INTRODUCING KOJIKI

Kojiki is the oldest surviving record of early Japanese history and was produced in the early 8th century. Written using a unique mixture of narratives, quotes, story telling and songs, Kojiki follows Japan’s Imperial lineage from mytho-logical times to the early 7th century. Kojiki shows Nara as center stage and the scene of many important historic events and epic dramas.

TOPIC

Chapter 1

Experience Ancient Japan
in the Old Capital, Nara

With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Nara has been praised as one of Japan’s most rewarding travel destinations. Visitors can savor the traditional beauty of Japan, discovering historical shrines, temples, and archaeological treasures in Nara’s exquisite natural landscape.

Nara’s history goes back more than 1300 years. In 710 A.D. Heijokyo in Nara was designated as the capital of unified Japan. Nara flourished as the center of politics and culture. Though the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794 A.D., Nara continued to be cherished as an important religious and cultural center. Even now, Nara occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of the Japanese people. Many of Japan’s oldest shrines and temples still stand in Nara, and the area’s natural splendor is beautifully preserved.

Chapter 2

Using Japan’s Oldest Book, Kojiki,
as a Guide to Nara

Nara’s shrines, temples, and other historical treasures are reflections of the way of life and the spirit of ancient Japan. Understanding the stories associated with these sites can help enrich the experience of those travelling to Nara. With that in mind, Nara Prefecture has been working on the “Nara Kiki Man’yo Project” to introduce various destinations in Nara connected with three important Japanese works produced in ancient Nara: Kojiki (An Account of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which are both historical records, and the Man’yo-shu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), a collection of ancient Japanese songs from a variety of sources. This publication, “Exploring Nara through Kojiki” is the first from the project that is specifically tailored to visitors from other countries.

Kojiki is the oldest surviving historical record in Japan. It covers Japanese history from its origins to the early 7th century. It includes creation mythology and legends of deities as well as records and anecdotes of historical figures who helped to establish Japan as a unified country. It also depicts ancient society and the natural environment in striking detail.

Kojiki describes many locations in Nara as the sites of historic events and epic drama. We have selected here a few compelling stories from Kojiki that took place in ancient Nara. We hope these will help make your journeys in Nara even more inspiring.

Chapter 3

What is Kojiki?

Kojiki is not only Japan’s oldest surviving historical record, but also the country’s oldest surviving written work. Organized into three volumes, Kojiki is regarded as an official historical record that was researched and compiled by public officials and completed in the Nara period.

Volume 1 of Kojiki includes a preface and covers Japanese history from the time of the creation of the Japanese islands by deities. Volume 2 covers Japanese history starting from the reign of Emperor Jimmu (believed to be the first sovereign of Japan) until the reign of Emperor Ojin (the 15th sovereign). Volume 3 continues from the reign of Emperor Nintoku (the 16th sovereign) and finishes with the reign of Empress Suiko (the 33rd sovereign, the country’s first female sovereign).

Volume 1 introduces mythology explaining the origins of Japan, the deities involved in the creation of Heaven and Earth, as well as the creation of the islands of Japan. Volumes 2 and 3 cover history, introducing various events and anecdotes from the reigns of each Emperor/Empress and his/her family tree. The writing style is a unique combination of dialogue, verse, narrative, and commentary, often directly from the people appearing in the stories.

Similar to Greek and Roman mythology, stories from Kojiki are rich with intrigue and compelling drama that many readers from other countries will enjoy.

Kojiki Q&A
Where was Kojiki created?
Kojiki was completed in Nara after Heijyokyo Palace was established as Japan’s first permanent capital. The site of Heijyokyo Palace, the grave of O no Yasumaro (editor of Kojiki), and other sites related to Kojiki still exist in Nara. At the time, Nara was referred to as Yamato, but the meaning of “Yamato” changed over time as imperial control expanded. Eventually, use of the term “Yamato” became synonymous with the nation of Japan. “Yamato” in the stories of Kojiki can refer to Nara or to a larger area.

