A Day in Fukuchiyama Relaxing in a tranquil corner of Kyoto’s historic countryside

Mitsuhide’s legacy still remains strong today, especially through Fukuchiyama Castle. The most famous attraction in this town, Fukuchiyama Castle, was rebuilt by Mitsuhide in 1579. To fully appreciate its importance, we must briefly touch upon the Honno-ji Incident — a story that everyone in Japan knows, such was its historical significance. Mitsuhide forced the ruthless daimyo (war lord) Oda Nobunaga to commit seppukku (ritual suicide), bringing an end to Nobunaga’s fierce efforts to unify Japan. Although this event gave Mitsuhide a reputation as a traitor, the people of Fukuchiyama actually adored him as a lord who laid down good politics, and brought the town economic prosperity.

Aside from this incredible connection to Japan’s political past drawing new visitors each year, the castle also boasts excellent views across the Yura River and is home to the Sato Taisei Memorial Museum. The museum houses many of the Japanese painter’s works as well as crafts and historical exhibits about the local Tamba area. Explore the grounds further to find Toyoiwa-no-i, the deepest castle well in all of Japan.

Further history and tradition can be found at Motoise Naiku. This ancient shrine is one of the locations where Amaterasu, the ancestral god of the imperial family and the Shinto goddess of the sun, was enshrined before moving to the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. According to Japanese folklore, in the Age of Gods, Amaterasu’s jealous brother, Susano-o, went into a rage, damaging his sister’s rice fields, attacking a heavenly horse, and killing one of her weaving maidens. Distraught by his actions, Amaterasu hid in a cave, taking the world’s sunlight with her. Various gods attempted different tactics to coax her back out, but failed. Eventually, the goddess of dance, Ame-no-Uzume, performed a comedic dance outside the cave. The show was so hilarious that the deities began laughing. Curious, Amaterasu inched out of the cave, at which point Takijarao, a particularly strong god, pulled her out into the outside, thus restoring light to the world.

Though tourists in Japan are most familiar with the sight of brilliant-red torii gates, the humbly constructed gate at Motoise Naiku Shrine is one of the most primitive still in existence. Made of raw cedar trunks, it is an example of the rustic architectural style of ancient times — the gate’s simplicity holds surprising power.

Located close by in a lush ravine, Amanoiwato Shrine is a popular location for hikers to stop by as they explore nearby forest trails, and also shares a connection to Amaterasu. Perched on the side of a boulder near a mountain stream, it is a highly atmospheric shrine that feels both sacred and relaxing. Some versions of the legend of Amaterasu even say it was under this very rock that the goddess hid away from the world.