Shrines and sightseeing routes enshrined in Taira Masakado

Tours of places associated with Taira Masakado - Recommended routes for Tokyo and Ibaraki

We will introduce a detailed route to follow the footsteps of Prince Taira Masakado and experience the heroic life and the spiritual power that is still talked about even after his death. Take a trip to Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture, which has a deep connection, mainly in Tokyo, and to go on a journey to deepen your understanding of Masakado.

I. Pilgrimage to the heart of Tokyo, touching on spiritual power and history

First, take a tour of shrines associated with Masakado, scattered throughout the center of Tokyo and experience the spiritual powers.

1. Masakadozuka (No way)

1. Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access: Right next to Exit C5 of Otemachi Subway Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Hanzomon Line, Chiyoda Line, Tozai Line, Toei Mita Line)
   
3. Historical: This is the place where Taira Masakado was killed, and his head was flew off and buried. During the Edo period, it was called "Kuzuka" and was passed down through various strange tales. During the Meiji period, the site was planned for the Ministry of Finance (now the Ministry of Finance) and was about to be demolished, but there is anecdote that the site was rebuilt as many people in construction workers were injured.
   
4. Point: Let's pay our respects to Lord Masakado and pray for the safety of your journey. It has a quiet and sacred atmosphere that is different from the surrounding office districts. Feel the unusual presence of this historical site that suddenly appears in the business district.
   
5. Recommended: There are plenty of tourist spots in the area, including the East Imperial Palace Garden and the Marunouchi area. After visiting Masakadozuka, enjoy a stroll around the area.

2. Tsukudo Shrine

1. Location: 1-13-5 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access: 3 minutes' walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line, Toei Shinjuku Line)
   
3. Its history and founded buildings are also known as the Kamakura period, and is a historic shrine dedicated to Taira Masakado. Originally it was located in the location of the current Imperial Palace, but it was moved to its current location during the Edo period. In the temple grounds, there is a "Kamadozuka," which is said to have been buried in the helmet of Prince Masakado, and many people visit to pray for victory.
   
4. Key Points: Learn about the history of the shrine and its relationship with Masakado. The temple grounds have been made with various ingenuity to calm the spirits of Lord Masakado.
   
5. The Recommendation Festival is held in September and is bustling with many people. It is also recommended to visit in accordance with the festival season.

3. Kabuto Shrine

1. Address: 1-8 Kabutocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access: 7 minutes' walk from Nihonbashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tozai Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
   
3. Historical: This shrine is located in Kabutocho, Nihonbashi, and its name comes from Kabutozuka. It is said that during the Heian period, Gentsuneki buried his helmet to pray for victory. Later, it began to worship the spirit of Taira Masakado, and now there is a strong belief from financial officials.
   
4. Point: Located in the securities district of Nihonbashi, it has a unique atmosphere. Feel the presence of the guardian deity of the business world.
   
5. Recommended: The Tokyo Stock Exchange is nearby. It is also a good idea to visit the stock exchange after visiting Kabuto Shrine.

4. Kanda Myojin

1. Location: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Seibashi exit of JR Chuo Line and Sobu Line Ochanomizu Station, Approximately 7 minutes on foot from the Electric Town Exit of JR Keihin Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line and Hibiya Subway Line Akihabara Station
   
3. It is a historic shrine, which is said to have been around for 730 years. Along with Okunishi no Mikoto (Okuninushi no Mikoto) and Suohikona Mikoto, Taira Masakado is enshrined. During the Edo period, it was worshiped as the main guardian of Edo, and now it is worshiped as a god of luck in competition and prosperity in business. In recent years, we have been actively collaborating with anime and games.
   
4. The point: The grounds are spacious and there are many attractions to see. The sculptures at the Zuijin Gate and the main shrine are particularly spectacular.
   
5. Various festivals are held throughout the year, including the Setsubun Festival and Kanda Festival. It's also a good idea to visit according to the festival season.

5. Yoroi Shrine

1. Address: 3-16-18 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access: 11 minutes on foot from JR Okubo Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Line)
   14 minutes on foot from Higashinakano Station on JR/Toei Oedo Line
   
3. It is said that Taira Masakado offered his armor to pray for victory. People come to pray for long and long life.
   
4. Point: Located in a quiet residential area, it has a calm atmosphere. Inside the grounds there is a mound called Yorozuka.
   
