Jan 10, 2014 - 1 min read

Fukui: Asuwa Shrine in Mt. Asuwa

Enjoy the 370-year-old weeping cherry!

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

370-year-old weeping cherry, beautiful even in autumn without cherry blossoms

Inside the shrine grounds. Sunshine is filtering through foliage...beautiful

Mt. Asuwa in November; the foliage is beautiful

Asuwa Shrine is located halfway up Mt. Asuwa, a 10-minute climb from Atagozaka (Atago hill). The 26th Emperor, Keitai, built this shrine just before he left for Kyoto from Echizen (now Fukui prefecture) to ascend to the throne. The Asuwa shrine enshrines Emperor Keitai, along with many other Gods like the Gods of children, safe-births, good business, water, fire, academic achievements, etc. The shrine is famous for its 370-year-old weeping cherry tree, whose gracious beauty pleasures local people every year. Mt. Asuwa is easy to climb, and people enjoy hiking on the mountain trails in spring and autumn when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are lovely to the eyes. There are various events such as Tea Ceremony that are held in the Asuwa Mountain Park.