Anrakuji: A Temple of Peace, Fukui

A serene temple standing in a rice field

Takako Sakamoto Sep 28, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Belfry highlighted in late afternoon sun</p>

<p>Anrakuji Temple stands in a rice field, in the middle of nowhere</p>

<p>The entrance gate of Anrakuji Temple, Fukui</p>

<p>Tall green tree towers over an ancient stone lantern</p>

<p>Peeping at the temple roof through Japanese persimmon tree growing fruits</p>

<p>Green leaves of a tall tree covering the temple roof</p>

<p>Wooden guardian dog on a temple pillar</p>

<p>Tomb stone under a tall tree on the temple grounds</p>

<p>Peeping at the temple roof through the dark woods</p>

<p>Temple roof and green leaves already turning colors in early autumn</p>

<p>Belfry surrounded by yellow trees</p>

There are beautiful green rice fields all around my neighborhood, as I live in the countryside. Here, I happened to encounter this temple, Anrakuji, which stands in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any information on this temple other than the fact that it belongs to the school of Jodo Shinshu. Probably this is one of small zillions of temples in Japan that are frequented only by local believers in the neighborhood. But from the look of some ancient tomb stones on the premises, I was left with the impression that this temple has been here for centuries, overlooking local people's lives. Anyway, as I don't like crowds but do love nature, I fell in love with this temple that stands silently in the middle of nowhere. This temple also has a small garden, which is located in the back of the main hall.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...