Sights
in the Echizen Town |
Ainoki
Family Residence
(Nationally designated
important cultural property)
Known as the residence of the Ainoki family noted in connection with the Asakura
family who ruled over this Echizen area from before the Warring States period
(1467-1568), this mansion was thereafter inherited by the family's descendents
who served as a head official of the village ("Shoya") during the
Edo period (1600-1868). (Reservation required for tour of the house at 0778-22-0416.
Admission is 200yen.) |
|
|
Chigo-no-matsu (pine
trees in memory of young lord)
The history of the pine trees dates from the Nambokucho (Northern
and Southern Courts) period (1337-1392) when the two rival imperial
courts were in conflict to claim the legitimate right to rule, which
caused Takatsune Ashikaga, the then military governor of the Echizen
area, to be involved in the conflict, requiring a nursemaid taking
care of his boy prince to flee to a safe distance with the boy.
However, both underwent such a hot pursuit of the enemy that they
were forced to resign themselves to taking their own lives at this
area. The villagers felt great compassion for both and constructed
a tomb for them with pine and cherry trees planted around it to
appease their souls. |
|
Shinmeigatani
Sueki Kama-ato
(Remains of unglazed
ceramic "Sue" ware kiln)
(Fukui Prefecture
designated cultural property)
The remains of the kiln has retained its almost original
form, presenting very valuable information to let us know
that the history of Ozowara, Echizen town as a district
for production of ceramic ware dates back to old times |
|
|
 |
Echizen
Kotohirasangu
(Shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of seafarers)
The shrine has its annual festival on July 8 to 10, attracting many of its devotees
especially on this occasion. |
 |
Tojuen
(old-age
persons' welfare center)
The center is welfare facilities for the aged, equipped to allow them to spend
a day in a comfortable way for relaxation while taking a bath in its characteristic
mineral spring containing various types of ions effective in curing rheumatism
and neuralgia. |
|
Iwamoto
Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy)
Engraved on the face of rock in this area, the array of 11 images of the Goddess
of Mercy, believed to date from around the middle of the Edo period (1600-1868),
is a rare sculpture in a relief style, which distinguishes it from other "Magaibutsu" Buddhist
images line-engraved on rock walls, making it the only one of its kind found
in Fukui Prefecture. |
|
|
Hanamizuki (dogwood)
-dori (street)
The portion of national road No. 365 running in front
of the office of the town, which constitutes its main
street, is lined with footpaths paved with ceramic plates
associated with Echizen ware and gardens of dogwoods designated
as the town's official flower. In addition, the street
is decorated with "Hanamizuki (dogwood)-to (lamps)"
designed in the shape of pots and dogwoods, brightly illuminating
the road at night. |
|
Semimaru-no-haka (grave)
The story associated with Semimaru, a legendary poet well
noted for the piece of poem he composed in association
with "Osakayama," has been transmitted from
generation to generation in Suenotani, Echizen town. Legend
has it that Semimaru, after his long wanderings from place
to place through the nation, finally arrived at the Suenotani
and became sick during his stay at a farmer's house in
this area, leaving to the farmer his dyeing wish for the
construction of his grave in this district. |
|
|
Shidare (weeping)
-zakura (cherry tree)
This cherry tree in the precincts of Hokkeji Temple blooms with wonderful
flowers on its weeping branches in every spring, giving people visual pleasure. |
|
