Small temple grounds, but overall a nice atmosphere. I hoped to see more cats though the summer heat probably kept them away. Update 21.04.02: On my second trip there, you can now see a new cute Buddha statue! I was lucky to see a lot more cats, too. Definitely worth the trip!

Take a normal temple. Drop cats to attract tourists. Sell overpriced products and install donation boxes saying that it's to take care of the cats (looks like they eating like tigers :p). It's alright but I wish a cooler and nicer temple did that, at least. You also need to be lucky to see the cats strolling around the temple, they were hiding under the benches when I went.

Cat temple. <3

The feeling as you go in this temple is incredible. You feel the calmness coming from the harmony the cats have between them and the temple.

So many cats at this temple. Speechless.

Buddhist temple that honors cats

If you are in Echizen and you're a cat lover then it's worth to go there and check. They feed the cats at 15:30.

Beautiful place.

Beautiful

Beautiful place

Beautiful

(Translated by Google) This park has its origins in the fact that Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, lived here in Echizen before getting married. The park has a pond, a bridge over it, and a water stall, making it a beautiful garden. The Mizuya has a writing desk with an inkstone box, brushes, and paper, so you can take a commemorative photo pretending to be Murasaki Shikibu. There is also a magnificent golden statue of Murasaki Shikibu. (Original) 源氏物語の作者〝紫式部〟が結婚前にこちら越前の地で暮らした事に由縁する公園です。 園内には池があり橋がかかって、水屋もあり綺麗な庭園となっています。水屋には書机があり硯箱と筆、紙が置いてあるので紫式部になったつもりで記念撮影が出来るようになっています。 立派な金色の紫式部像もあります。

(Translated by Google) The park itself is tranquil and atmospheric, spacious, and has a wonderful sight to see, including the Murasaki Shikibu statue, Murasaki Shikibu poem monument, Tsuriden, and Mt. Hino that can be seen from the park. You can also learn a lot about Murasaki Shikibu at Murasaki Yukari no Yakata, and the videos are beautiful so you can learn while having fun. However, he is generally quiet, and since he is the main character of this year's taiga drama (visited in March 2024), I thought he could use a little more ingenuity. Since there is a Taiga Drama Museum nearby, I wonder if we can do something to attract more tourists on this occasion. Maybe when the weather gets a little warmer, flowers such as cherry blossoms and azaleas will bloom and look gorgeous. (Original) 公園自体はのどかで情緒があり、広々としていて紫式部像 紫式部歌碑 釣殿 公園から見える日野山など見ごたえがあり素晴らしいです。 紫ゆかりの館も紫式部のことをいろいろと知ることができ、また映像もきれいで楽しみながら学ぶことができます。 ただ 全体的に物静かで、今年(2024年3月訪問)の大河ドラマの主人公なのだから、もう少し工夫があってもいいんしゃないかと思いました。近くに大河ドラマ館もあるのだから、この機会に観光客をもっと呼び込めるように なんとかならないものかな〜。 もしかしたら、もう少し暖かくなると桜やつつじなどの花も咲いて華やかに感じるかも...。

(Translated by Google) It is a park called Murasaki Shikibu Park, which has been reconstructed from a garden from the Heian period. Although it doesn't seem to be a former Kokufu site, it is said that Murasaki Shikibu spent about a year and a half outside of Kyoto, and wrote a waka poem that made him feel nostalgic for Kyoto. This year, it seems to be attracting attention for a taiga drama, so if you can stop by nearby, I think it would be a good place to experience the atmosphere. (Original) 紫式部公園という公園で平安時代の庭園を復元したところだそうです。 国府跡では無いようですが、京都から約1年半程、紫式部が京都以外で過ごしたそうで京都を懐かしむ和歌を詠んだとのことです。今年は大河ドラマで注目される様ですので近くに立ち寄られたら、雰囲気を経験するには良いかと思います。