Who created Kojiki and when?
According to the preface of Kojiki, its production actually began under Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century at Asuka Palace in the Asuka area of present day Nara Prefecture. This was years before Heijokyo had been established. Hieda no Are, a servant of Emperor Tenmu who had an excellent memory, was assigned to compile a new historical record. Hieda no Are began reading and memorizing important records and gathering stories from oral tradition, but the project was left unfinished when Emperor Tenmu passed away.
In the fall of 711 A.D., after the political climate stabilized and the new capital had been established at Heijokyo in Nara, Empress Genmei decided to resume the work of creating a new historical record, out of respect for the wishes of Emperor Tenmu, her uncle and father-in-law. O no Yasumaro, who was in charge of cultural affairs at the palace, was assigned to complete the historical record. O no Yasumaro spent four months editing the material that Hieda no Are had gathered. He then presented it as Kojiki in three volumes to Empress Genmei.
Unfortunately, all original copies of Kojiki have been lost. The oldest known surviving copy is from the late 14th century.

Why was Kojiki created?
In the work’s preface, O no Yasumaro explains why Kojiki was created, quoting the words of Emperor Tenmu: “There have been many falsifications in the records of the Imperial Family Tree and in the history books kept by numerous clans. Unless we resolve this situation soon, the true history will be lost forever. Lineages form the core of the Imperial system, so it is my desire to remove faulty information and thereby create a true historical account for future generations.”
The truth of the matter is that many historical records relating to the imperial lineage had been lost during the civil wars of the 7th century. This might explain why Emperor Tenmu felt the need to establish a new official historical record.
Emperor Tenmu rose to power by defeating his enemies in the Jinshin Disturbance, which followed the death of his brother, Emperor Tenchi. The majority of historians believe that Emperor Tenmu wanted to compile a new official history to strengthen his claim and show future generations that he was the rightful successor to the throne.

How was Kojiki written?
People in Japan have been speaking some form of the Japanese language since ancient times. However, for many years the language was devoid of a written form. The modern Japanese writing system that uses the phonetic syllabaries of hiragana and katakana along with kanji (adopted Chinese characters) had not been formulated in the Nara period.
At the time Kojiki was created, official records were written in kanbun style, in which kanji are mostly used as ideograms to convey meaning but also, on occasion, to represent sounds. Kojiki was written in this way.
O no Yasumaro laments the difficulty of writing in this manner: “It is difficult to write accounts of events that took place in ancient Japan using only kanji. Some kanji are used to convey meaning, while other kanji are used to show how to pronounce a word. I have added notes where it is difficult to distinguish and understand.”
As Kojiki was written in a totally different style from modern Japanese, Japanese people today find Kojiki extremely difficult to read without numerous footnotes and translations into modern Japanese.
Even so, Kojiki has never lost popularity, because the stories are profound and fascinating. In Japan, studying Kojiki became very popular in the 18th century. Many translations have been made into modern Japanese, and numerous books related to Kojiki have also been published. There are currently more than ten different translations into modern Japanese on the market.

Notes on the Translation of Selected Stories from Kojiki
Kojiki is well known in Japan. Nearly all Japanese have read or heard many of the anecdotes it contains. Especially in recent years, Kojiki has been gaining popularity as an entertaining way to learn about Japan’s origins and history. Even so, in other countries Kojiki is relatively unknown.
The first complete English translation was published in 1887, and several other translations have followed.
These translations are mainly academic works intended for scholars and students of Japanese literature, history, and religion. In addition, most of the names of people and places were translated to reflect the meaning of the names in the ancient text. However, because each translator had a different interpretation and understanding of the meaning of the names, they vary greatly among translations.
Our intention here is to introduce the essence of Kojiki in easy-to-read English, so that readers can understand and enjoy it even if they are not familiar with Japanese history, culture, and geography.
Many of the people and deities that appear in Kojiki have long and unfamiliar names if transliterated. However, rather than using translations, we have transliterated the names to match what people will find in other publications and signage at visitor sites around Nara. In cases where it will help readers to better understand the stories, we have added a translation of the meaning of the name in parentheses.
From the three volumes of Kojiki, we have selected twenty stories that relate to important tourist destinations in Nara. As a historical work covering an extended period of time, Kojiki often has lengthy explanations of lineage and genealogy for the emperors and nobles appearing in the stories. We have not included these passages as general readers would find them tedious. The stories from Kojiki included here are simplifications of the originals.

