Surely Ibaraki Douji’s legend echoes through Kyoto’s history. It blends the human and supernatural. Let’s delve into this tale.
Ibaraki Douji was a demon. He haunted the Rashomon gate during the Heian period. The Rashomon gate was the southern entrance to Kyoto. It had fallen into disrepair. The area became a haven for thieves. Ibaraki Douji would waylay travelers.
Watanabe no Tsuna sought to defeat Ibaraki Douji. Watanabe was one of Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s retainers. Minamoto no Yorimitsu was also known as Minamoto no Raiko. A fierce battle ensued between them. Watanabe managed to cut off the demon’s arm. Ibaraki Douji escaped. He roared in pain. The demon left his arm behind. Watanabe took the arm home. He locked it away for safekeeping.
Days later, Watanabe’s aunt Mashiba visited him. She asked about the battle. She wanted to see the arm. Watanabe brought out the arm. Suddenly, Mashiba transformed. She became Ibaraki Douji. The demon snatched his arm. He then fled and never returned to the Rashomon.
Some believe Ibaraki Douji was a bandit leader. Minamoto no Raiko was charged with subduing bandits around Kyoto. Over time, legends embellished the bandits into demons. The Rashomon no longer stands. A playground marks its former site now. A marker stone stands there too.
This legend shows the blend of history and myth. It shows the stories of demons and warriors. Ibaraki Douji’s tale remains a captivating part of Kyoto’s lore.