shrine or at home. In addition, an amulet for protection from all directions (right) and an amulet for traffic safety (middle) are also available.

Seimei Shrine is a recommended power spot for those who want to exorcise bad luck, as well as for fans of Abe no Seimei.

Seimei Shrine

Address	8 Aioi-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	11 minutes by bus from Tsuruga Station, 3 minutes walk from the bus stop. Take the community bus (Matsubara line) and get off at the "Yamashikaikan" stop, or take the "Gurutto Tsuruga Shuyuu Bus" and get off at the "Hakubutsukan Dori" stop. Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway
Parking lot	No parking available
Opening and closing hours	(Sat. and Sun.) 9:00 - 15:00 *Please contact for weekdays and other times outside of the hours of worship.
Telephone number	Tsuruga Tourist Association 0770-22-8167 Tsuruga Tourist Information Center 0770-21-8686
URL	https://tsuruga-kanko.jp/spot/shrines_temples/seimei-shrine/

10:50] From Seimei Shrine, walk to the "Museum Street" stop (about 3 minutes)
[10:55] From the "Museum Street" stop, take the "Gurutto Tsuruga Round Trip Bus" to Tsuruga Station (11:08 arrival)
[11:18] From Tsuruga Station, take the JR Obama Line to Mikata Station (11:48 arrival)

[11:55] Blissful lunch of eel from a long-established restaurant

Eel Restaurant Genyomon is located about a 5-minute walk from JR Mikata Station. It has been a very popular restaurant loved by many people for 100 years since its establishment. It offers natural eels from the Mikata Five Lakes as well as farm-raised eels from Kagoshima and Mie.

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画像テキスト: Kazuhiro Kobori, manager of Unagiya Genyomon, 4th generation
テキスト: The eels are kept alive right up to the last minute by pumping up the underground water from Kirayama, a mountain in the back of the restaurant. Another of our specialties is Kansai-style "jiyaki," in which eels are grilled over binchotan (binchotan charcoal) after opening the belly. We hope you will try it.

Recommended for the cold season is "Shinmushi-jyu," a steamed eel stew steamed in a steamer. Eels grilled over binchotan charcoal are placed on a bed of rice with a broiled egg on top before being steamed to a hot and fluffy consistency.

The aroma of the char-grilled eel is preserved, but the texture is fluffy. Steaming doubles the flavor as the fat from the eel soaks into the rice.

For those who prefer a refreshing taste, we recommend the "Utoro-don". Freshly grilled eel is topped with egg yolk from Fukui Prefecture's brand-name jidori chicken, Fukui Jidori, and grated yam. Although the dish is extremely satisfying, it is not heavy, and you will not be able to stop holding your chopsticks!

The rice used at Genyomon is Koshihikari produced in Wakasa Town. Each grain is firm and has a sweetness in the mouth that is as good as the flavor of the eel.

In front of the store stands a towering Daio pine tree that was planted by the first owner when the store was founded. The tree was 80 centimeters tall at the time, but it has continued to grow over the history of the restaurant, and is now twice as tall as the restaurant itself. 100 years is a long time to wait.

Genyomon is a very popular store that attracts customers from far and wide, with many people waiting in line before the store opens. For those who want to make the most of their time, we recommend taking out eels to go, which can be reserved by phone. In addition to broiled eel kabayaki, you can take home "eel bento (microwave-safe container)" and "eel fever bento" that can be eaten hot by reacting with the heating agent attached to the container.

Eel Ya Genyomon

Address	52-6 Mikata, Wakasa Town, Mikata-Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access	5 minutes on foot from Mikata Station on the JR Obama Line 5 km from Wakasa Mikata IC of Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway toward Obama, 1 km from Mikata-Goko Smart IC toward Route 27
Parking lot	Available (free of charge)
Closed	Thursday
Business hours	11:00-13:30
Phone number	0770-45-0035 Seats cannot be reserved. Reservations can be made for take-out.
URL	https://unagiya-genyomon.com/

[13:20] Walk from Eel Restaurant Genyomon to Sanpo-ishi Kannon (about 22 minutes)

[13:45] Pray for good health at Mikataishi Kannon

Mikataishi Kannon, located at the trailhead of Kumodani Mountain, is a temple said to be beneficial to those with disabilities. After climbing up a long slope, you will enter a quiet temple compound surrounded by mountains and forests.

Halfway up the stone steps leading to the main hall is a statue of a chicken made of stone. It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) entered the mountain and was carving a statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) overnight when he heard the crowing of a chicken and stopped his work. The chicken is said to have descended the mountain, leaving the body of the statue with no more than the right wrist.