Chapter 4

Visiting the Birthplace of Kojiki
and Related Locations

Former Site of Heijokyu(Heijokyo Palace)
▼AROUND NARA CITY
Heijokyo Palace became the country’s official capital, replacing Fujiwarakyo Palace. Heijokyo Palace is where O no Yasumaro presented Kojiki to Empress Genmei. It is believed that official welcoming and farewell ceremonies for important visitors from overseas were held at the Suzakumon Gate. (Nara City)

Amakashi-no-Oka Hill
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
Amakashi-no-Oka Hill appears in the records of Emperor Suinin and others in Kojiki. From the viewing deck on the hilltop, you can see the mountain ranges of Asuka, Yamato, and Katsuragi. (Asuka)

Former Site of Asuka-no-kiyomihara-no-miya(Asuka Palace)
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
The palace of Emperor Tenmu, who ordered the compilation of Kojiki, was located on this site in Asuka. The capital was moved around in Nara from Asuka Palace to Fujiwarakyo Palace, and finally to Heijokyo Palace. (Asuka)

Grave of O no Yasumaro
▼AROUND NARA CITY
In 1979, a mound about 4.5 meters in diameter was discovered in a green tea field to the east of Heijokyo Palace in the Tahara area of Nara. A plaque was discovered in the mound. On the plaque, the name O no Yasumaro was written along with his address, job title, and the date of his death. The plaque made headlines as a new historical find, convincing many that O no Yasumaro had actually lived. (Nara City)

The Museum, Archeological Institute of Kashihara
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
The permanent exhibit, “Archeology of Yamato,” includes the records of O no Yasumaro that were found in his grave. Other exhibits include archeological artifacts found in and around Nara, spanning from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. (Kashihara City)

O Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
This shrine stands in the center of the Nara basin. This area was the stronghold of the O Clan, the family of O no Yasumaro. It was one of the country’s largest shrines, with vast land holdings. Emperor Jimmu, his son, and an ancestor of the O Clan named Kamuyai-mimi-no-mikoto, all are enshrined here. The O Shrine is situated in a perfect position to observe the rising sun coming over the top of Mt. Miwa during the spring and fall equinoxes.(Tawaramoto Town)

Meta Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND NARA CITY
This shrine for Hieda no Are, who started compiling Kojiki, stands near the Rajomon Gate of Heijokyo Palace. The shrine has been popular for people seeking wisdom and academic success, since Hieda no Are was known for his keen memory, never forgetting anything that he saw or heard. (Yamato Koriyama City)

Chapter 5

Kojiki Stories
around Mt. Miwa

How Mt. Miwa got its name

Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime was renowned for her beauty. One night, a mysterious man, handsome beyond compare, visited her room. The two fell in love instantly, and they started spending nights together. Soon, Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime became pregnant.

Her parents asked, “How did you become pregnant without a husband?” Iku-tama-yori-bime answered, “I don’t know his name, but a wonderful man has been visiting me. I’ve become pregnant quite naturally.”

Her parents wanted to find out who the man was. They said to Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime, “Spread red dirt around your bed (so that his footprints will be left behind) and tie a needle to a spool of hemp thread. Then attach the needle to the hem of his robe.”

Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime did as she was told. The next morning after her visitor left, there were no footprints on the floor. The hemp thread was found going out of her room through the door’s keyhole, with only three loops of thread left on the spool. It became clear that her visitor had left through the keyhole.

Following the hemp thread, Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime found that it led to a divine dwelling on a sacred mountain. This is how they came to learn that her mysterious visitor was actually the Great Deity O-mono-nushi. Consequently, the sacred mountain became known as Mt. Miwa (Three Loops Mountain).

How Emperor Sujin Stopped an Epidemic

During the reign of Emperor Sujin, a horrible epidemic spread across the land, killing many people.

In despair, the Emperor went to his purified sleeping chamber, seeking divine guidance. The Great Deity O-mono-nushi appeared to the Emperor in a dream saying, “This epidemic is my will. However, if you find a man called O-tataneko and have him enshrine me, this epidemic will end. Then your country will be at peace.”

