To answer that question, we’ll have to travel to the past, back when Takehara was prospering from its salt making.
You may know that the river running through Takehara is known as “Kamo river,” which is a direct result of the town’s history. Takehara was originally a manor for the Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, which is how it got its nickname as “the Little Kyoto of Aki”.
After its establishment, markets were opened along the Kamo river, and Takehara began to expand as a port town. Unfortunately, the earth and sand carried in by the river current would eventually fill in the ports. The markets eventually moved locations, and during the Sengoku period, a new village was built on the very land you are now standing on.
If you are familiar with Saihōji Temple, you might know that it was originally built in a different location. Its current location was originally home to a different temple, but when it burned down in a fire, Saihōji Temple was relocated here. Fumeikaku was built years later, during the mid-Edo period. The way the building extends over the edge of a slope is reminiscent of the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto.
Fumeikaku stands tall on elevated ground, and in the past, it was a landmark of Takehara to ships traveling across the Seto Inland Sea. There are even records that Fumeikaku served as a sort of lighthouse to passing ships.
This spot would have provided an excellent view of not only the salt fields, but also the ships gathering at the ports and all the lively people who’d load them with salt. It was a sight where you could overlook the sea and town coming together. We encourage you to think of all the activity that Takehara saw in the past as you take in the gorgeous scenery.
