Consider the weight of history. Here at Sanjō Tennōryō, we stand on hallowed ground. This is the final resting place of Emperor Sanjō. He was the 67th emperor of Japan. His reign lasted from 1011 to 1016.
Emperor Sanjō’s personal name was Iyasada-shinnō. He was also known as Sukesada-shinnō. Some called him Okisada-shinnō. He was the second son of Emperor Reizei. His mother was Fujiwara no Chōshi.
After his mother died when he was seven, Fujiwara no Kaneie raised him. Kaneie was his maternal grandfather. In 986, Iyasada-shinnō was appointed heir at age 11. He gained the nickname Sakasa-no moke-no kimi. This meant the imperial heir in reverse.
In 1011, Emperor Ichijō abdicated. Sanjō then acceded to the throne at age 36. Fujiwara Michinaga gained the privilege to travel to court by ox-drawn cart. This showed his immense power. Later that year, Emperor Reizei died.
Prince Atsunari became Crown Prince. This occurred despite Sanjō’s son being the designated heir. Pressure from Michinaga forced the young prince to abandon his position.
The relationship between Michinaga and Emperor Sanjō was strained. Michinaga wanted his grandson on the throne quickly. Emperor Sanjō wanted to rule directly. In 1012, Sanjō married Michinaga’s daughter. In 1013, Sanjō offered grain to the gods. He also visited Michinaga’s home.
In 1014, the Imperial Palace burned down. Sanjō visited Michinaga again. They enjoyed horse riding and archery. In 1015, the palace reconstruction finished. Soon after, another fire reduced it to cinders.
In 1016, Sanjō’s eyesight worsened. He abdicated at age 40. He had reigned for six years. He took the title Daijō-tennō. In 1017, Sanjō became a Buddhist priest. He died soon after at age 42.
After his death, he was named Sanjō-in. This name came from the palace where he lived after abdication. Later, the “in” was dropped. He became known as Emperor Sanjō.
The actual location of Emperor Sanjō’s grave is known. The Imperial Household Agency designates this as Sanjō’s mausoleum. It is formally named Kitayama no misasagi. Here at Sanjō Tennōryō, we honor his memory. His legacy continues to shape Japan.