As soon as he woke from his dream, the Emperor sent people to search for O-tataneko. They found him in Minono Village in Kawachi (in present day Osaka Prefecture).

The Emperor asked O-tataneko, “Whose son are you?” O-tataneko answered, “I am the son of the Deity Takemikazuchi, who is the son of the Deity Iikatasumi, who was the son of the Deity Kushimikata, who was born of the union between the Great Deity O-mono-nushi and Lady Iku-tama-yori-bime.”

The Emperor was quite pleased to learn this as it meant that there would be peace in the land and that the people would flourish. He made O-tataneko a priest, and O-tateneko enshrined the Great Deity O-mono-nushi on Mt. Miwa.

The Emperor established shrines for the Deity of the Sky and the Deity of the Land and dedicated many ritual offerings.

Further, the Emperor dedicated red shields and red spears to the Deity of Sumisaka in Uda (in present day Nara Prefecture) and black shields and black spears to the Deity of Osaka. He even enshrined the Deity of the Mountain Ridges and the Deity of the River Rapids and made elaborate offerings to them.

The epidemic ended, and peaceful life returned to the land.

Mt. Miwa
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
One of the most sacred mountains in Japan. The entire mountain is regarded as the embodiment of the Great Deity O-mono-nushi. (Sakurai City)

Hibara Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This shrine is part of the Miwa Myojin Shrine(Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine) complex and is well known for its beautiful scenery and view of the sunset over Mt. Nijo. The Supreme Sun Deity Amaterasu is enshrined as its main deity. (Sakurai City)

Yamanobe-no-michi Road
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This ancient road around Mt. Miwa connects many of the ancient shrines and burial mounds that appear in Kojiki stories. (Sakurai City)

Miwa Myojin Shrine
(Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine)
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
Since the entire mountain of Mt. Miwa is seen as the Great Deity O-mono-nushi, the shrine does not have a main hall to house its deity. (Sakurai City)

Mausoleum of Emperor Sujin
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This 242-meter-long, keyhole-shaped burial mound (kofun) was built on the slope of Mt. Ryuo. It is widely regarded as the tomb of Emperor Sujin and was built in the early 4th century. (Tenri City)

Chapter 6

Kojiki Stories
around of Deities

The Heavenly Gods Descended to Earth

The High Celestial Plain was where gods and goddesses dwelled. The Supreme Sun Deity Amaterasu was given the Island of Japan by the Great Land Deity O-kuni-nushi.

Amaterasu decided to send Prince Hiko-hono-ninigi, her grandson, to preside over the Earth. With three sacred treasures, Prince Hiko-hono-ninigi descended to Earth, escorted by the Deity of this land Saruta-biko.

The area where Prince Hiko-hono-ninigi descended to Earth became known as Takamagahara (High Celestial Plain).

When the Emperor Met a God

While walking on Mt. Katsuragi, Emperor Yuryaku met a group of people who were dressed exactly like him and his entourage.

The Emperor was outraged, thinking that it was rude that anyone would dare to imitate him, as he was the supreme sovereign of Yamato. He demanded to know the identity of the leader of the other group.

The leader replied, “Since you have asked first, I will tell you my name first. I am the deity who can bring good or bad fortune with a single word. I am the Great Deity Hito-koto-nushi of Kazuraki.”

The Emperor was awestruck. He reverently offered his great sword and his bow and arrows. He also made all of his men disrobe, and gave all their garments to the Great Deity Hito-koto-nushi of Kazuraki.

Takamahiko Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
This shrine’s main deity is Takami-musubi, grandfather of Prince Hiko-hono-ninigi. The entrance is guarded by impressive cedar trees that are several hundred years old. (Gose City)

Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
It is believed that if a pilgrim states his or her wish in a single word at this shrine, that wish will be granted. The Great Deity Hito-koto-nushi of Kazuraki is enshrined here. (Gose City)

Mt. Katsuragi
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
This mountain has been regarded as a dwelling place for deities since ancient times. The area is famous for its “Million Azaleas” in the spring and, in winter, serene views of snow-covered trees. (Gose city)

Katsuragi Old Road
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
Many Kojiki stories that involve deities took place around this ancient 13-kilometer-long road overlooking Mt. Katsuragi. (Gose City)

