Heisenji Hakusan Jinja

The prayer hall and surrounding buildings of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine stand at the forested base of Mount Hakusan, featuring traditional East Asian hip-and-gable roof architecture.

Monk Taicho established the religious complex in 717, which expanded to include 48 shrines and 36 temples before experiencing significant changes during the Meiji Period.

The shrine marks the starting point of the pilgrimage trail to Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's three sacred mountains alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama.

Visitors can reach the shrine via the Echizen Railway from Fukui station to Katsuyama, followed by a community bus or taxi for the final segment.

The main shrine opens its doors only once every 33 years, with the next scheduled opening set for 2025, maintaining centuries-old traditions.

Location: Katsuyama

Inception: 717

Founders: Taichō

Architectural style: East Asian hip-and-gable roof

Address: 福井県勝山市平泉寺町平泉寺56-63

Website: http://heisenji.jp

GPS coordinates: 36.04392,136.54213

Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:47