"That Murasaki Shikibu and
An unexpected relationship in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture!
Part 2 Traveling around the Tannan area related to love

Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture "Murasaki Yukari no Yakata" homepage URL

From the exhibition panel "[Wakamurasaki] A glimpse of a beautiful girl (Wakamurasaki) and Hikaru Genji's feelings of love."

As a planner to sublimate the unique history and culture of the region into museums and exhibition facilities, I was in charge of the "Yukari Museum" this time. We aimed to create a facility where many people can feel the living world of Murasaki Shikibu, which is loved by locals. Continuing from [Part 1], [Part 2] introduces a "tour story" that starts with the theme of "love" and enjoys sightseeing from the city to the wider Tannan area.

Hoping for the fulfillment of "love", visit the Tannan area from the hall, park, and city

The Murasaki-Yukari-no-Yakata is a tourist facility that promotes the attraction of tourists, and plays the role of inviting people to tour the wider area of Tannan from the park and town. The Tannan Regional Tourism Promotion Plan, compiled by the Tannan Wide Area Tourism Council, provides guidelines for the renovation of Murasaki-related buildings. We will guide you to the post town." Based on this guideline, we proceeded with discussions with Echizen City and decided to enjoy the 3 stories of "love" tours that invite you to the wide area of the hall, the park, and the city.

"Love" tour 3 stories
❶ [Starting from the mansion] Love experience program "Which princess type are you?"
❷ [Connect to the park] “Seasonal flowers related to The Tale of Genji”
❸ [From the city to the wider area] “Takefu town walk” to interact with history and culture

From the exhibition panel "[Hahagigi] Hikaru Genji, who is attracted to the modest and modest Utsusemi"

❶【Love experience program starting from the mansion “What type of princess are you?”】
"What kind of princess type are you?" is an experience program that focuses on "love".
As you answer the questions on the touch monitor, you can find the princess type of "The Tale of Genji" that is similar to yourself.
is identified. A strip of paper (paid) is installed on the accessory shelf, so if you pull the strip of paper of the princess, you will find a related waka poem and advice on love fulfillment as a diagnosis result. It is an experience that allows you to connect yourself with the princess of the Tale of Genji through the timeless love. Professor Junko Yamamoto, who supervised this program, said, "The greatest attraction of The Tale of Genji lies in its rich characters... (omitted). Readers of all ages project their own circumstances onto the characters, worry and sympathize with them." I read it over and over again.”*2 It is an experience recommended for men as well as women to commemorate your visit.

*2 A book written by Junko Yamamoto (Professor of Kyoto Gakuen University), who supervised the love experience program “What kind of princess are you?” (co-author: Mariko Hayashi). "Sa" published by Shogakukan has detailed information on the "Genji Monogatari" Onna-kun test.

❷【Four Seasonal Flowers Related to The Tale of Genji” Connected to the Park】
In Murasaki Shikibu Park, we have planted flowers associated with the scenes and characters depicted in The Tale of Genji, so please enjoy the flowers of the four seasons while walking around the park. In the "Princess Tanzaku" introduced in the previous section, we introduce flowers related to the princess, such as purple for purple, cherry for hazy moonlit night, and dianthus for evening glow. can. *3 In the "❺Shirube-no-ma" inside the museum, you can find out how to enjoy "Murasaki Shikibu Park" on a huge illustrated map with a width of 5m. You can see various charms like a picture scroll, such as photo spots and tanka monuments where you can immerse yourself in the Heian period. It is recommended to use the park after viewing.

*3 Due to planting issues, not all flowers related to the princess may be planted.