Mitsue Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
Mitsue literally means “Respected Cane.” Legend has it that the Supreme Sun Deity Amaterasu placed a cane to mark this site as a possible choice for her permanent home. (Mitsue Village)

Ancient shrines related to Emperor Sujin
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
In Nara there are many shrines that are said to have been built by Emperor Sujin, such as Sumisaka Jinja Shrine and Uda Mikumari Jinja Shrine. (Uda City)

Hasedera Temple
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This temple has been popular for more than a thousand years. From its hall, visitors can see the area where Emperor Yuryaku encountered the Great Deity Hito-koto-nushi of Kazuraki. (Sakurai City)

Chapter 7

Kojiki Legends of Heroes

Guided by the Raven with Many Feet

Searching for the proper place for his capital, Emperor Jimmu decided to head east.

On the way from Kumano (in present day Wakayama Prefecture) to Yamato (in present day Nara Prefecture), he received divine instructions from the Great Deity Takagi. The deity said, “Oh mighty child of the heavenly deities, do not proceed further in this direction. There are many unruly deities waiting for you. I will dispatch the Raven with Many Feet, so please follow his guidance.”

Indeed, the Raven with Many Feet appeared and led the Emperor to the lower reaches of the Yoshino River. There, a man was catching fish in a bamboo trap. The Emperor asked his name, and the man replied, “I am a deity of this land, and my name is Niemotsu-no-ko (He Who Has Fish).” This deity is said to be the ancestor of the Cormorant Fishermen of Ada.

The Emperor journeyed on and encountered a man with a tail who came out from a shining well. The Emperor asked his name, and the man said, “I am a deity of this land, and my name is Ihika (Shining Well).”

As the Emperor entered the mountains, he encountered a man with a tail who appeared pushing aside boulders and saying, “I am a deity of this land, and my name is Iwaoshi-waku-no-ko (He Who Appears by Pushing Away Rocks). I came to you as I heard that the mighty child of the heavenly deities was arriving.”

From there, after a difficult journey through the deep mountains, Emperor Jimmu finally reached Uda (in present day Nara), which he made the new capital.

Destiny of a Deceitful Brother

In Uda, there lived two brothers, E-ukashi (the elder Ukashi) and Oto-ukashi (the younger Ukashi). The Emperor Jimmu sent the Raven with Many Feet as a messenger to them. The raven spoke to the brothers, “The mighty child of the heavenly deities is arriving. Are you willing to serve him?”

E-ukashi shot off a whistling arrow in an attempt to drive away the Raven with Many Feet. E-ukashi then planned to ambush the Emperor’s troops, but he failed to assemble the forces needed to mount a challenge.

E-ukashi then disingenuously pledged to serve Emperor Jimmu. He even built a castle for the Emperor Jimmu, but the castle actually was designed as a trap to kill him.

Oto-ukashi came forth and showed his loyalty to the Emperor by revealing his elder brother’s plot.

Learning of this, members of the Emperor’s retinue called upon E-ukashi to show the castle to them. “You have built this castle for Emperor Jimmu. Please enter first and show us what you have created.”

E-ukashi hesitated, but spears were raised and bows were drawn tight, all aimed at him. E-ukashi was forced inside, where he was caught and killed by his own trap. His body was then cut into pieces in the field outside the castle. Since then, the area has been known as Chihara (Bloody Field).

Emperor Jimmu kept heading east, pacifying many unruly deities and defeating enemies along the way.

After more than 16 years, he finally established Kashihara Palace in Unebi (in present day Nara). One day, he fell in love with one of seven girls that he saw playing in a field and married her. She was Isuke-yori-hime, daughter of the Great Deity O-mono-nushi.

How Prince Ousu Got His New Name,
Yamato Takeru

Emperor Keiko became wary of the fearlessness of his own son, Prince Ousu. So the Emperor sent the Prince off to the West to conquer two brothers known as Kumaso Takeru (Brave of Kumaso).

Prince Ousu was just 15 or 16 years old, and he wore his long hair in a topknot. Worried for his safety, his aunt, Princess Yamato-hime, who was a priestess in the Ise Shrine, gave him her sacred robe. The robe gave him the protection of the Supreme Sun Deity Amaterasu.

