While I was driving back to my place in Fukui city I spotted a beautiful wooden structure along the street. I slowed down to look at it closely but was honked at by a car behind me, so I had no choice but to drive on. However, I couldn't forget the beautiful architecture, so I went home, grabbed my camera, and went out again. The beautiful architecture I had glimpsed by chance turned out to be Shirahige Shrine, close to JR Fukui Station, in the center of the city. It had been there right under my nose all along! The history of this shrine dates back to even before the Heian Period (794-1185). The beautiful wooden building I fell in love with is fairly new, reconstructed in 1996. For your information, 'Shirahige' means 'white beard'.
- 1 min read
Shirahige Shrine, Fukui
Unexpected find in the center of Fukui City!
Community writer
Gold ornaments on the roof of the main hall
Looking up at the torii gate of Shirahige Shrine in Fukui city
The alter of Miyabi Shrine, the small shrine standing on the grounds of Shirahige Shrine
Outside wooden veranda of Shirahige Shrine
Under the eaves of the main hall of Shirahige Shrine. Part of it is moss-covered
Main hall's beautiful roof
Bronze lantern hanging from the roof of Shirahige Shrine
The alter of Shirahige Shrine
Shirahige Shrine under the sun
Main hall of Shirahige Shrine viewed from an angle
Main hall decorated with a sacred rope
The signage of Shirahige Shrine hanging on the torii gate
Shrine roof and a pine tree
Join the discussion
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
I love the architectural details that you captured in your photos. Beautiful!
Thank you very much Radica!
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
3A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
4Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
5Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
6Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
7Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
8Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
9An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored -
10Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture