05 | Recommended Route No. 3
Okamoto Shrine and Otaki Shrine
Experience the Faith in Spirits and Paper that Has Supported the People of Echizen Washi Village.
Okamoto Shrine and Otaki Shrine consist of the satomiya town shrine in the foothills of the mountains and the oku no in inner shrine at the peak of the mountain.
For over a thousand years, the people of Echizen Washi Village have lived with paper being an important part of their lives, and they have always regularly paid their respects at both the town shrine and even the inner shrine, located at the peak of the mountain. The pure, clean water that comes from a source on Mt. Daitoku is indispensable for paper-making; it is no coincidence that the people of this village placed a shrine dedicated to Kawakami Gozen, the goddess of paper, at this irreplaceable location. The mountain is a key element in both the local faith and in the everyday lives of the people living here.
Note that the path up to the inner shrine is quite steep — visitors interested in making their way up are advised to dress for a fairly strenuous session of mountain climbing.
It is also worth noting that the route to the inner shrine is only one path up the mountain. The path up to the observation point also comes recommended, for scenery that is considered among Japan's 100 most beautiful historic areas.
Route Details <starting from Otaki Shrine, up the mountain to the inner shrine>
○ This route takes 30–60 minutes, and is a relatively challenging climb. Shoes and clothes suited to mountain climbing are recommended.
○ The beginning of the path up the mountain can be found a short walk past the eastern side of Okamoto and Otaki Shrines' torii gate (to the right).
① The satomiya town shrine of Okamoto & Otaki Shrines
★ Festival of Spirits and Paper held here every May!
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② Zenmai sakura cherry blossom tree
★ Stands 23 meters tall and measures 8.1 meters around its base. Designated a Natural Monument by Fukui Prefecture.
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③ Beech forest
★ This primeval forest is preserved as shrine grounds. Designated a Natural Monument by Fukui Prefecture.
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④ The oku no in inner shrines of Okamoto & Otaki Shrines
★ Dedicated to Kawakami Gozen, the goddess of paper
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⑤ Osugi large Japanese cedar tree
★ This sacred tree stands 23 meters tall and measures 9.8 meters around its base. Designated a Natural Monument by Fukui Prefecture.