Carrying her robe, Prince Ousu headed west. When he arrived at the house of the Kumaso Takeru brothers, he found that it was heavily guarded by warriors.

Prince Ousu disguised himself as a maiden by wearing his aunt’s robe and letting his long hair down. He snuck into a feast being held by the Kumaso Takeru brothers.

The elder Kumaso Takeru was mesmerized by the beauty of this maiden, and Prince Ousu easily killed him. Prince Ousu then chased after the younger Kumaso Takeru.

As Prince Ousu raised his sword, the younger Kumaso Takeru implored Prince Ousu to let him speak, “Wait. Before you kill me, I must say this. There are no mightier men than us in the west, but there is a man mightier than us from Yamato. Honoring your bravery, I will give you my name. From now on, may you be known as Prince Yamato Takeru.”

After that, Prince Ousu killed the younger Kumaso Takeru. From that day on, Prince Ousu became known as Yamato Takeru, the Brave of Yamato.

Yamato Takeru Sent to Conquer the East

Prince Ousu assumed the name Yamato Takeru and headed back home. On his way, he conquered Izumo Takeru.

He returned to his father to report that his mission had been accomplished. Instead of commending his son, Emperor Keiko commanded Yamato Takeru to leave again right away to subdue and pacify the unruly deities and disobedient people in the East.

Brokenhearted, Prince Yamato Takeru visited his aunt, Princess Yamato-hime, and lamented, “Does the Emperor want me to die? Why did he send me to fight with the evil people in the West? Now that I have returned, why is he sending me out again so soon? He is not even giving me troops to subdue the evil people in the East. He must be hoping that I will die soon.”

On his departure, his aunt gave him the Sword of Kusanagi. She also handed him a bag saying, “If you ever find yourself in trouble, open this bag.”

With her words in mind, Yamato Takeru headed for the East, even before he had recovered from his hard trip to the West.

Death of Prince Yamato Takeru

Defeating enemies and overcoming many obstacles, Prince Yamato Takeru conquered the East and started to head back home. He was helped by the Sword of Kusanagi and the fire-making stone in the bag that his aunt had given him.

When he reached the Province of Owari (in present day Aichi Prefecture), he married Lady Miyazu-hime. However, their peaceful life together did not last long.

When he went out to defeat the Deity of Mt. Ibuki, he encountered a huge white boar at the foot of the mountain. As he had left his mighty sword behind with his wife, he said to the boar, “You must be a messenger of the mountain deity. I will come back later to kill you.”

He rushed up the mountain. Suddenly, heavy sleet and hail started falling from the sky, beating down upon Yamato Takeru and leaving him in confusion. The boar he had encountered was the Deity of Mt. Ibuki in disguise.

Prince Yamato Takeru managed to come down from the mountain, but the storm had taken a heavy toll on him physically. He had to drag his body, but he was determined to get home.

When he reached Nobono (in present day Mie Prefecture), he was overcome by homesickness and sang this song:

Yamato is
The highest part of the land
The mountains are green partitions
Lying layer upon layer
Nestled among the mountains
How beautiful is Yamato


Prince Yamato Takeru became gravely ill, and he died seeing his home again only in his mind’s eye.

When the news of his death reached Yamato, many people mourned his death and created a mound to commemorate him.

The soul of Prince Yamato Takeru transformed into a white bird. After visiting a few places, the bird flew high into the sky and vanished.

Yoshino River
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
The panoramic views from the Ada Bridge are particularly well known for revealing the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding mountains and river valley. (Gose City)

Adahime Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
A Deity of the land, Niemotsu-no-ko is known as the originator of fishing using birds in the Ada area. The main deity of the shrine, Adahime, is from Kyushu, the southern island of Japan. (Gose City)

Miyataki
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
This area is on the Yoshino River, near where Emperor Tenmu, who commissioned Kojiki, vacationed. In a Kojiki story, Emperor Jimmu encountered a Deity of the land, Niemotsu-no-ko catching fish around the Yoshino River. (Yoshino Town)

Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan. His tomb near Kashihara Jingu Shrine claims that the Emperor lived to be 137 years old. (Kashihara City)

