Echizen's Murasaki Shikibu Park

Autumn leaves and the Tale of Genji

Oleh Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Statue of Murasaki Shikibu in gold making clear contrast with the autumn leaves and the blue sky

Autumn trees reflected on the water surface

Burning red maple leaves beside the pond

Shinden-zukuri style building beside the pond

This garden utilizes 'borrowed scenery' (a tradition of good Japanese gardens) from Mount Hino in the background

Radiant red leaves under the setting sun

Red and green leaves reflecting clearly on the water

Notice the beautiful ripples on the water

Looking at the pond through a willow tree

Beautiful Shinden-zukuri style Japanese building under the blue sky

Willow trees illuminated by the setting sun

Look at Murasaki Shikibu's long, straight hair!

The blue autumn sky makes the water look blue

Trunks in shadow and  red leaves under the sunshine

Last sparkle of red leaves at the end of the autumn day

Located in Echizen city, Fukui, Murasaki Shikibu Park was built to commemorate the famous female Japanese author of the Tale of Genji. She spent one and half years in this area when her father was the governor of Echizen during Heian Period. In this park, there is a traditional Japanese building in the Shinden-zukuri style. This is the only building reproduced in this style throughout Japan. Although this park is well-known among local people, when I visited here during the three-day holiday in late November, (the highest season for viewing autumn leaves) there were only a few people enjoying this beautiful park. Like other places in Fukui, you'll probably have the whole park to yourself. Entry is free of charge. Highly recommended!