5. Recommended: Shin-Okubo Korean Town is nearby. You can also enjoy a meal in Korean Town after visiting Yoroi Shrine.

II. Visiting the hometown of Masakado, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Once you've finished your pilgrimage in Tokyo, be sure to visit Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Bando City is the place where Taira Masakado was born and raised, and many historical sites remain.

1. Kokuo Shrine

1. Location: 3314 Iwai, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture
   
2. Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Atago Station on the Tobu Railway
   
3. This shrine is said to have been founded by the historic Prince Taira Masakado. It is considered to be an especially important shrine that worships Masakado. The temple grounds are offering wooden statues of Prince Masakado and armor.
4. The grounds are spacious and have a solemn atmosphere. Take a closer look at the items associated with Masakado.
   
5. Recommended: The Iwai Masakado Festival, held every November, is bustling with many people. This is a grand festival to remember Masakado.

2. Enmeiin (Enmeiin)

1. Location: 3317 Iwai, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture
   
2. Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Atago Station on the Tobu Railway (next to Kokuo Shrine)
   
3. Historical: This temple is located next to Kunio Shrine, and is the family temple of Taira Masakado. Inside the temple grounds there is a Olympic tower, which is said to be the tomb of Prince Masakado.
   
4. Point: Let's mourn the spirits of Lord Masakado at this quiet temple. The Olympic Tower is cherished as a place where Masakado's soul rests.
   
5. Recommended: We recommend visiting along with Kokuo Shrine.

3. Sakai Castle Ruins Park

1. Location: Sakai, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture
   
2. Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kawama Station on the Tobu Railway
   
3. Historical: This is the place where Taira Masakado's castle was said to have been located. It is now built as a park, allowing you to remember the image of the time.
   
4. Point: Take a stroll around the vast grounds and imagine life at the time.
   
5. Recommended: Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and many people visit.

4. Shomon Senbei (Masuka Dosenbei)

1. Location: Stores in Bando City
   
2. Point: The "Sagamon Senbei" is a classic souvenir from Bando City, and is a rice cracker named after Masakado. There are a variety of different types, making it a perfect souvenir.
   
3. Recommended: Can be purchased at souvenir shops and roadside stations in Bando City.

III. Pilgrimage tips: Deepen your understanding of Masakado

1. Feeling of gratitude: Don't forget to express your gratitude when visiting each shrine or historical site.
   
2. Collect information and research the history of each shrine in advance and information about Masakado-kun will give you a deeper understanding.
   
3. By taking your time and taking your time to go around, you will discover more.
   
4. Collecting goshuin and goshuin at each shrine is also a great memorial.
   
5. Safety first - Take a pilgrimage with a reasonable schedule and be careful about your safety.
   
6. You can gain a deeper understanding of historical books and Prince Taira Masakado by referring to historical books and legends. For example, "Shokado Ki" is famous as a military story depicting the life of Masakado.
   
7. Interacting with locals In Bando City, local people cherish and protect Masakado and pass on the legends. You may discover new things by interacting with local people.

IV. Is Taira Masakado a hero or an enemy?

Taira Masakado was a warlord who was active in the Kanto region during the mid-Heian period. He began a rebellion called the Shohei Tenkei Rebellion, calling himself the "new emperor," but was defeated by Fujiwara Hidesato and others.

Masakado's reputation has been shaking throughout history. While some view them as "the enemy of the imperial court" who rebelled against the imperial court, others as "hero" who tried to save the people who were suffering from oppression.

The reason why Masakado's spiritual power is believed to be strong is his tragic life and his strong faith from the people.

Masakado, a life in modern times through pilgrimage

A trip around a place associated with Masakado is more than just a sightseeing trip. By experiencing history, feeling spiritual power, and learning about Masakado's way of life, we will give courage and hope to us living in the present day.

Masakado, worshiped as the god of luck and good fortune, will give us a powerful boost to us as we stand up to our difficulties.

。

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

Contact

Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.