[Yamagata Prefecture] What is the relationship between Sengoku warlord Oda Nobunaga and Yamagata? Introducing valuable portraits and a shrine dedicated to Lord Nobunaga

Who do you think of when you think of popular Sengoku warlords?

Many people probably think of Oda Nobunaga, a military commander who aimed to unify the country during a war-torn world.

This time, while unraveling the relationship between Yamagata Prefecture and the Oda family, we will introduce places related to Nobunaga, such as a portrait that is said to most resemble Lord Nobunaga and a shrine dedicated to him.

What is the relationship between the Oda family and Yamagata?

When you think of a place with deep ties to Oda Nobunaga, you probably have a strong image of Owari Province (Owari no Kuni, present-day Aichi Prefecture).

Let's take a look at why Yamagata, a region in Tohoku far away from Owari Province, is said to have connections with the Oda family, and what fate the Oda family had after the Honnoji Incident.

After Nobunaga passed away due to the Honnoji Incident, his eldest son Nobutada was also forced to commit suicide by Akechi Mitsuhide's army, and his second son Nobukatsu (also known as Nobuo) became the head of the Oda family.

However, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and successive Tokugawa shoguns feared that the Oda family would rise to prominence again, and under the policy of ``high rank, low stipend'', they repeatedly changed countries.

The Oda family was transferred from one territory to another: Owari, Shimotsuke, Yamato, and Ueno, and in 1767, 185 years after the Honnoji Incident, it became the Takahata domain in Dewa Province, present-day Yamagata Prefecture. You will be forced to change your country to .

After that, in 1831, the castle was moved to Tendo in Yamagata Prefecture, and the Tendo Oda Domain was born, ruling this area until the end of the Edo period, deepening its relationship with Yamagata.

Introducing spots related to the Oda family

Tendo Oda no Sato History Museum

This is an essential place to learn about the history of the Tendo Oda family. This is the first spot you want to visit. The history of the Tendo Oda family is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

The museum building was once used as the former Higashimurayama government office building, and is said to be the oldest Western-style building from the Meiji era in Yamagata Prefecture. The retro and stylish atmosphere is also one of the highlights.

Tendo Oda no Sato History Museum <Information>

• Name: Tendo Oda no Sato History Museum (Tendo City Former Higashimurayama County Office Museum)
• Address: 2-4-8 Itsukamachi, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Phone number: 023-653-0631
• Official URL: Tendo Oda no Sato History Museum

Google Maps

Sanpoji Temple

Sanpoji Temple is the family temple of the Oda family, and the memorial tablets of successive feudal lords, including Nobunaga, are enshrined here. The precincts are beautifully maintained and it is a comfortable temple where you can enjoy a peaceful time.

This temple has a photograph of the portrait of Lord Oda Nobunaga, which is said to have been drawn by a missionary.

According to one theory, it is said to be the portrait that most closely resembles Lord Oda Nobunaga himself, with his gentle, intelligent eyes and well-shaped nose giving him an impressive face.
This photo was copied by a court photographer from the Tendo Oda domain and was kept in the possession of the Imperial Household Agency and the Oda family, but only Sanpoji Temple remains.

We continue to carefully protect this extremely valuable portrait, along with the memorial tablets of the Oda family from generation to generation.

Sanpoji Temple＜Information＞

• Name: Sanpoji Temple
• Address: 1-2-5 Nakamachi, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture 994-0045
• Phone number: 023-653-2551
• Official URL: -

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Kenkun Shrine

Kenkun Shrine is located on a corner of Mt. Maizuru in the center of Tendo City.

This is the first shrine in Japan to enshrine Oda Nobunaga as the deity. There are very few shrines in Japan that enshrine Nobunaga, making it an extremely rare shrine. In the 3rd year of the Meiji era, Nobutoshi Oda, the governor of the Tendo domain, built this shrine, which was given the title ``Takeisaonokami'' to honor the achievements of the first lord of the domain, Lord Nobunaga.
It is said that the permission to build the shrine was largely influenced by the fact that the Tendo Oda domain sided with the new government forces during the Meiji Restoration.

On the approach to the shrine, many banners proclaiming ``Oda Nobunaga Mikoto'' are hung.

There is a dignified atmosphere in the precincts, and when you think of Oda Nobunaga being enshrined here as a god, you feel a tension that goes up your spine.

Above the offering box is the meaning of “Tenka Fubu”!

In the precincts, there was also the ``Sazare Ishi'' that appears in Japan's national anthem ``Kimigayo''.

At Kenkun Shrine, the Nobunaga Festival is held every June when the Honnoji Incident occurred, and wine is offered as sacred sake in front of the shrine.

Lord Nobunaga Oda is said to have been the first person in Japan to drink wine brought to Japan by the missionary Francisco Xavier. I can feel the respect and love for Lord Nobunaga when they offer wine instead of sake.

Kenkun Shrine＜Information＞

• Name: Kenkun Shrine
• Address: 1043-5 Tendo, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture 994-0000
• Phone number: 023-653-0289
• Official URL: -

Google Maps

summary

After losing their lord Nobunaga in the Honnoji Incident, the Oda family moved from Owari Province to Yamagata, far away, over a long period of time, and it was discovered that they continued to take root in this area while mourning their ancestors' bodhisattva. .
Yamagata Prefecture is one of the few places in Tohoku where you can experience the history of Oda Nobunaga. Why not take a trip to a place connected to this area and think about its history?