Famous as the exact mid-point of the Old Tokaido Highway, the quaint town of Fukuroi has a long history of looking after weary travelers.
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FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TOKAIDO TRAVELERS
The town of Fukuroi was placed on the global stage when it became a host city for the 2019 Rugby World Cup – Ecopa Stadium hosting perhaps the most exciting game of the tournament between Japan and Ireland.
Fukuroi is easily accessible, located between the JR Tokaido Bullet train line stations of Kakegawa and Hamamatsu.
The city is known as the “Domanaka” (exact middle) of the Old Tokaido Highway on the journey between Kyoto and Tokyo, being the 27th post town from the both ends.
400 years ago, it was the point at which weary travelers knew that the first half of their journey was complete. Today, a small teahouse is located in the famous ‘Halfway Point’ and you can stop for a cup of Shizuoka Green Tea.
LOCAL FOOD TO ENJOY IN FUKUROI
Hailing from the Edo era and perhaps for the simplicity of produce needed, is Fukuroi’s famous local dish of ‘Tamago Fuwafuwa,’ essentially eggs and soup stock whipped into a fluffy (hence the name fuwafuwa) texture full of flavor.
It is said that it was a dish enjoyed by lords, samurai, and wealthy merchants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The Fukuroi Crown Melons are recognized as some of the best in the World (some melons can sell for as much as $100USD) – you can visit the farm where they are grown and indulge in this luxury fruit.
From April through to the middle of October, you can experience picking Shizuoka Green Tea in the fields and participate in a local tea ceremony.
FUKUROI TEMPLES – ENSHU SANZAN
Fukuroi is also known as a temple town. Three of the most well-known are called the Enshu Sanzan and include Hattasan Soneiji, Yusanji, and Kasuisai Temples.
Surrounded by over 700 cherry blossom trees, Hattasan Temple was constructed in 725 and is renowned for being an important site for good luck as it’s dedicated to Shokannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Mercy.
Kasuisai Temple which was founded in 1401, was named by the Japan’s most famous Shogun, Ieyasu Tokugawa. The temple offers Zen experiences for visitors including zazen mediation and shakyo (transcribing a sutra) as well as Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meal).
Nearby Yusanji Temple is known as a temple for eye health since the 8th century. Many of the buildings in the temple ground are registered as national and prefectural cultural heritage properties. Takigyo, the traditioanl waterfall meditaiton is practiced here and available for visitors.
Various festivals are held throughout the year at all three temples – including the Summer Wind Bell Festival.
The Ten Thousand Light festival at Hattasan, the Grand Rosary Festival at Yusanji, and the Fire Festival at Kasuisai are just a few of the local celebrations held throughout the year – LEARN MORE.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
If you’re a bit temple weary, wander North of central Fukuroi City, and enjoy the picturesque gardens of Kasui Yuri no Sono which has over 2 million flowers of over 150 different varieties, the most famous being its lily collection. You can find the lily in bloom from late May to early July.
Visiting in August will allow you to celebrate Obon by watching the Fukuroi Enshu fireworks, one of the 10 largest fireworks celebrations in Japan.
One of the most delightful ways to explore Fukuroi is by cycling. There are many ‘cycle stations’ scattered throughout the city at various popular sites with secure places to leave your bike, and tools available for simple repairs if needed – LEARN MORE.
MORE INFORMATION
Activities in and around Fukuroi
