Before the Takeda family ruled Kai, the Yasuda family, which was descended from the Genji clan, ruled Kai. He fought as the main force of the Genji clan in the Genpei War at the end of Heian period, and built Hokoji Temple to celebrate the victory at Ichinotani, where Minamoto no Yoshitsune was said to be the most active person to victory against Heike clan. The Yasuda clan had ambitions to open a Buddhist city in Kai, following the example of Hiraizumi in Oshu(Tohoku region), and for this reason, there is still a wealth of cultural assets such as Buddhist statues.
The Bishamonten statue, which depicts the face of Yoshisada Yasuda at his peak, has a war helmet(Kabuto) on his head. The statue of Aizen Myoo holding a bow is said to be the oldest in Japan. The similar one at Jindoji Temple in Kyoto has some rough edges, but this one has a neat form. Later, the Yasuda family was suspected of rebellion by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was highly suspicious, and the Yasuda family was destroyed. The Kamakura period was a history of slaughter between allies.
Detour
Delicious lunch using sake lees provided by a sake brewery “Kai”
The word “kai” in the name of the sake brewery has the same pronunciation as the name of the region, but it also refers to the important tool used to mix ingredients in sake brewing. The restaurant is full of women who are looking for delicious food, probably anywhere in the world.
There is Kubo-Hachiman Shrine nearby, and the torii gate here is made of wood and is the oldest in Japan. However, it was surprising to see a normal road passing under it, and a large number of cars passing through it. It was solicited from Usa Jingu Shrine in Oita Prefecture, and since it is Hachiman Shrine, it is the god of military fortune and is also the guardian deity of the Takeda family.
