Mystical, Magical Myotsu-ji Temple

Mystical temple, Obama Japan

It’s not just the cold that will take your breath away when you visit Myotsu-ji Temple in rural Japan.

The grand red entrance way leading over a bridge crossing the Matsunaga River heralds something special.

Myotsu-ji Temple  once had 25 buildings but now only a main building and a stately pagoda remain.

Hidden in the mountains and set deep in an ancient forest of Japanese cedar trees, magic lingers in the air where the splendid strength and symmetry of the temple buildings is matched by the giant cypress trees.

This is a spiritual place, even without the snow-capped mini replicas of Buddha people have left in the gardens to make their wishes come true or the four giant statues of Buddha inside the temple that are designated of national cultural importance.

Mystical temple Obama Japan

A Buddhist Temple was first established here in 806 and the three storey tower is a national treasure, the only one in Fukui.

Inside the temple photography is banned but mystical Japan awaits.

The black cypress altar is detailed with gold. Gods stand guard on either side and in front red cushions and altar cloths are richly embroidered with gold and festooned with golden hangings adorned with bells and gigantic golden lotus flowers.

Sit down, relax and soak up the magic all around you.

Just don’t forget to breathe.

Mystical Temple Obama Japan

Travel Tips

Myotsu-ji Temple is in Fukui prefecture on the west coast of Japan, a ten minutes drive from Obama station and an hour from Tsuruga.

For more information about Fukui, including Myotsu-ji Temple along with other cultural or historical sites and accommodation visit Fukui Tourism.

I was honored to be a guest of the Hokuriku-Shinetsu District Transport Bureau. To find out more about Fukui Prefecture or to plan your trip visit the Fukui Tourism Guide website.

Mystical Temple Obama Japan

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10 Comments

  1. Lois Hughes April 12, 2012 at 11:13 pm - Reply

    You can sense the spiritual power of this special place from your photos. It does look, and feel, magical.

  2. barbara April 13, 2012 at 2:09 am - Reply

    It looks absolutely magical!

  3. Sandra / Always Well Within April 13, 2012 at 5:42 am - Reply

    Beautiful! The ambiance must have been very special, indeed!

  4. Seana Smith April 13, 2012 at 7:52 am - Reply

    It looks amazing and fantastic. Have I told you that I am aiming to be a Buddhist foodie when I grow up?? I shall hereby start a list of pilgrimage places, and this must be on the list. It looks so tranquil… and so different to the beach house I am in now with seven kids and three adults, plus one cute mutt!

    • Annabel Candy April 13, 2012 at 9:25 am - Reply

      Hi Seana,

      I like that idea too. I need to write about the amazing vegetarian zen feast I ate while in Japan – you would love that:)

  5. Explura April 16, 2012 at 4:54 pm - Reply

    Nice article…
    Have you been to Malaysia or India before?
    I love your blog

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