Pay Respects at an Ancient Temple Where the "Mochizuri Stone" Celebrated in the One Hundred Poets Remains
About this spot
An ancient temple standing at a legendary poetic place known from the One Hundred Poets poem "In the far Michinoku / the changing hues of the printed / mochizuri cloth—/ for whose sake is it I wear / my heart in such a confusion?" The temple grounds still preserve the "Mochizuri Stone" (Monjiuzuri Stone) celebrated in the poem. It carries a tragic love legend between a Heian-period nobleman, Minamoto no Toru, and a local maiden named Torajo. Matsuo Basho also visited this site during his travels described in "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" and left behind a poem. The moss-covered garden changes its expression with the seasons, and notable features include a rare five-tiered pagoda within the prefecture and the art museum "Denko Hall" displaying materials related to the legend and literature. The stone-paved approach and tree-lined temple grounds have gentle terrain, allowing for leisurely walks suitable for elderly visitors. This is a spot where a different kind of quiet, historical atmosphere flows compared to the flower village.
Tips
About 15 minutes by car from Hanamiyama Park, with free parking available. The admission fee includes entry to the art museum, and understanding the legend's background before walking through the garden deepens your appreciation. The grounds have plenty of shade and remain relatively cool even in summer, but the stone-paved paths can be slippery when wet, so watch your footing. Temple seals (goshuin) are available at the temple office.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour total. The dappled sunlight is beautiful in the morning. It's efficient to return to the city for lunch after visiting the temple.
Access & map
Monjiuzuri-mae 70-70, Yamaguchi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture 960-8202
Model course featuring this spot
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