GOD ROAD JAPAN

Wakasa Jinguji Temple

神宮寺  ·  Buddhist temple

The Japan Heritage council records that Wakasa Jinguji Temple was founded in 714 to bring the Shinto deity Wakasahikogami into Buddhism, early in the thousand-year period when the two religions were practised together in Japan.

The council records that the temple is known for the Omizu Okuri, a ritual that symbolically sends sacred water from the Akai well in the grounds to Todai-ji in Nara. It also records that excavations here found ancient roof tiles matching those used for the Heijo Palace in Nara. The temple does not admit visitors from 15 February to 5 March while the ritual is prepared.

Hours

The times and charges below are the ones published by the Wakasa Obama Tourism Association, the city's tourism body.

Temple open9:00–16:00Wakasa Obama Tourism Association — Jingu-ji
No visiting15 February – 5 March, while the water-sending ritual is preparedWakasa Obama Tourism Association — Jingu-ji

This time is published by the city's tourism body. We have not found the same time on the temple's own pages.

Getting there

  • JR Higashi-Obama Station — about 10 minutes by car
  • Obama interchange — about 15 minutes by car

Address: 30-4 Jinguji, Obama, Fukui

Wakasa Obama Tourism Association — Jingu-ji

Sources

History and background, What you can seeJapan Heritage, Obama City and Wakasa Town council — Wakasa Jinguji Temple (English)
Temple open, No visiting, Admission, Getting thereWakasa Obama Tourism Association — Jingu-ji

Information checked: September 9, 2026.