Enichi-ji Temple

Enichi-ji Temple

Enichi-ji Temple was built at the beginning of the Heian period, Enichi-ji Temple is known as the oldest temple in Tohoku with original foundation stones still on display.

There are countless fascinating temples and shrines scattered around the Enichi-ji Temple complex, so make sure to reserve time for exploring the surrounding area.

Also, light-up events are held several times a year in which the temple is bathed in light during the evenings.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www.town.bandai.fukushima.jp/site/enichiji/(Japanese)
Best Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entrance at 4:30 PM)

Open from Apr. 1 to Nov. 31 (Closed for Winter)

Entrance Fee300 yen to enter the Enichi-ji Temple complex (500 yen if combined with entrance to the small onsite museum)
Access Details
AccessMotoderakami-4950 Bandai, Yama District, Fukushima 969-3301
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 7 min drive from Bandai Kawahigashi I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway

By Train: 20 min walk from Bandaimachi Station on JR Ban-estu West Line

Nearby

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Nature & Scenery

Lake Inawashiro

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Historical Sites

Ouchi-juku

<p>Take a journey to the past in Fukushima Prefecture&rsquo;s Ouchi-juku area. This isolated village boasts thatched-roof houses and natural streets making you feel at one with the people who lived here hundreds of years ago.</p><p>Nestled in the southwestern mountains of Fukushima, Ouchi-juku is a great spot to visit thanks to its unique charm and history. This village was established under the post station system of the Edo period, and played a vital role as a rest stop for travelers.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/%E5%A4%A7%E5%86%85%E5%AE%BF.jpg" /></p><p>In 1981, the well-preserved streets of Ouchi-juku led to it being designated as an Important Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings. It isn&rsquo;t difficult to see why&mdash;the village looks as it did during its heyday. And with no telephone or electric wires above ground, the view from the top of the hill overlooking the village is marvelous.</p><p>It is a picturesque village where you can lose yourself to the flow of time. The traveler&rsquo;s road that used to run through this village was called the Shimotsuke Kaido Route, or the Aizu Nishi Kaido Route.</p><p>Ouchi-juku not only connected Aizu to Nikko, it also connected Aizu-Wakamatsu to Imaichi, a post town on the Nikko Kaido Route in Tochigi Prefecture. This road was frequented by many travelers as well as by the processions of feudal lords who had to travel to and from Edo periodically.</p><p>Travelers of the Edo Period rested at the inns of Ouchi-juku to relieve their fatigue. Nowadays, festivals and events help draw in new visitors. The annual <a href="http://fukushima.travel/destination/ouchi-juku-snow-festival/204">Snow Festival</a> in February turns Ouchi-juku into a pretty candlelit scene.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/%E5%A4%A7%E5%86%85%E5%AE%BF%EF%BC%BF%E5%A4%9C.jpg" /></p><p>Visit in July to see a procession of dancers dressed in traditional Edo Period costumes, and you might even get to wear a <em>happi </em>(festival attire jacket) and join the locals in their celebrations!</p><p>And when you&rsquo;re feeling hungry be sure to try some of the local specialties, which include <em>negi soba</em> (fresh buckwheat noodles eaten using a green onion), stick-roasted char fish, and more.</p><p><img alt="" src="/img/edit/images/2001-000.jpg" /></p><p>There&rsquo;s a little bit of everything at Ouchi-juku.</p>

The World Glassware Hall
Hot Springs

Atsushio Onsen

Atsushio Onsen – which means ‘Hot Salt Onsen’ – gets its name because of the high salt content and hot temperature of its source water (70 degrees). For generations, this onsen has been hailed by local people as having healing properties. Also known as ‘Kodomo Takara no Yu’ (‘The Sanctity of Children Onsen’), Atsushio Onsen is home to a Buddhist statue dedicated to the act of raising children. Here you often see mothers paying their respects to deities after their wishes have been realized.

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Oyakuen Garden

Oyakuen was used approximately 600 years ago as a villa for the then lord of the Aizu Domain. Subsequently, in the mid-17th century, the lord of the Aizu Domain started growing medicinal herbs within the grounds which he developed to protect the citizenry from epidemics. This lead to the garden gaining the name "Oyakuen", which literally means "medicinal garden." The traditional garden has been preserved as it was long ago, and Oyakuen has now been designated as an important national asset. The buildings within the grounds were used by the lord as a place of relaxation and for entertainment. Accordingly, Oyakuen still contains buildings devoted to Japanese tea. Visitors can enjoy a cup of herbal tea here even today.

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<p>Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence) is an historical open-air museum where visitors can learn about the history of Aizu and sample some of the specialty products of Fukushima.</p><p>Stroll around the residences to take in traditional Japanese architecture, including the residence of Tanomo Saigo, the Aizu Domain&#39;s chief retainer, a magistrate&#39;s office, a tea ceremony house, a rice mill, and a warehouse (resource center).</p><p>Visitors can also enjoy local specialty food at the onsite Kuyotei restaurant, and find specialty products from Aizu and other parts of Fukushima at Sato-Kobo Kokon, as well as enjoying hand-painting traditional toys and practicing Japanese archery, which is perfect for young kids.</p><p>Besides such cultural enjoyment, the natural beauty of the spring cherry blossoms and the autumnal foliage are a major attraction for tourists.</p>

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