❸ [“Takefu Machinaka Stroll”]
The charm of Echizen City's "Takefu Machinaka Stroll" is that you can feel the depth of history and culture that overlaps the ancient, medieval and modern times from the scenery of the town.
In ancient times, the Echizen Kokufu (provincial government) was established in the Nara period. In the Middle Ages, it is "Echizen cutlery". At Chiyozuru Shrine, there is a well that is said to have drawn water for making swords by Kuniyasu Chiyozuru, a swordsmith from Kyoto. In the early modern Edo period, Tomimasa Honda laid the foundation for the town. From that time on, Takefu prospered as a relay point for goods from the Kansai area to the Hokuriku region, and merchants' storehouses lined the streets. Today, the townscape of white walls has been maintained, and it has become a fashionable new spot called "Kuranotsuji", where galleries and shops are lined up. The modern era is the "Echizen chest of drawers" that originated in the late Edo period. The highlight is Tansumachi Street, which is lined with traditional townhouse-style furniture stores and workshops. As you may know, picture book author Chihiro Iwasaki and children's literature writer Satoko Kako are from Echizen City. In the city, there is the “House where Chihiro was born” Memorial Hall and Satoshi Kako’s Hometown Picture Book Museum “Raku”. It is a spot that even parents and children want to visit.

In "❺Shirube no Ma", there is always a "Walking Map of Takefu Town", sightseeing PR videos, and various information leaflets. Would you like to visit the town of Takefu? Like Murasaki Shikibu, who grew up in Echizen, there may be encounters that enrich your heart.

“Takefu Town Walking Map” as a whole

❸ [Fulfillment of love from the city to the wide area by visiting the power spots of love]
What kind of place do you associate with the power spot of "love"? For those in the Kanto region, Tokyo Daijingu Shrine in Iidabashi and Imado Shrine in Asakusa. If you are from the Kansai area, you may think of Jishu Shrine in Kyoto or Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. Most of them are formal shrines in the city center and sightseeing spots, and many tourists leave in a hurry to pray for success in love. In the Digital Daijisen, power spots are described as ``places said to be full of spiritual power''. I think that the reason why shrines are listed as power spots is because they want to follow something that transcends human knowledge.

However, modern people do not leave everything to the world of mystery. Don't you want it to be a place where you can slowly experience culture and refresh yourself? In fact, here lies the charm of the “Tannan Tour” that I recommend. Just like Murasaki Shikibu, who was worried about "love" in the past, grew up by touching the history and culture of Echizen. Also, sympathize with the way of life of the princesses of "The Tale of Genji". After Murasaki Shikibu, why not enjoy the culture, nature, and seafood of the Tannan region while visiting the power spots of "love" that are colored by various stories related to love?

In the next section, I will introduce the power spot tour of "love".

●Recommended “love” power spot tour in Echizen city
●Tour recommended “love” power spots in the Tannan area

From the leaflet of Murasaki Yukari no Yakata “Explore the Tannan area and increase your love power”

●Recommended “love” power spot tour in Echizen city
The “love” power spot tour in Echizen city starts from “Manyo no Sato Ajima no En”. This is a public park in the Ajimano district of Echizen City, which is also associated with the Manyoshu. This land is the site of the love song of Nakatomi no Yakamori, who was exiled from Heijo-kyo to Echizen, and Sano no Otogami no Otome, who thinks of him as the home keeper in the capital. known as the stage. There are 63 passionate poems written between them in Manyoshu, which are introduced in detail at "Manyokan". In the Ajimano-en Garden, two people's "Soumonka monuments" have been erected, and in the vast grounds, you can relax and appreciate the flowers that bloom in each season and the plants that were sung in the Manyoshu.

Transcribed from the Echizen City website "Manyo no Satomi Manoen"　

And here at Ajimanoen, there is another “Koi no Yukari”.
“1500 years ago, Keitai the Great and Teruhinomae lived harmoniously in Ajimano, but when the Great King was welcomed as Emperor, he received a letter and She left the flower basket in front of Teruhi and went up to the capital.In front of Teruhi, she became a madwoman because she missed the great king and went to the capital, holding the flower basket and dancing beautifully in front of the emperor's procession. They were delighted to meet again, and lived happily together in the capital." In 2018, the area where the two bronze statues are standing and staring at each other was developed as a "power spot for love."

