Would you like to make a short detour on your way to Nibutani in Biratori along Route 237?
As you enter the town of Biratori and pass Biratori City Hall, the road splits into two. Take the left fork and proceed on Prefectural Route 80. On the left-hand side atop a small hill, you will find a splendid shrine.
About Yoshitsune Jinjya
Yoshitsune Jinja Shrine is dedicated to Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義経), the younger brother of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was the first Shogun of the Kamakura era from 1192 to 1199.
Yoshitsune was renowned for his exceptional skill in battle, which made his brother, Shogun Yoritomo, fearful of his popularity. Consequently, Yoshitsune was exiled from Kyoto, the capital, to the northern regions of Japan.
He fled with his followers to Hiraizumi in northern Japan, under the rule of Fujiwara no Hidehira (藤原秀衡). However, after Hidehira’s death, his son, Fujiwara no Yasuhira (藤原泰衡), following Yoritomo’s orders, turned against Yoshitsune. Facing capture, Yoshitsune chose to take his own life at Koromogawa-no-tachi.
The tragic end of Yoshitsune’s life inspired numerous legends throughout Japan, including the founding of Yoshitsune Jinja Shrine.
According to one legend, Yoshitsune fled to Biratori, where he shared his knowledge of Ainu agriculture, boat-building, and weaving. In Ainu culture, Yoshitsune came to be revered as Hangan Kamui or Honkan Kamui, with “kamui” meaning god in Ainu. His popularity among the Ainu people was substantial, solidifying his place in their society.
Access
1 hour and 50 minutes From Sapporo by Expressway
Hokkaido Expressway=>Hidaka Expressway(Free)=>Get out at Hidaka-Tomikawa IC=>Route237 to Biratori(turn left)
There is Yoshitsune history museum. Free admission.
Link
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