(Translated by Google) This park is associated with Murasaki Shikibu, the main character of the taiga drama "Hikaru-kun." Admission is free. I visited around 8:30am on a weekend. It was a quiet park with few people. There are beautiful parks, bridges, and Shinden-zukuri buildings surrounding the pond. The view of the scenery illuminated by the morning sun reflected in the pond was impressive. The golden purple Shikibu statue is also beautiful. The detailed design is wonderful, but I am deeply moved by how it expresses my feelings towards Kyoto during my childhood. I was able to spend a very pleasant and refreshing time. (Original) 大河ドラマ「光る君」の主人公　紫式部にゆかりのある公園です。無料で入場できます。週末の午前8時半頃に訪問しました。人は少なく静寂な公園でした。池を取り囲むように綺麗な公園、橋、寝殿造りの建物があります。朝日に照らされた光景が池に映る眺望が印象的でした。金色に輝く紫式部像も美しい。細かな造形も素晴らしいですが、幼少期を過ごした際の京都への想いが表現されているかと思うと感慨深いです。とても気持ちの良い清々しい時間を過ごすことができました。

This was a fun little museum with enough activities to keep my six-year-old daughter entertained for a couple of hours. A little out of the way, but a good place to go if you like to get off the beaten track. And the prices of the crabs in the shop next door were eyewatering.

Echizengani Museum : Echizen Crab Museum 越前ガニミュージアム Echizen Crab Museum is located right across the road from Road Station of Echizen Coast. In this museum you can see a large variety of marine creatures live in this area. Each show room has its own theme built in a property space of 300 square meters. The facility was built in 2016. You are also able to enjoy hands on trial of operating a ship for hunting crabs. Admission fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. When you just entered the course there is a ramp way spiraling down the hall with a miniature of traditional townscape of Echizen Coast where fishermen live. The ramp way leads you all the way into the depth of the ocean bed where Echizen crabs live at the bottom. ( TGM Japan Guide : Trans-word+ )

A simple but interesting exhibit. The underwater tunnel was very cool. Though I believe the museum is more for children. Still was good fun.

Great place

Very good place for understand KANI culture in Japan

(Translated by Google) There is also an aquarium-like place inside, where you can try catching fish with your hands and play fisherman's games on a boat. It's a good idea to go with kids or friends 😊 There was more volume than I imagined from the outside! (Original) 中に水族館みたいな所もあり、魚手掴み体験や、船での漁師体験ゲームがあります✨ 子連れや友達と行くといいですね😊外観から想像してたより、ボリュームありました！

(Translated by Google) A museum next to the roadside station that you can enjoy for ¥500 for adults.A facility where you can go down from the 3rd floor while looking at materials while walking around. Crabbing and fishing are the main activities. We enjoyed observing fish and crab breeding in the aquarium and simulating a fishing boat. (Original) 大人¥500で楽しめる道の駅の隣のミュージアム 3階から周りながら資料を見ながら降りてくる施設 カニと漁が主体です。 水槽で魚、カニの飼育観察や漁船のシミュレーションを楽しみました。

(Translated by Google) Start with Echizen crab for an admission fee of 500 yen. About various types of crabs Your understanding will deepen. Or, the admission fee is 500 yen. Echizen crab fishing experience simulator All-you-can-play amusement facility Even if you think about it... It is difficult to operate the ship It was a challenging simulator. (Original) 入場料500円で越前ガニを始め 色々なタイプのカニについての 理解が深まります。 または、入場料500円で 越前ガニ漁体験シミュレータが 遊び放題のアミューズメント施設 と考えても... 船の操作がなかなか難しく やりごたえのあるシミュレータでした。

(Translated by Google) I enjoyed not only the museum exhibits and the aquarium, but also the games and art works like teamLab. Crab fishing experience is really difficult! That's why it was interesting. (Original) 博物展示や水族館だけでなく、ゲームやteamLabのようなアート作品など盛りだくさんで楽しめました。カニ漁体験は本当に難しい！それ故に面白かったです。

(Translated by Google) I went to see the autumn leaves! Maybe it was still a little early ... Although it is called a park, it is quite a mountain road ⛰ Women should be careful about heels ... I had to think of it as a hike. (Original) 紅葉を見に行ってみた！ まだ少し早かったかも… 公園と言いつつ、かなりの山道⛰ 女性はヒールなど気をつけた方が良し… ハイキングと思わないとダメでした.

