Monjizuri Kannon, Fumon-in (文知摺観音 普門院)

Flow of the course

About this spot

An ancient temple standing at a site celebrated in classical poetry, known for the Hyakunin Isshu poem Michinoku no shinobu mochizuri tare yue ni (For whose sake, Michinoku's shinobu-mochizuri...). On the grounds, the Mochizuri Stone (Monjizuri Stone) mentioned in the poem still remains. The stone carries the legend of a tragic love between the Heian-era noble Minamoto no Toru and a local girl named Torame, and the poet Matsuo Basho also visited here during his Narrow Road to the Deep North journey, leaving behind a haiku. The moss-covered garden changes expression with the seasons, and highlights include a Tahoto pagoda, rare within the prefecture, and the Denkokaku art museum, which displays materials on the legend and literature. The temple grounds, wrapped in a stone-paved approach and a grove of trees, have little elevation change, so a slow walk poses no strain even for the grandparents' generation. This is a spot where a quiet, historical time flows, quite different from the flower-covered hillside village.

Tips

About 15 minutes by car from Hanamiyama, with free parking. The admission fee includes a visit to the art museum, so learning the background of the legend before walking through the garden deepens your appreciation. The grounds have plenty of shade and stay relatively cool even in summer, but the stone paving can be slippery on rainy days, so watch your step. Shrine stamps (goshuin) are available at the temple office.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. Mornings, with beautiful dappled sunlight, are recommended. It's efficient to return to the city center for lunch after your visit.

Access & map

Fukushima Prefecture, Fukushima City, Yamaguchi Aza Monjizuri 70