“Guards of Emperor’s Tomb” or Goryo Eji… ever heard of them? This obelisk marks a significant piece of Kyoto’s history. The Goryo Eji Tonsho Ato Obelisk stands as a reminder of a tumultuous time.
Let’s delve into the story of the Goryo Eji. They were formed in March 1867. Ito Kashitaro and his comrades broke away from the Shinsengumi. Ideological differences caused the split. The Shinsengumi were guarding Kyoto at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Ito Kashitaro then formed the Goryo Eji. He attracted members from Shinsengumi who shared his aims. Ito was appointed as guard of Misasagi. This is the Imperial mausoleum of Emperor Komei. He had to keep an eye on the movements of Satsuma and Choshu. He established a base in Choen-ji Temple.
The Goryo Eji aimed to protect the imperial palace of Emperor Komei. They were also called the Kodaiji-to Party. This was because they established their base in Kodai-ji Temple. Gesshin-in Temple was also their base.
Key members included Ito’s younger brother Mikisaburo Suzuki. Other members were Tainoshin Shinohara and Heisuke Todo. Even Saito Hajime joined but he was allegedly a spy for Shinsengumi.
The Goryo Eji ultimately sought to overthrow the shogunate government. This put them at odds with the Shinsengumi. The Shinsengumi supported the Bakufu. It is said that Goryo Eji members always carried swords. They feared a raid by the Shinsengumi.
In June 1867, the Goryo Eji came under the command of Tadayuki Toda. He was Sanryo bugyo or commissioner in charge of imperial mausoleums. They moved from Choen-ji Temple to Gesshin-in Temple of Kodai-ji Temple.
Tragedy struck as Ito and Todo were killed in the Abura-no-koji Incident. Surviving members fled to the Satsuma domain residence. The Goryo Eji was dissolved. Some members later joined the Sekihotai Army. They formed the second unit.
The Goryo Eji Tonsho Ato Obelisk commemorates this group. It marks their former headquarters. It serves as a silent witness to their brief but impactful existence. The obelisk reminds us of their dedication to the Emperor. It also reminds us of the complex political landscape of Kyoto. The Goryo Eji remains a fascinating chapter in Japanese history.