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Kanegasaki-gu Shrine
Make a wish on a cherry blossom branch and hope for happiness.
Kanegasaki-gu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and its grounds are designated as a National Historic Site. This is an old battlefield where Nitta Yoshisada fought a fierce battle in 1336 to protect Prince Takanaga and Prince Tsunenaga, sons of Emperor Go-Daigo, and both princes are enshrined here.
In spring, Approx. 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory, and it’s also famous as a cherry blossom spot. During cherry blossom viewing season, it becomes lively with people enjoying the beautiful scenery.
It has also been drawing attention as a place to pray for success in love. The reason is the “Hanakae-sai” festival, held every year from late March to early April. This festival originated from a romantic custom from the early 1900s, when men and women who visited during cherry blossom season exchanged cherry blossom branches to share their feelings. It’s said that couples who do “hanakae” will be happy in the future, and Kanegasaki-gu Shrine came to be known as the “Shrine of Love.”
Today, it’s held as a Shinto ritual to pray for happiness by exchanging a cherry blossom branch with women called “Fukumusume.” The festival takes place every year from late March to early April, and many worshippers come to visit.
Highlights
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A historic shrine that enshrines imperial princes.
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Also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
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Thanks to the “Hanakae-sai” festival, it’s also very popular as a place to pray for success in love.
Photos
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A historic shrine enshrining imperial princes
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In spring, cherry blossoms bloom and the shrine grounds take on a festive atmosphere
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Many people visit the “Hanakae-sai” festival, held every April, to pray for happiness
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you offer goshuin?
A
Yes. We can write it in your goshuincho, but if the shrine priest is away for festivals or other reasons, it may be provided as a pre-written goshuin.
Q
Is there parking?
A
There is parking at Kanegasaki Park near the shrine, and it’s about a 5-minute walk from there to the main hall.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
I came by car, but I can’t get to Kanegasaki-gu Shrine.
A
Near Kanegasaki-gu Shrine, there are former JR Freight tracks, and if you use navigation, it may stop guiding you before the tracks, causing some people to get lost.
If you’re using navigation, enter or set your destination as “Eishinmachi Tenman Shrine” (a shrine near Kanegasaki-gu Shrine). There you’ll find guide signs for Kanegasaki-gu Shrine and Kanegasaki Castle.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 金崎宮
- Postal Code
- 914-0072
- Address
- 1-4 Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga, Fukui
- Phone
- 0770-22-0938
- Closed on
- Open for visits at all times
- Hours
- Open for visits at all times
- Admission
- Open for visits at all times
- Access
- 8 minutes from JR “Tsuruga” Station on the Gurutto Tsuruga Loop Bus; get off at the “Kanegasaki-gu” bus stop
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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