We spoke to ......

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画像テキスト: Sanpo-ishi Kannon Kanae Sawa
テキスト: He is in charge of external relations and public relations. He is an all-rounder who teaches field trips, makes posters, and even takes drone photos.

The main deity of Sanpo-ishi Kannon is the "Sei Kannon Bosatsu," also known as the "One-Handed Kannon," which is said to have been carved into the granite by Kobo-Daishi.Since the ends of the wrists are not carved, the statue is said to be beneficial to those who are limbless and those who suffer from various illnesses.(Mr. Sawa)

The main hall is built to cover the granite on which the principal image is carved. It is recommended to go around the back of the main hall to see it.

The principal image of "Sho-Kannon Bosatsu" is enshrined behind an altar in the main hall.However, since the statue is treated as a hidden Buddha, it can only be viewed once every 33 years when the temple is opened to the public.The next open-enlightenment is scheduled for five days in October 2026.I have seen the statue only once, 30 years ago, and it has a very gentle face.(Mr. Sawa)

For those who say, "I can't wait until 2026," here's a tip from Mr. Sawa! To the left in front of the main hall, there is a place where a part of the granite rock on which the principal image is carved is sticking out. This is the only place you can touch the rock.

This is a rock that Kobo Daishi carved with all his might.It is said that if you stroke the rock and then stroke the part of your body you want to heal or protect, you will be blessed with good health.(Mr. Sawa)

In the main hall, visitors may borrow handprints or footprints (Gotei-Shape). It is said that if you hold the handprint or footprint in your hand and chant "Namu Daiji Daihiishi Kanzeon Bosatsu (Namu Daiji Daihiishi Kanzeon Bosatsu)" while rubbing the part of your body that is in pain or that you want to heal, you will recover from your illness.

The first time you borrow the stone, you do not have to pay for it, and when you are cured, you return it and purchase a new one to dedicate to the god. It is believed that the faith of the first person to use the Goteishiki gives power to the next person to help him or her get well, and this is known as "handing over the Goteishiki.

The returned otefukata are dedicated in the "Otefukido" on the right side of the main hall.

As of October 2024, there were approximately 70,000 Gotei-shiki that had been returned. The oldest ones were returned during the Edo period. The sheer number of handprints and footprints dedicated in the hall is breathtaking.

In the past, worshippers made their own hand and footprints, but now they are handmade from cypress wood by one of the staff members of Sanpo-ishi Kannon.About 1,000 feet and 800 hands are made each year.(Mr. Sawa)

Some of the approximately 70,000 pieces dedicated to the temple are on display in the main hall. The 3,455 pieces, which typically show the characteristics of limbs, were designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties by Fukui Prefecture in 2020.

In addition to writing and stamping red seal books, the Nokyoisho (Sutra Repository) also sells charms and souvenirs. The photo above is a commemorative red seal* produced in conjunction with the opening of the Tsuruga extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. It is a gorgeous piece with the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Mt. Aoba, Wakasa Bay, and the Sanskrit characters representing the principal image, as well as autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, all expressed in paper cutouts.
*There is a limit to the number.

One of the charms of Sanpo-ishi Kannon is the sight that changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and autumn leaves in full bloom in fall.（Mr. Sawa)

The power of the prayers of the people who have borrowed from the shrine will be given to you. Why not receive the baton that has been passed down since the Edo period and pass it on to the next person?

Samantabhadragon (manifestation of Avalokitesvara)

Address	22-1 Mikata, Wakasa Town, Mikata-Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access	20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by cab from Mikata Station on the JR Obama Line About 10 minutes by car from the Wakasa Mikata IC on the Hokuriku Expressway
Parking lot	Available (free of charge)
Hours of visitation	8:00-16:00
Telephone number	0770-45-0017
URL	https://mikata.main.jp/

[14:20] From Mikataishi Kannon, walk to Mikata Station (about 20 minutes).
[14:49] From Mikata Station, take the JR Obama Line to Kaminaka Station (15:15).
[15:15] From Kaminaka Station, walk to Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park (approximately 20 minutes).

[15:35] Bathe in negative ions at Uriwari Falls.

Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park is located behind Tentokuji Temple. The park is surrounded by trees and cool air.

Uriwari Falls, selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, is located in the park and looks like a "water forest. Uriwari-no-taki Falls was named after a legend that a gourd was split open by the cold water. The waterfall is a power spot where ascetic practitioners used to do ascetic training, as it is believed to bring blessings for the eradication of various illnesses and the maturation of the five grains.

