2025.04.10

Urban legends about Heishomon

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Few figures in Japan's history are as shrouded in mystery and legend as Taira Shomon. This warlord, who was active in the middle of the Heian period, is known as the mastermind of the rebellion, but a number of mysterious episodes were intertwined in his life and eventually became an urban legend.

In particular, the anecdote of the imprisonment of the head of Shomon in Shuzuka, Tokyo, has fascinated many people. Legend persists in this area that the neck is enshrined, and the occasional bizarre phenomenon amplifies the fear.

However, behind these urban legends lies the charisma of Shomon and his influence on the people of the time. We hope that more fragments of history and new theories will emerge in the future, but what kind of truth is hidden?

Article Contents

The Truth and True Charm of the Torigoe Shrine and the Legend of the Big Dipper – Beyond the Misunderstanding with Heishomon
- 1. The Legend of the Big Dipper and the Appearance of Torigoe Shrine

The Truth and True Charm of the Torigoe Shrine and the Legend of the Big Dipper – Beyond the Misunderstanding with Heishomon

Torigoe Shrine is located in Taito-ku, Tokyo. The shrine, which has a history of more than 1,300 years since its founding, has attracted attention in recent years due to an urban legend. That is, if you connect the shrines related to Heishomon on a map, it will be in the shape of the Big Dipper.

However, behind this romantic legend lies a misunderstanding of history and the true nature of the shrine. This paper examines the relationship between Torigoe Shrine and Heishomon, clarifies the truth of the legend, and explores the history, culture, and connection of the shrine to the community.

1. The Legend of the Big Dipper and the Appearance of Torigoe Shrine

Taira Shomon was a warlord who rebelled in the Kanto region in the middle of the Heian period, and various legends have been born from his spectacular end and his image as a rebel against the imperial court. Among them, the urban legend that if you connect the shrine dedicated to Heishomon and the places related to it, it will be in the shape of the Big Dipper, stimulated people's imagination and is still being told today. Torigoe Shrine is positioned as one of the stars that make up the Big Dipper in this legend, and is often spoken of as if it has a deep relationship with the Heishomon.

2. What is the relationship between the truth and the Taira Shomon that the company history tells you?

However, if you examine the history of Torigoe Shrine in detail, you will not find any mention of the Heishomon. There is also a rumor that the hand of Lord Shomon is enshrined, but this is not based on historical facts, but only on tradition. Kaburagi Keimaro, the priest of Torigoe Shrine, also testified that "because of his surname Kaburagi, he was mistaken for enshrining Lord Shomon." Kaburagi is a descendant of Taira Fumi, the uncle of Lord Shomon, that is, a descendant of the Chiba clan, and it is likely that misunderstandings arose from his origins.

Thus, based on historical evidence, it can be said that the direct relationship between Torigoe Shrine and Heishomon is tenuous. Urban legends serve as an element that keeps people interested and enlivens the story, but it is necessary to recognize that they may differ from historical facts.

3. Background of Tokugawa Ieyasu's transition and cold treatment of shrines

In talking about the history of Torigoe Shrine, it is inevitable that Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo and the subsequent changes in the shrine. Before the Edo period, Torigoe Shrine had a vast shrine area of about 20,000 tsubo and was located on a hill called Mt. Torigoe (formerly Mt. Shiratori). In the precincts, there were three shrines, "Torigoe Daimyojin", "Atsuta Myojin", and "Sixth Heavenly God", and together they were called "Torigoe Sansho Myojin". It was a scenic place surrounded by ponds and rivers, and flourished as a center of faith for local residents.

However, when Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo in 1590, the redevelopment of Edo was promoted, and the "Torigoe Sansho Myojin" was forced to relocate. Mt. Torigoe was cut down, the pond was reclaimed, and the site was greatly reduced. Judging from this background, it is difficult to say that Prince Ieyasu and Blaine's Tenkai Monkmasa attached special importance to the Torigoe Shrine. If Prince Ieyasu had recognized that Torigoe Shrine was a shrine related to Lord Shomon, it is unlikely that he would have treated the shrine in a way that reduced its size.

4. The fictionality of urban legends and the essence of shrines

From the above verification, it became clear that the connection between Torigoe Shrine and Taira Shomon is weak, and that the rumor that Lord Shomon's hand was buried is likely to have been created in later generations. The story of the Big Dipper, which is said to be in the shape of the Big Dipper when the shrine associated with the Taira Shomon is connected, can be enjoyed as an interesting fiction. However, it is important to understand that historical facts are different and to distinguish between stories and reality.

While Torigoe Shrine attracts attention by being talked about due to its association with the Heishomon, there is also an aspect in which its true charm is obscured. In fact, it is a very old shrine founded in 651, and it is a venerable shrine dedicated to the god Japan Take, and has gathered a strong faith from the local people.

5. The bond that connects the Torigoe Festival, the Senkan Shrine, and the community

Every year on Saturdays and Sundays close to June 9, the Torigoe Festival is held as an annual festival, and it is crowded with many people. The main attraction of the Torigoe Festival is the huge shrine called the "Senkan Mikoshi". It has a width of 4 feet and 3 inches, and weighs about 100 kan (about 4 tons), and is also called a "haunted shrine". The sight of carrying this huge mikoshi and parading through the city is a masterpiece, and it is known as the heaviest mikoshi in Tokyo.

The Senkan shrine is not only heavy, but also attracts people with its gorgeous decoration. The lacquered body, gilded roof, elaborate carvings and glittering ornaments add to the festivities. The enthusiasm of the bearers of the Senkan shrine and the enthusiasm of the spectators watching them combine to make the Torigoe Festival an unforgettable and moving experience. The Torigoe Festival is an important cultural event for local residents and shows the significance of the shrine's existence.

6. Inheritance of history and culture

Although Torigoe Shrine is colored by urban legends about its association with the Heishomon, it has firmly inherited its history and culture and contributed to the local community. Urban legends may be a temporary buzz, but the true value of a shrine lies in the beliefs and culture that have been cultivated over its long history. The people involved in Torigoe Shrine are not misled by urban legends, but their mission is to cherish the history and culture of the shrine and pass it on to the future. In the future, it is expected that we will continue to strengthen our cooperation with local communities and take on the challenge of new initiatives that are in line with the times while preserving traditions.

Summary: Overcoming misunderstandings and transmitting true charm

Unlike the urban legend of its association with the Heishomon Gate, Torigoe Shrine is a venerable shrine dedicated to Japan Buson, and continues to be loved by the local people. Despite the historical background of Tokugawa Ieyasu's cold treatment, its faith and culture have not been interrupted and have been passed down to this day. Urban legends serve as elements that keep people interested and enrich the story, but they can be different from historical facts. The real attraction of Torigoe Shrine lies in its history, culture, and bond with the local residents. The Senkan shrine of the Torigoe Festival is a symbol of the shrine and the pride of local residents. From the past to the present and into the future, Torigoe Shrine will continue to be a place of inspiration for the local community without losing its brilliance. I hope that we can overcome the misconception of urban legends and convey the true charm of Torigoe Shrine to more people.

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