Wakasa Myōtsū-ji: A Journey to an 800-Year-Old National Treasure by Local Bus! 🚌🏯

#summervacay I might just be the first person to share how to get to Wakasa Myōtsū-ji using public transport! Who would have thought that from Tsuruga, I'd spend 2 hours, take a community bus that only runs twice on Saturdays, and venture deep into a rural valley to see the Myōtsū-ji Triple Pagoda and Main Hall, standing proudly for 800 years? (Pro tip: if you have the live photos, turn on the sound for an even better experience!) Having visited Japan numerous times, I'm always seeking more meaningful and unique experiences. My interest in Japan's National Treasure architecture led me to explore Myōtsū-ji, the only National Treasure in Fukui Prefecture. Located in Obama City, in the ancient Wakasa Province, I couldn't find clear public transport directions on Xiaohongshu. Embracing the motto "the brave enjoy the world first," I prepared for the worst-case scenario of walking and decided to investigate using the community bus. History of Myōtsū-ji (明通寺): Myōtsū-ji was founded in 806 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Seii Taishōgun, during his tour of the Hokuriku region. While its early history is unclear, the existing Main Hall and Triple Pagoda were constructed during the mid-Kamakura period (China's Southern Song Dynasty) by the restorer priest, Raizen. The Main Hall (本堂): A Kamakura Masterpiece Completed in 1265 (images 2-5), the Main Hall is built on a stone foundation. It features an irimoya-zukuri (hipped and gabled) roof covered with cypress bark (hiwadabuki). The roof and the eaves at its corners display characteristic Kamakura-period architectural traits. One side of the Main Hall's facade is entirely made up of doors and windows, giving it a residential appearance. While based on traditional Japanese temple architecture, its internal structure incorporates Zen Buddhist elements, giving the interior a distinct medieval Buddhist hall feel. It was an incredible journey to witness such a significant piece of Japanese history and architecture! #wakasamyotsuji #fukui #obamacity #nationaltreasure #japanarchitecture #historictemples #kamakuraperiod #japanesehistory #offthebeatenpath #publictransportadventure #traveljapan