Fujieda Things to Do

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Kuroinu Shrine in Kiganji Temple enshrines the ledendary undefeated sacred black dog named Kuro which is said to have been one of the wolves sent from Harunosan Daikoji (Kiganji started as a shugendo(Buddhism-Shinto hybrid) temple in 8th century so the temple also had shrines). About 200 years ago when Tanaka castle was ruled by Honda clans, the lord of Tanaka castle challenged Kuro against his white dog. Kuro defeated the lord's dog but that angered the lord and he ordered his men to behead the black dog. Kuro outran the pursuers but he was finally cornered at the old well of the temple. He had to throw himself into the well. Then with eery shrieks, the sky darkened with black clouds and came thousands of wolves from Harunosan. Lord of Tanaka castle then felt ashamed of what he has done to the sacred dog and made a shrine to appease the dog's soul. Today the figure of Kuro is surrounded by the figurines of cute doggies including those of Peanut's Snoopy donated from the visitors all over Japan. People who visit the shrine pray for winning the games, and for his/her pet's health.

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Seven Falls of Shirafuji is located close to housing complex area north-eastern part of Fujieda. Hanashi area of Fujieda still has the good old rural landscape. Shirafuji has a number of waterfalls most of them are fainty and the highest fall, Shirafuji Fall is only 33 meters in height. Yet the area still has the deep mountain atmosphere. And the slippery rocks around the falls still block the human approach. The first fall you will see is 3-m high Okonaino Taki(Gyoja Fall). Small but nicely shaped. After about five minutes of mountain path, you will get to the largest of watarfalls Shirafuji and Kannon waterfalls, 33m and 15m in height respectively. About 20 minutes from the Shirafuji waterfall, you will find a small shrine with magnificent views. Not all of the waterfalls can be easily approachable and to get some waterfalls you might hack the bushes during summer.

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Satoyama Trail, #20 Hiking Trail of Fujieda, is another nice walking trail that goes through the rustic areas of Okabe town. It starts from Gochinyorai Park where the tourist information office is located. The trail has some nice lookouts and visits some nice temples. It takes about 2 hours starting from Gochinyorai and back.

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Founded in 726, this once-a-huge-temple was recently brought to attention by the Kuroinu Shrine, enshrining a legendary black dog who had been undefeated. Other interesting artifacts include "Onikakiishi", or the Demon's Grinding Stone.

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In 8th century, Japanese Imperial Court set up the law and order system based upon Tang Dysnasty system in China. Under the system called RITSURYO, regional or county offices are built throughout Japan. While most of 600 gunga remains in Japan has been lost because of postwar urban development, Shida Gunga escaped such fate by having been buried under the rice paddy field until recently. Just like Heijokyo Remains in Nara, some of the buildings are rebuilt and the rest indicate only skeletal structure.

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"Momiji" or Japanese maple is one of the most popular autumn foliage features in Japan. And at this park about five minutes walk from acala statues of Takinoya Fudo Gorge, you can enjoy the great views of maples as well as unique statues created by Takashi Sugimura, an artist and a Fujieda resident.

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About three kilometers north of Takizawa hamlet, there is a gorge of Takinoya Fudo. This gorge is so named because of Fodo Myo-Ou Bosatu(Acala statue) in the center of the gorge area, also popular for Autumn foliage views. To get the better view of Acala statue and stone carved Buddha statue recently finished in 1989, you have to get down to the bottom of the river with mossy slippery rock. It seems out of the question to get across the river full of water to visit the acala statue.

Takizawa, located northwestern part of Fujieda-city is a hamlet boasting more than 1,000 years of history. This area thrived because it was by-pass highway for Tokaido highway often disrupted because of natural disasters such as flood, earthquakes and so. It served as a resting place before challenging Hinoki Pass about 400 meters in elevation. Takizawa shrine possesses cultural heritage of once-thriving area. Now this area is popular for hiking destinations including Hinoki Pass hike, Mt. Bodai, Mt. Kasabari and Mt. Takao hike. Also Fudo gorge is popular for autumn leaves views.