Virtual Yashima Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #32 Shoju-ji Temple

 

     Officially speaking, Nenoi Yukichika (?-1184), one of the 4 most important vassals of Minamoto Yoshinaka (1154-1184), who fought against the Taira Clan as a member of the Minamoto Clan, but who lost in the power games among the Minamoto Clan, was killed in the Battle of Uji (1184).  According to local tradition, however, Yukichika escaped to Hitane Village, and built Nenoi Fortress.  The Nenoi Family claimed to be his offspring.  The family built 6 more Nenoi Forts to guard the area.  Masashige was the last head of the family.  Somehow or another, he had to step down from his position as the lord of the area.  His son became a monk and founded Shoju-ji Temple, whose name uses the same Chinese characters as Masashige, for his father.  Masashige's grandchildren became farmers and moved to Aibadate-9 Yashimamachi Motomachi, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0417.  They founded Hachiman Shrine in Aibadate-5-1 Yashimamachi Motomachi, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0417.

     Shoju-ji Temple still keeps the blade of the Japanese halberd of Masashige's wife.

Address: Maenosawa-108-1 Chokaimachi Nakahitane, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0514

Phone: 0184-58-2012

Nenoi Fortress

Address: Aramachi-73 Yashimamachi Motomachi, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0417

Nenoi Fort:

Address: Yagoshi-94-1 Yashimamachi Arasawa, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0418

Sarukura-Nenoi Fort Site

Address: Kamiokawabata Chokaimachi Sarukura, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0512

Naka-Hitane Nenoi Fort Site

Address: Tatenosawa Chokaimachi Nakahitane, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0514

Momoyake-Nenoi Fort (the Lower Fort) Site

Address: Shimizuzawa Chokaimachi Momoyake, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0516

Mommoyake-Nenoi Fort (the Middle Fort) Site

Address: Tsunagisawa Chokaimachi Momoyake, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0516

Momoyake-Nenoi Fort (the Upper Fort) Site

Address: Nakamura-129 Chokaimachi Momoyake, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0516