The rocks in the water at "Uriwari Waterfall" are also characterized by their reddish color. This is due to the propagation of red algae (safflower), which can only be found in shady, clear running water. Although very rare, red algae can be found breeding in almost all the waters of the Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park, making it the largest of its kind in Fukui Prefecture.

On the east side of Tentokuji Temple, there is "Shikoku 88 Stone Buddhist Statues" with many stone Buddhas. The stone statues are modeled after the 88 stone statues of Shikoku, and were created by Kobo Daishi, a great Buddhist priest, using stonemasons from Sado Island.

The stairs leading to the 88 stone Buddha statues in Shikoku are mossy and slippery, so be careful where you step. If you go around from the waterfall side, you can reach the site without climbing the stairs.

In a corner of the parking lot of Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park, there is a corner where you can draw water from Uriwari Falls. You can purchase a sticker for 300 yen at the store as a cleaning cooperation fee and put it on your container to take it home.

The store also sells mineral water bottled from the waterfall. Specialty products such as soba noodles, pickles, and sweets are also available, making it easy to loosen your purse strings.

Locally grown rice, vegetables, and flowers are also on display, and the bounty of the Wakasa land can be felt.

Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park is a spot filled with negative ions. It is likely to give you a feeling of purification of mind and body.

Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park (Uriwari Waterfall)

Address	37-1-3 Tentokuji, Wakasa-machi, Mikatakami-kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access	Approx. 20 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by cab from Kaminaka Station on the JR Obama Line Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Wakasa Kaminaka IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway
Parking lot	Available (free of charge)
Hours of use	The waterfall can be visited at any time. Meisui no Sato (store) 9:00-17:00 *Please inquire for regular closing days.
Telephone number	0770-62-0186
URL	https://www.wakasa-mikatagoko.jp/search/entry/tourism-009.html

[16:10] From Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park, walk to Kaminaka Station (20 minutes).

[16:30] Goal

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Walk back to Kaminaka Station and you will reach the goal. After that, take the 16:41 train bound for Higashi Maizuru to Obama City, Takahama Town, or Ooi Town. Stay at an inn with an ocean view or a guest house that boasts good food, and relax after a pleasant day's work. If you wish to return to Tsuruga, the train to Tsuruga also departs at 16:41.

Obama City, Ooi Town, Takahama Town] 6 hotels where you can be healed by the tranquil sea and the joy of food - "AoYo Yoshi Hi TSURUGA WAKASA" Shuukai Campaign Official Website

The blue ocean with the sun shining, the orange-tinged ocean at dusk, the quiet and gentle sound of the waves.... Just looking at the ocean without doing anything else is enough to calm your mind, isn't it? You want to forget your hectic daily life and be healed! Here we introduce six healing inns in Obama City, Ooi Town, and Takahama Town facing the beautiful Wakasa Bay, perfect for such a trip. Be sure to enjoy the food that only seaside inns can offer.

We also recommend a trip on the "Hanaakari" sightseeing train, which will debut in October 2024.

In October 2024, the sightseeing train "Hanaakari" will debut on the JR Obama Line. The train will run between Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture, for approximately five hours between October and December 2024.

One of the three cars has 10 spacious private rooms for two people. The train will be in operation until December 2024.

The train will be in operation on Saturdays and Sundays only (except December 28 and 29) until December 2024. The train departs from and arrives at stations in Tsuruga and Wakasa, so it is recommended for excursions.
*Please note that there is a possibility that reservations may not be taken due to full capacity.

Day of Week	Destination	Departure/Arrival
Saturday	Downbound (for Kinosaki Onsen)	Mihama Town (Mihama Station) Obama City (Obama Station) Takahama Town (Wakasa Takahama Station)
Sunday	Upward (to Tsuruga)	Ooi Town (Wakasa Hongo Station) Obama City (Obama Station) Wakasa Town (Kaminaka Station, Jumura Station) Mihama Town (Mihama Station) Tsuruga City (Tsuruga Station)

The "Hanaakari" lodging campaign was also launched!

The first 350 passengers to board the Hanaakari sightseeing train and stay overnight in the Tsuruga/Wakasa area will receive 3,000 yen worth of Fukui Happi Coins, Fukui Prefecture's digital local currency that can be used in the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas.
For details, please visit the campaign page on the Fukui.com website, the official tourism site of Fukui Prefecture.