Kashihara Jingu Shrine
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
Kojiki states that Emperor Jimmu governed the country from Kashihara Palace. Kashihara Jingu Shrine was built in the late 19th century on the palace’s original site. (Kashihara City)

Yatagarasu Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
The Deity Taketsunumi that transformed into “The Raven with Many Feet” is enshrined here. The statue of the raven within the grounds of the shrine is the mascot of Japan’s soccer team. (Uda City)

Isagawa Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND NARA CITY
Empress Isuke-yori-hime, a wife of Emperor Jimmu, is enshrined in this place. The shrine is known for a Lily Festival it holds each year on June 17. (Nara City)

Mt. Torimi
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
This mountain has an elevation of 735 meters. There is a viewing tower at the top, which makes it a great spot for looking out over the mountains and landscape that Emperor Jimmu traveled through. (Uda City)

Sakurai City Center of Archeological
Operations
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
Many interesting ancient artifacts excavated from archeological sites around Sakurai City are on display in the museum. (Sakurai City)

Shiratori-no-Misasagi
(Mausoleum of Prince Yamato Takeru)
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
This mound was built to commemorate Prince Yamato Takeru, who flew away as a white bird after briefly stopping here. It is a good place to look out over beautiful Mt. Katsuragi, which appears in many Kojiki stories. (Gose City)

Shibutani Mukaiyama Tumulus
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This 300-meter-long mound is believed to be the tomb of Emperor Keiko, father of Prince Yamato Takeru. (Tenri City)

Song Monument
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
A song that Prince Yamato Takeru sang in Kojiki can be seen on a monument in front of Hibara Jinja Shrine. The engraving on the monument is based on calligraphy by the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata. (Sakurai City)

Chapter 8

Kojiki Stories
of Women

A Mysterious Woman Saves Emperor Richu

When Emperor Richu was in a drunken slumber after a banquet, his younger brother, Suminoe-no-nakatsu, took advantage. He attempted a coup and set fire to the palace in Naniwa (in present day Osaka). The Emperor escaped from the burning palace and fled for safety, heading for Yamato.

As Emperor Richu approached a mountain along the way, he met a young woman who told him, “Your enemies are waiting for you on the mountain. It would be safer for you to take the longer way around the south side of the mountain.”

Emperor Richu followed her advice and escaped danger. He reached Isonokami Jingu Shrine, the Emperor’s sacred safe haven.

The Jealous Wife of Emperor Nintoku

Empress Iwa-no-hime was extremely jealous about Emperor Nintoku’s interest in other women.

One time, the Emperor heard about the beauty of Lady Kuro-hime and summoned her to serve him closely. However, Lady Kuro-hime feared the jealousy of the Empress and fled back to her hometown.

From the high tower of the castle, Emperor Nintoku saw the boat carrying Lady Kuro-hime away. The Emperor sang a song about how much he missed her.

Upon hearing the song, the Empress became furious. She sent her minions to force Lady Kuro-hime off her boat and made her walk all the way home.

The Empress Refuses to Return to the Palace
YAMATO TAKERU

Some time after the incident with Lady Kuro-hime, the Empress Iwa-no-hime traveled to the Land of Kino (in present day Wakayama Prefecture) to gather leaves to use as cups for rice wine at a banquet.

In her absence, the Emperor Nintoku took another wife, Princess Yatano-waka-iratsume. The Empress heard this news when she was near the Port of Naniwa (in present day Osaka) on her way back to the palace.

Enraged, she dumped all the leaves into the ocean, but that did nothing to calm her anger. Instead of sailing back to the palace, the Empress took her boat up the river passing through the Province of Yamashiro (near present day Kyoto).

The Emperor heard about what the Empress had done, and it made him miss her. The Emperor kept sending messengers with songs to persuade the Empress to return to the palace, but her heart remained unmoved.

Finally, the Emperor Nintoku himself visited the place where she was staying and sang a song to prove his sincerity.

(Kojiki stories do not mention what happened after this, but another record indicates that Empress Iwa-no-hime never returned to the palace and died elsewhere.)