Transcribed from the Echizen City website "Manyo no Satomi Manoen"

●Tour recommended “love” power spots in the Tannan area
Furthermore, if you expand your perspective to the Tannan area, there are spots related to "love" here and there.
For those of you who don't know the Tannan area, the Tannan area consists of five cities and towns, starting from the west, Echizen-cho, Echizen-shi, Sabae-shi, Minami-Echizen-shi, and Ikeda-cho. In the "❺Shirube no Ma" of Murasaki Yukari no Yakata, you can find a "Tannan area tour map", sightseeing PR videos, and various information leaflets, so please take a look.

Starting from "Murasakishikibu Park" and "Ajimanoen" in Echizen City, I will introduce the image of going around from west to east. There are five power spots: "Koi-no-sha", "Koisuru Lighthouse", "Enmusubi Married Sugi", "Musubi Chime", and "Kazura Bridge".

The first one, "Koi no Yashiro," is "Aizen Myoodou Suisen no Yashiro," which is located right next to Kochomon Gate, a scenic spot that represents the Echizen coast. is. It is a shrine familiar to local people as a god who promises love and family harmony, as well as relief and alleviation of worldly desires between men and women. ※Four
The second is the Echizen Cape Misaki Lighthouse on the Echizen coast, called "Koisuru Todai". Echizenmisaki Lighthouse is certified as a lighthouse suitable for a holy place of romance among lighthouses all over Japan. The scenery of the rocky reefs carved by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan along the Echizen coast and the scent of the Echizen narcissus, which blooms in winter, will be a special place for two lovers to spend a sweet time. ※Five

*4 For details, refer to "Echizen Tourism Navi"
*5 For details, see the Koisuru Todai Project website.

The third one, Marriage Married Cedar, is located in front of the hall of worship of Tsurugi Shrine, which is also the second shrine of Echizen. The roots of the two cedars are connected like a married couple, so it is said that there is good luck in marriage. *6
The fourth one, “Musubi no Chime,” is located in the “Musubi no Hiroba” halfway up Nishiyama Park in Sabae City, and is also known as a view spot that overlooks the city of Sabae. A wind chime is hung on the monument, and if you insert the medal enclosed in the "Piece of Love (charged)" into the chime, the mysterious sound will resound, and you can spend a moment to heal your heart and deepen your bond. You can purchase “Pieces of Love” at the park management office, Nishiyama Zoo, and Nishiyama Park roadside station. *7
The fifth, Kazura Bridge, is a bridge over the Asuwa River Valley in Doaisarao, Ikeda Town. It is said that if you pledge your love on this thrilling bridge, you will be happy forever. (charged)*8

※6　詳しくは「Dearふくい」
※7　詳しくは「ふくいドットコム」
※8　詳しくは「ふくいドットコム」
　冬期（12月～3月頃）や荒天時は通行止めのため、問い合わせ先の「そばの郷 池田屋」 0778-44-6878にご確認ください

As mentioned above, various power spots related to love and marriage may become the strongest power if you visit all 5 places, but consider your itinerary together with sightseeing spots in the Tannan area according to your travel needs. I wish I could. In the previously introduced Tannan Area Tour/Stay Tourism Promotion Plan, you can learn authentic things and refresh your mind through the traditional crafts and craftsmanship that are characteristic of the Tannan area. We suggest that you incorporate walking and historical tours into your itinerary for a wide-area excursion.
・ Young girls' trips, couples, groups: visit the power spots of "love" and experience making things
・ Families: Children can also enjoy the red pandas in Nishiyama Park, the “House where Chihiro was born” memorial museum, Satoshi Kako’s hometown picture book museum “Kin”, etc.
・ Seniors: Strolling around town, visiting history, experiencing magnificent scenery and nature, etc.

In addition, although it is common to all levels, it is recommended to include the attractions of Echizen's unique hot springs and food such as Echizen hot springs, Echizen crabs, squid, and Echizen soba in the basics of the itinerary.

