Sep 28, 2014 - 1 min read

Anrakuji: A Temple of Peace, Fukui

A serene temple standing in a rice field

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Belfry highlighted in late afternoon sun

Anrakuji Temple stands in a rice field, in the middle of nowhere

The entrance gate of Anrakuji Temple, Fukui

Tall green tree towers over an ancient stone lantern

Peeping at the temple roof through Japanese persimmon tree growing fruits

Green leaves of a tall tree covering the temple roof

Tomb stone under a tall tree on the temple grounds

Peeping at the temple roof through the dark woods

Temple roof and green leaves already turning colors in early autumn

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.