Ai Nishimura
Administrator of the blog "My Diary," which began in 2004. A writer who has traveled to all 47 prefectures and loves local culture and history.
Author of Shimane's "Geography, Place Names, and Maps" Mysteries (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha), My Town is the "Number One in Japan" Dictionary (PHP Institute), and Prefectures Explained in Neko Neko Japanese History (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha). Official blogger for Suntory Gourmet Guide, official top user for Retty, and official platinum blogger for Excite.
Kikuchi City is the home of the Kikuchi clan, who played a glorious role in the Middle Ages. On this trip, we visited the historical spots in various parts of Kikuchi City. We will send you lots of photos.
The Kikuchi clan achieved the unification of Kyushu. The Kikuchi and Kikuchi families of Japan have their roots in Higo.
Fujiwara Noritaka, a high-ranking official at Dazaifu, the Kyushu administrative agency established by the Imperial Court, came to this area and changed his family name to "Kikuchi", which was the name of the place. The Kikuchi clan was active for 450 years and 24 generations, based in what is now Kikuchi City.
It was the 10th Takefusa who made the Kikuchi name famous, marching to Hakata and taking part in the Mongol invasion (Mongol Invasion). The 13th Takeshige also created the three articles of agreement called "Yorigoshu Naidan no Koto". This is the oldest written oath (blood oath) in Japan, and later influenced the "Five Articles of Oath" presented by Emperor Meiji. During the reign of the 15th Takemitsu, the Kikuchi clan gained the most power. During the Nanboku-cho period, Prince Kanenaga, son of Emperor Go-Daigo, based in Kumafu, Higo Province (present-day Kikuchi City), won fierce battles together with Takemitsu and achieved the unification of Kyushu, leaving a vivid mark on the history of Kyushu.
The Kikuchi clan later went into decline, but many traces of the Kikuchi clan's victories during the turbulent Sengoku period can still be seen in the city. In fact, there are few people with the Kikuchi surname in the city of Kikuchi, and it is said that the descendants of the Kikuchi clan scattered across the country and changed their surnames to "Kikuchi" and other names. The most famous of these is Saigo Don, or "Saigo Takamori." Saigo Takamori also went by the name "Kikuchi Gengo." He gave his children names that included the character "kiku," such as Kikujiro and Kikusou.
Perhaps the Kikuchi person next door to you is also a member of the Kikuchi clan.
The statue of the 15th head of the family, Takemitsu Kikuchi, on horseback stands in Kikuchi City Civic Square. It is the tallest equestrian statue in Japan. The fan he holds in his right hand represents the one used by Prince Kanenaga when he commanded the unification of Kyushu. Today, the fan is preserved as a shrine treasure handed down from generation to generation at Kitanomiya Aso Shrine in the city.
The Rinzai sect temple "Kumamiyama Shoganji" is the family temple of the Kikuchi clan. It is a historic temple built in 1344.
It is said that at the time, there were dozens of temples lined up here.
There is a gravestone for Takemitsu Kikuchi and a giant tree that serves as his grave marker.
The enormous size of this camphor tree can be appreciated only from afar. It is said to be 600 years old and has an overwhelming presence.
The gravestone of Lord Takemitsu. It was built by Sodenji with his own money. Sodenji's monument is located in the grounds of Kikuchi Shrine.
A little further away there is also the tombstone of the 16th Kikuchi Takemasa.
The Tendai sect temple Tofukuji in the city houses the graves of 12 generations of the Kikuchi clan.
Graves and historical sites are scattered throughout the city. The grave of the 22nd head of the family, Yoshiyuki, was located on the grounds of the Kikuchi Grand Hotel. The Kikuchi Grand Hotel was originally part of Shoganji Temple.
The Confucius Hall is said to have been the first in Japan to be built in 1472 by the 21st lord, Shigetomo.
All that remains is the gravestone at the site of the Confucian Hall. By building the Confucian Hall, Kikuchi encouraged his retainers to study and spread Confucianism. This spot gives a sense of the high level of culture and the breadth of learning in Kikuchi.
"Nurse's Grave" is said to be the grave of the wet nurse of the Kikuchi clan. You can enjoy touring historical sites by taking a stroll with a tourist association or city map in hand.
Kikuchi Shrine is a solemn and dignified shrine built by Emperor Meiji.
Kikuchi Shrine was built on the site of the castle, and the family is enshrined there. From Kikuchi Shrine, you can get a panoramic view of the city, and enjoy the solemn atmosphere within the quiet grounds.
