Two Historical Ponds at Taicho-ji

The legendary 'First Bath Pond' and 'Thunder Pond'

Oleh Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

As far as I can tell, the water in the pond doesn't look clear...but Taicho used this water 1332 years ago, so probably it was clear then!

Sign indicating the direction to 'First Bath Pond' and 'Thunder Pond' on the premises of Taicho-ji Temple

Can you see a rocky hole at the foot of the giant tree?

Here you are! This is 'First Bath Pond', in which the baby Taicho Daishi had his first bath when he was born in 682...Really?!

Stone monument on which the word 'First Bath Pond' is carved

Wooden board explaining the 'First Bath Pond' and 'Thunder Pond'

This is 'Thunder Pond' in the woods. Sacred rope surrounds it

Fudo Myo-O statue stands at the foot of 'Thunder Pond'

The entire area of the two ponds is fenced off by short stone pillars

There are two historically important ponds on the premises of Taicho-ji Temple in Fukui city. One is called, 'First Bath Pond', and the other is 'Thunder Pond'. When Taicho Daishi, a legendary Shugendo monk who founded this temple, was born in 682, he used this 'First Bath Pond' for his first bath as a new-born baby. This pond had been abandoned and buried by fallen leaves for a long time till someone found it in April of 1953. Just after a prayer was offered and the pond was cleaned, they had white snow in the entire area although it was spring...Really?! The other pond, 'Thunder Pond', has its own interesting story. One day when Taicho Daishi was practicing Zazen, thunder hit the place, and it is said that Taicho 'contained' the thunder in this pond. The entire area hasn't had thunder ever since...Really?! Anyway, don't miss the two legendary ponds if you visit this temple!