Nestled along the shores of Fukui Prefecture, you’ll find the beautiful Kanegasaki Shrine. From its elevated perch, once home to Kanegasaki Castle, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tsuruga Bay. Outside the shrine, the surrounding area offers many other things to discover and explore, including historical attractions like the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum.
Visiting Kanegasaki Shrine in the springtime is especially picturesque as hundreds of cherry blossom trees bloom on its grounds, providing a magical setting for the shrine’s famous Flower Exchange Festival in April. Aside from this, Kanegasaki Shrine remains busy year-round due to its popular events and reputation for matchmaking. In fact, people flock to Fukui’s “Shrine of Love” every day to pray for romance.
An Imperial History
Photo by: PIXTA/ パーシー It is dedicated to the memory of the two princes who lost their lives fighting for the Emperor
Founded in 1890, Kanegasaki Shrine was built on the ruins of Kanegasaki Castle, the site of a significant battle in Japanese history during the turbulent Northern and Southern Court Period. In 1337, the Siege of Kanegasaki involved the Northern Court’s Ashikaga Takauji and the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo going head-to-head on the site. Among those fighting for the South were Prince Takanaga and Prince Tsunenaga. When the North emerged victorious, they both lost their lives.
One of the Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration, Kanegasaki Shrine was restored by the Meiji government to commemorate this important era in Japan’s history and symbolize loyalty to the Imperial family. It is dedicated to the memory of the two princes who lost their lives fighting for the Emperor, with its main festival on May 6 every year.
Flower Exchange Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ パーシー The blooming cherry blossom trees create the perfect backdrop for falling in love.
Another beloved festival at Kanegasaki Shrine dates back to the early 1900s when local men and women started a spring tradition that continues to this day. Seeking love, but shy about confessing their feelings, potential couples would visit the shrine together and say, “Let’s exchange flowers” as a show of affection. After that, Kanegasaki Shrine became a famous power spot for romance.
Now, early April marks the beginning of the “Flower Exchange Festival,” a fun matchmaking event that draws crowds from across the region. Hopeful singles and couples can purchase artificial cherry blossom branches and participate in prayers to try and make their dreams come true. As this festival takes place in the spring, the blooming cherry blossom trees create the perfect backdrop for falling in love.
