Does the name Kadode Hachimangu Stone ring a bell? It might not. This unassuming stone actually marks a place with a fascinating story. This is a story of safe travels and a samurai’s prayer.
Kadode Hachimangu Stone marks the spot where Minamoto no Yoshitsune prayed for safety. He was about to embark on a perilous journey. The Kadode Hachimangu Stone stands as a silent witness to this prayer.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune was just sixteen years old. It was the fourth year of the Juei era. That was 1174. On March 3rd, he set off from Kurama to Hiraizumi in Oshu.
Yoshitsune sought support from Kaneuri Kichiji. Kichiji was a gold dealer. He aided Yoshitsune. Before his departure Yoshitsune stopped at the Hachiman Shrine located there. He prayed for a safe journey.
Because Yoshitsune prayed for safe passage the shrine became significant. People began to visit the shrine. They prayed for safety before setting out on their own journeys. Kadode Hachimangu became known as a guardian of travelers.
“Kadode” means “departure” or “starting point”. This is why the shrine is called Kadode Hachimangu. It became a place where people seek blessings for safe travels. Many people still visit before a trip. They purchase travel safety charms.
Kadode Hachimangu also offers ema. Ema are votive tablets with colorful dove illustrations. Doves are messengers of Hachiman. They are popular for child protection. The shrine’s ema feature peach blossoms. In spring, the shrine’s peach trees bloom beautifully. There is a special tree with both white and red blossoms. It is called Genpei weeping peach.
Kadode Hachimangu Stone is associated with Usa Hachimangu. Usa Hachimangu is located in Usa City in Oita Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines. Kadode Hachimangu enshrines three deities. Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu and Hime-Gami are enshrined here.
Once, the area was home to Kaneuri Kichiji. He traded gold from Oshu. Yoshitsune received Kichiji’s help. Yoshitsune prayed for safety here before his journey.
Kadode Hachimangu was once called Uchino Hachimangu. It was located northeast of the Imperial Palace. It served as a guardian of the capital. The benefits of visiting Kadode Hachimangu include travel safety.
So when you see the Kadode Hachimangu Stone remember Yoshitsune. Think about his prayer for a safe journey. Kadode Hachimangu Stone represents a starting point. It’s a place to seek blessings for your own travels.