"Kikuchi Shrine" was built in the Meiji era to worship the Kikuchi clan, who made great contributions to the Imperial family. Therefore, the gods enshrined here are the Kikuchi clan.
The same can be said for Shiroyama Shrine, a subsidiary shrine on the eastern side of the temple grounds, where the Kikuchi clan is enshrined.
It was built on the site of Moriyama Castle, a mountain castle, and is located in the most central part of the city. It is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, and we saw many cherry trees. It looks like a great place to go in the spring!
We arrived at Kikuchi Shrine. Moriyama Castle, the base of the Kikuchi clan, was once located here.
This place is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
There was a statue of the 12th Taketoki. Taketoki has an episode called "Sodegaura Farewell" that was also depicted on the packaging of "Shoganjimaru Treasure Matsukaze". Taketoki, who had prepared himself for death in battle, bade his son, the 13th Takeshige, say his final farewell. It is a scene that has been passed down to posterity.
The worship hall of "Kikuchi Shrine". The main deities are the 12th Taketoki, who said goodbye to the Sodegaura incident mentioned above, his son the 13th Takeshige, and the 15th Takemitsu. 26 other deities are also enshrined here.
The auxiliary shrine, Shiroyama Shrine, enshrines Takefusa and Shigetomo of the Kikuchi clan.
There was a mirror at the back of Shiroyama Shrine.
There are also votive plaques,
They also sell fortune slips.
It is also a place where you can get a panoramic view of the city. It is a relaxing place where you can enjoy the changing seasons.
It was a very quiet and sacred atmosphere.
As you can see, it's on top of a mountain, so the stairs are a bit arduous...
Kikuchi is full of historical tourist spots, such as the Former Takagi Residence, Shogun Tree, and Kitamiya Aso Shrine.
Many historical sites remain along the street known as Gosho-dori. The former Takagi residence, a Western-style building built in the Taisho era that is still used as a hospital today, and the former Matsukura residence next door are both valuable buildings brimming with stylish design.
Also, less than 100 meters away is the Shogun Tree, a mulberry tree planted by the Shogun himself, and the Noh stage where Matsubayashi Noh performances were held, which was started for the entertainment of the Shogun, Prince Kanenaga.
Furthermore, Kitamiya Aso Shrine boasts a long history as a shrine established by the Kikuchi clan.
This shrine was built along the river and had a sacred, calming atmosphere that gave one a sense of spiritual purification.
"Gosho-dori" was named after the street on which Prince Kanenaga's palace was located.
Takagi Residence. Built in the Taisho era, it is still used as a hospital. The elaborately shaped roof features dormer windows. It is designated as a national tangible cultural property.
If you look closely, you will see the intricate decorations in every detail, and you will be amazed at how they have been preserved and remain intact to this day.
The examination room has a coffered ceiling made of cypress, and the window frames and glass fittings are also intricately designed.
We also visited the neighboring former Matsukura residence. This building was also owned by the Takagi family and was built in 1923. It is usually rented out as an event space.
The alcove on the second floor. The alcove pillars are carved with black persimmons, and the transom of the study room has a magnificent Mt. Fuji carved into it.
The Takagi family is currently in its 25th generation. The bronze statue erected at "Waif Ichibankan" in front of the former Matsukura residence is of "Takagi Motoemon." He was a survivor of the Ikedaya Incident, which was attacked by the Shinsengumi, and was a member of the Sonno Joi faction.
Shogun Tree and Shrine. This tree was planted by Prince Kanenaga and is said to be 600 or 650 years old. Its large branches stretch out in all directions along Kikuchi High School. Once a year, a Shinto ritual is held here on the day of the Matsubayashi Noh performance held opposite.
Kikuchi Matsubayashi Noh Theater. You cannot see inside except on October 13th, when Noh is performed. Matsubayashi Noh was started for Prince Kanenaga, and the style remains the same as it was back then. The role of "shite", the Noh dancer, is hereditary and has been passed down through the Kikuchi family.
I also took a morning walk to Kitamiya Aso Shrine, another shrine in Kikuchi.
This shrine has a much longer history than Kikuchi Shrine, and it is said that the Aso god was enshrined there by the 17th Kikuchi lord, Taketomo.
The worship hall is in the irimoya style.
This old shrine stands on the riverbank and has a great atmosphere. I was able to feel even better energy by visiting in the quiet morning.
Read the second part here
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