●Traditional crafts and craftsmanship experience
・Echizen Lacquerware (Urushi no Sato Kaikan)
・Echizen Washi (Echizen Washi Village, Paper Culture Museum, Experience Studio Papyrus Hall)
・Echizen Cutlery (Takefu Knife Village, Echizen Cutlery Hall)
・Echizen Pottery (Echizen Pottery Village/Echizen Old Kiln Museum)
・Echizen chest of drawers (Echizen chest of drawers hall)
・Sabae Glasses (Echizen Glasses Village / Glasses Museum)

● Contact with magnificent scenery and nature
・Echizen Coast/Tree Picnic Adventure/Imajo 365 Ski Resort (camping, skiing), etc.

●Walking around town and visiting history
・Imajo-juku / Echizen Municipal Center / Kono Kitamae Ship Owner Street / Otaki Shrine / Tsurugi Shrine / Railway etc.

How did you like it?
Young Murasaki Shikibu, who was the only one who lived away from Kyoto, felt the charm of "Tannan Meguri", which spreads from the hall, park, and the city, while visiting the power spots of "love" colored by various stories related to love. While imagining what it would be like, I believe that all you can do is spend a leisurely stay and enjoy the culture and nature of the Tannan region, the delicacies of the sea and mountains, and the traditional crafts. And I hope that your trip will be a fulfilling trip that gives you some realizations like Murasaki Shikibu grew up in Echizen.

From the exhibition video software "Hyakka Ryoran -Echizen Kokufu where Murasaki Shikibu met-"

Inviting you to the shining light from the viewpoint related to Murasaki

Finally, it is said that “sightseeing is about seeing the shining lights of the land”, and it can be said that there are as many “shining lights” as there are regions. "Murasaki Yukari no Yakata" is a story that invites you to the bright lights of Echizen City, where the Echizen Kokufu is located, from the perspective of a young Murasaki Shikibu. From what point of view, what kind of space and story would you use to convey the shining light of that land?

Echizen City Industry Environment Department Tourism Attraction Division
Dr. Shoji Fukushima, Dr. Junko Yamamoto, and everyone involved
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our project members.

Reference books:
"The Tale of Genji Murasaki Shikibu and Echizen Takefu" Written by Shoji Fukushima Published by Murasaki Shikibu Honoring Society (Echizen City)
"The true fun of 'The Tale of Genji' that no one told me" Written by Junko Yamamoto (co-authored by Mariko Hayashi)
Publisher: Shogakukan

Facility name: Murasaki Shikibu and Kokufu Museum Nickname: “House related to Murasaki”
Location: 21-12 Higashisenpukucho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture 915-0847
Opening date: April 23, 2021
Business Owner: Echizen City
Type: Permanent exhibition facility
Exhibition area: 250㎡
Architecture, exhibition renovation design, exhibition production and installation: NOMURA Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Producer: Tatsuya Fujii
Production management: Takeshi Suezaki, Satoko Hasegawa
Designer: Tomoyo Tsukiyama
Designers: Tomoyo Tsukiyama, Keiko Hori
Planners: Shigeo Fujii, Yuka Sueda
Architectural renovation design: Katsumi Tanda, Masayuki Kitagawa
Video software: Acros Co., Ltd.
Graphics: Studio Arts Co., Ltd.
Sculpture demonstration: Takenaka Art & Design Co., Ltd.
Completion photo shoot: Shohei Yoshida amu photograph

 

profile
Shigeo Fujii
Creative Headquarters Planning Center Planning Department 4th Room 10 Planning Director

For more than 20 years at NOMURA Co., Ltd., I have built up my career in the fields of administrative cultural exhibition facilities and corporate exhibitions.
We have work experience from research work at the initial stage of business to basic concept, basic plan, basic/implementation design, and operational support. In particular, we are involved in a wide range of fields, including historical exhibition facilities that handle important cultural properties, literary exhibition facilities (Manyoshu, haiku, etc.), disaster prevention enlightenment facilities, castles, World Heritage/Japan Heritage guidance facilities, and corporate museums. Together with our customers, we will help create spaces and environments that energize the region and organization.

From the exhibition video software "Hyakka Ryoran -Echizen Kokufu where Murasaki Shikibu met-"