(Translated by Google) It is a park associated with Emperor Keitai, adjacent to Okada Shrine, and is a fairly large park with 33 Buddhist statues in Iwashimizu, Kotobiyama Observation Deck, grandson cherry blossoms, and usuzumi cherry blossoms. The 1,000 cherry trees were in full bloom, and the Hanagatami Cherry Blossom Festival was held on April 6th and 7th. For lunch, I ate cold and chewy grated soba noodles and large-sized grilled noodles with lots of red bean paste. It was delicious. ``Furusato no Ie'', whose roof had been renovated, was popular and fully booked. The general parking lot was full and connected to the road, so I parked in the parking lot above Aoji Temple. (Original) 継体天皇ゆかりの公園で岡太神社に隣接し岩清水の33体の仏像や琴弾山展望台から孫桜、薄墨桜に至るまでのかなり広い公園です。1000本の桜が見事で4月6・7日は「はながたみさくらまつり」が盛大に行われました。お昼に冷たくてコシのあるおろしそばとあんこ多めの大判焼きを食べました。美味しかったです。屋根の改修を終えた「ふるさとの家」は人気で満席でした。一般駐車場は満車で道路まで繋がっていたので粟生寺の上の駐車場に駐めさせてもらいました。

(Translated by Google) The autumn leaves are in full bloom. The colorful autumn leaves were the best to see everywhere. (Original) 紅葉が見頃って事で来ました。 色鮮やかな紅葉が、いたるとこで観れて最高でした。

(Translated by Google) It was a moist rainy pattern, but it was the best time to see the autumn leaves! Near the observatory, some trees were still starting to change color, so the gradation was nice. (Original) しっとり雨模様の紅葉狩りになりましたが、見頃でした！ 展望台付近はまだ色づき始めの木もあって、グラデーションが良かったですね✴

(Translated by Google) It was my first time visiting. Flower box park The autumn leaves were almost over, but it was beautiful. The winter cherry blossoms were also blooming. It's nice to walk along the stairs and roads covered with fallen maple leaves. It was a good exercise~ This is a recommended park. (Original) 初めて訪れました。 花筺公園（かきょうこうえん） 紅葉はほぼ終わりがけでしたが、綺麗でしたよ〜 冬桜も咲いてましたよ〜 もみじの落ち葉が敷き詰められた階段や道路を歩くのもいいものですね〜 いい運動になりました〜 おすすめの公園ですよ〜

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves. Spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, and I think it's beautiful throughout the year. (Original) 綺麗な紅葉が楽しめます。 春は、桜が有名で四季を通して良いと思います。

(Translated by Google) A historic park. It is usually a place for locals to relax, but this time I went to the Takigi Noh performance, which was held for the first time in several years. It was extremely hot during the day, but by the evening the wind had passed and it felt nice. Since it was an outdoor stage, the sound of firewood and the sound of cicadas combined to create a fantastical world for Noh and Kyogen performances. In between, I ate something called ``amazake smoothie.'' Is it locally produced? I would like to go again next time. (Original) 歴史ある公園。普段は地元の方の憩いの場となっていますが、今回は数年ぶりに開催された薪能に行ってきました。 昼間は猛暑でしたが夕方からは風も通り抜け気持ち良かったです。野外ステージだったので、薪の音、蝉の声などもあわさって、能や狂言などを鑑賞するのに幻想的な世界を堪能出来ました。 合間には「甘酒スムージー」なる物を食しました。地元産かな？ また次の機会にも行きたいです。

(Translated by Google) Visited on April 9th. After the cherry blossom festival, the crowd was sparse, but it was spread out evenly. Although it is limited to days when there are no people, there is a parking lot on the road of Sakura Tunnel, which is a great photo spot for car lovers. (Original) 4/9訪問。桜祭りの後で人はまばらだが、四分散りといったところ。 人のいない日限定ながら、「桜トンネルの道路上に駐車場がある」、車好きに嬉しいフォトスポットがあります。

(Translated by Google) The view from the cherry blossom observation deck is also good. Apparently he occasionally performs Kyogen and Noh performances. I think I like it better during the autumn leaves season. (Original) 桜の名所展望台からの景色も良い たまに狂言や能の舞台やってるらしい。 紅葉の季節の時の方が私はいいかな〜

(Translated by Google) The autumn leaves shine inside the shrine. I feel like the air is a little clearer. It's small, but it's very beautiful and relaxing. (Original) 神社の中に紅葉が映える。若干空気が澄んでいる気がする。小さいけど、とてもキレイで落ち着くところです、

(Translated by Google) I really love the picture books of Karasu no Panya-san, I visited Kako Satoshi Furusato Ehonkan. The original picture was also displayed and it was a warm place. (Original) からすのパンやさんの絵本がとっても大好きで、 かこさとし ふるさと絵本館へ訪れました。 原画も飾ってあり、あたたかい場所でした。

Nice place with some wooden toys and puzzles and a lot of daruma-chan and karasu no restoran books.

