Full Tour of the Buddha statues in Obama
Expert route

This is a route for seasoned visitors who are ready to encounter Obama's Buddhist statues in depth, and for those who enjoy shrines and temples in a more profound way.
JR Obama Station
Approximately 10 min. by car
Visit
  • Myoraku-ji Temple

    所用時間目安:1時間
    Near Obama Station, take the AI bus to Myorakuji Temple. Enjoy the beautiful Buddhist statues enshrined in the main hall of Myorakuji Temple and the Jizo Hall that watches over local children.
    Learn more about Myoraku-ji Temple
Approximately 10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Kokubun-ji Temple

    Approximate time required: 1 hour
    Then go to Kokubunji Temple. The large wooden seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and the simple yet powerful statue of Yakushi Nyorai are a must-see.
    See more details about Kokubun-ji Temple.
Approximately 10 minutes by car
lunch
  • Wakuri's Okudosan
    (Roadside Station Wakasa Obama)

    Approximate time required: 1 hour
    After that, for lunch, go to "Wakuri’s Okudosan" adjacent to the roadside station. Obama has a long food culture tradition, and in ancient times provided food offerings to the imperial court in Kyoto. Choose a variety of small dishes, created from Obama’s local ingredients, and create your own meal.
    At the roadside station, you can also buy culinary souvenirs of Obama, such as grilled mackerel sushi, heshiko, and local vegetables.
    Learn more about Wakuri's Okudosan
10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Ensho-ji Temple

    The third place is Ensho-ji Temple. Have a rest in the garden (if you are lucky, you can listen to the priest's story) and enjoy the peaceful seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai.
    Click here for more details.
10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Jingu-ji Temple

    The last stop on the first day is Jingu-ji Temple. The temple, with its shimenawa (sacred straw rope) tied around it, creates a unique atmosphere. Experience firsthand the ancient beliefs of this temple.
    Click here for more details.
10 minutes by car
Accommodation
  • Matsunaga Rokkan

    Stay overnight at Matsunaga Rokkan. This auberge is located near Myotsu-ji Temple. Please reflect on your day's encounter with Buddhist statues at this quiet mountain lodge.
    Click here for details of Matsunaga Rokkan.
5 minutes by car
Visit
  • Myotsu-ji Temple

    On the second day, participate in the meditation and breakfast plan of Matsunaga Rokkan at Myotsu-ji Temple. Pass through the forest in the morning mist and experience Ajikan meditation at the main hall of Myotsu-ji Temple, which starts at 7:00 a.m. (duration: approximately 50 minutes). Afterwards, you will be served morning rice porridge and a vegetarian breakfast in the guest house in the temple grounds. Take in the fresh morning air and start the second day of the tour.
    Click here for details of Myotsu-ji Temple
10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Mantoku-ji Temple

    The second stop is Mantoku-ji Temple. This is a temple dedicated to the prayers of the Sakai family, the feudal lord of the Obama Domain. The garden and the main hall, both of which convey the culture of the samurai family, will calm your mind.
    See more details about Mantoku-ji Temple.
Approximately 12 minutes by car
Lunch
  • Machi no Eki (Cafe Seasons)

    For lunch, drive to "Café Seasons" at Machi no Eki. As the tour comes to an end, it is time for something sweet. How about a gluten-free waffle and coffee? There is also a select store of food and miscellaneous goods called "Tetoki" in Machi no Eki. It is also recommended to buy your own souvenirs here.
    Click here for details of Machino-Eki Asahiza
10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Haga-ji Temple

    Finally, the last spurt! Haga-ji Temple. Here you will encounter the beautiful standing statue of the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). If the weather permits, look up at the sky and look for the phoenix in the clouds.
    Learn more about Haga-ji Temple.
10 minutes by car
Visit
  • Tada-ji Temple

    The final stop is Tada-ji Temple. Enjoy the peaceful presence of the Buddha statues and reflect on the two days of your visit.
    Learn more about Tada-ji Temple
Approximately 8 minutes by car
Obama Station

八ヶ寺の見所

  • 明通寺

    ご本尊である薬師さまの両脇を守る脇侍は降三世明王と深沙大将です。深沙大将は「西遊記」の沙悟浄のモデルになった神様で、全国的にも大変珍しい像です。
  • 萬徳寺

    お庭が有名なお寺ですが、小浜藩主酒井家の祈願寺でもあった萬徳寺には藩主が描いたとされる欄間の水墨画などが残され藩との繋がりが感じられます。
  • 妙楽寺

    鮮やかな彩色が残る四天王像のお姿も印象的。また、御本尊の右手にいらっしゃる観音菩薩像は平安時代の作と伝わる大変美しい像で、縁結びの観音さまとしても知られています。
  • 神宮寺

    神仏混淆寺院なので、お詣りする際は柏手を打ちます。本堂左手には「お水送り」で「お香水」を流すための水を汲む「閼伽井戸」があり、実際に飲むこともできます。