(Translated by Google) A very cute picture book writer. The facility is also full of characters and is full of heartwarming feelings. It's a good idea to visit when you come near. By the way, the admission fee is also free. (Original) とても可愛い絵本作家さんです。 施設内もキャラクタで一杯でほのぼの感満載です。 お近くに寄った際は見学すると良いです。因みに入館料も無料です。

(Translated by Google) I love Satoshi Kako's picture books and have always wanted to visit there someday. I visited this place as a long-cherished wish, but I was surprised to find that admission to such a well-equipped facility is free. It's quite a walk from the nearest station, so rent a bicycle at the tourist information center. We recommend renting it. (Original) かこさとしさんの絵本が大好きでいつか訪れたいと思ってました。念願かなって訪問しましたが、こんな充実した施設が入場無料なんてビックリです。 最寄り駅からはかなり歩くので観光案内所でレンタサイクルを 借りるのがおススメ。

(Translated by Google) 2024.1.20 Third visit. As someone who grew up reading Satoshi Kako's picture books, I was deeply moved by this facility. I want to visit again and again. And it's amazing that it's free and at this level. If you're a local and have young children, you'll want to visit this place on a daily basis. The first floor is a picture book library, and the second floor is a gallery. Most of the works on display are high-detail reproductions, but they have a certain atmosphere. (Original) 2024.1.20 3回目の訪問。 かこさとし絵本で育った身としては感慨深い施設。何度もでも訪れたい。しかも無料でこのレベルであるのは凄い。地元民で幼児持ちであれば日参したい。 1階が絵本図書館、2階がギャラリー。展示の作品はほぼ高細密複製画ですが、雰囲気はあります。

(Translated by Google) This facility has picture books, reproductions of original drawings, monuments, and play equipment by Satoshi Kako, a picture book author known for ``The Crow's Bakery'' and ``Daruma-chan and Tengu-chan.'' There is a parking lot and admission is free. There is also a space to sit and read a picture book, so not only small children but even older adults can feel nostalgic. Although photography is not allowed on the second floor, I was able to see many of Satoshi Kako's photographs and reproductions of his original paintings published as a doujin. (Original) 「からすのパン屋さん」や「だるまちゃんとてんぐちゃん」でお馴染みの絵本作家かこさとし先生の絵本や複製原画、モニュメントや遊具がある施設です。 駐車場があり、入園料は無料。座って絵本を読むスペースなんかもあり小さい子は勿論のこと大きくなった自分たちですら郷愁に浸ることができます。 2階は撮影不可とのことですが、かこさとし先生のお写真や同人として発行した複製原画を多数見ることができました。

(Translated by Google) It's a shame that it's a free facility. In addition to the reading space, there are also bakery costumes for children, so you can enjoy Satoshi Kako's works with your whole body. Be sure to check out the nearby park supervised by Satoshi Kako. (Original) 無料施設なのがもったいない。読書スペースだけでなく、子ども用のパン屋さんコスチュームもあり、かこさとしさんの作品を体全体で楽しめる。近くにあるかこさとしさん監修の公園もぜひ。

(Translated by Google) You can enter it for free. We will also do picture-story shows and read aloud. You can also do cosplay. I also read a lot of picture books. If you have children, please go. I enjoyed it even if I was just an adult. (Original) 無料で入れます。紙芝居や読み聞かせもしてくださいます。コスプレもできます。絵本も沢山読めす。お子さんがいる方は是非行って欲しいです。 大人だけでいっても楽しめました。

(Translated by Google) Second visit. I love Satoshi Kako's picture books. It's soothing. The response from the staff is also great. It's the kind of place you'll want to visit again and again. (Original) 2回目の訪問。 かこさとしさんの絵本が大好きです。 癒やされます。 職員の方の対応も素晴らしいです。 何度でも訪れたい、そんな場所です。

(Translated by Google) I came to Echizen City on a family trip. My wife and daughter really wanted to go, so I came here. Satoshi Kako is from Echizen City. I used to read the Daruma-chan series a lot when I was a kid. It felt very nostalgic. (Original) 家族旅行で越前市に来ました。 妻と娘が是非行きたいと言ったのでこちらに伺いました。 かこさとしさんって越前市出身なんですね。 だるまちゃんシリーズとか子供の頃によく読んだな。 とても懐かしい気持ちがしました。