Isonokami Jingu Shrine
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
One of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. It is famous for its unique treasure of a seven-branched sword. The shrine served as an armory for ancient Yamato regimes. (Tenri City)

Mt. Nijo
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
Emperor Richu used the south side around this beautiful mountain as his escape route. From the top of the mountain one can see Nara in the East and the Port of Osaka in the West. (Katsuragi City)

Saki Tumulus Cluster
▼AROUND NARA CITY
This area looks like a virgin forest, but it is made up of more than sixty burial mounds, including the tombs of women who appear in Kojiki stories. (Nara City)

Hishage Tumulus
▼AROUND NARA CITY
This 219-meter-long mound is believed to be the tomb of Empress Iwa-no-hime, wife of Emperor Nintoku. (Nara City)

Mobune
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
A replica of an 8-meter-long boat-shaped carrier for corpses (called a mobune) used in ancient funeral processions is on display at the Koryo Town Cultural Heritage Preservation Center. (Koryo Town)

Chapter 9

Kojiki Family Sagas

Whom Do You Love More?

Princess Saho became the Empress of Emperor Suinin. The Empress’s elder half-brother, Prince Saho, asked the Empress, “Whom do you love more, the Emperor or me?” She responded, “I adore you more.” Prince Saho then revealed that he was plotting to overthrow Emperor Suinin and handed the Empress a knife to kill the Emperor.

Following Prince Saho’s plan, the Empress resolved to kill the Emperor in his sleep. Yet she could not bring herself to stab him. The Empress’s tears fell upon the face of Emperor Suinin, and the Emperor woke up, saying that he just had a frightful dream. The Empress confessed Prince Saho’s sinister plot to kill the Emperor.

The Emperor raised an army to attack Prince Saho. Meanwhile, the Empress, who was pregnant, snuck out of the palace to join Prince Saho in his fortress. In the fortress, surrounded by the Emperor’s army, the Empress gave birth to a son.

Emperor Suinin still felt strongly for the Empress, despite the treachery of her half-brother. Emperor Suinin tried to get Empress to return to him with their newborn son, but the Empress only handed over the child. The Empress chose to die together with her elder half-brother. Traumatized by this tragedy, their son was never able to speak, even as he grew up to become an adult.

Emperor Suinin had a dream in which the Deity of Izumo told him that if he made Izumo Taisha Shrine as splendid as his palace, his son would be able to speak. The Emperor asked Prince Aketatsu to find out whether a pilgrimage to Izumo would help his son.

Prince Aketatsu asked a heron in a tree to fall if the pilgrimage would be a success. The heron fell into the pond below and died. Prince Aketatsu then commanded the heron to live again, and the heron immediately came back to life.

A Mother’s Instinct Saves Princes’ Lives

After Emperor Jimmu passed away, the Empress Isuke-yori-hime became the wife of Prince Tagishi-mimi, a son of the late Emperor from another marriage. Prince Tagishi-mimi then started plotting to kill the sons of the Empress, his three younger half-brothers, in order to secure his position as the next Emperor.

Learning of his plans, the Empress agonized over the fate of her children, and she sang a song as a veiled warning to her sons.

Clouds are rising
From the Sai River
On Mt. Unebi
The leaves of the trees are rustling
The wind is about to blow
Thanks to the Empress’s wisdom and instincts as a mother, her sons understood their older half-brother’s wicked plan in time, and they set out to kill him first.

The Prince Who Placed Love Above Status

After Emperor Ingyo died, Prince Karu was expected to succeed his father.

However, before he ascended to the throne, he started having an affair with his sister, Princess Karu, who was renowned for her beauty. The affair became quite a scandal.

Prince Karu lost the trust of his inner circle and the people. Sensing danger, he fled to a house of a confidant and armed himself.

Prince Karu was captured by Prince Anaho (who later became Emperor Annei) and was exiled to the hot springs of Iyo.

After a while, Princess Karu joined Prince Karu in exile, and they chose to commit suicide together.

Tragedy of the Love Birds

Emperor Nintoku sent his younger brother, Prince Hayabusa-wake (Lord Falcon) as a go-between to propose to his half-sister, Princess Medori (Female Bird). The Princess rejected the Emperor’s proposal and instead married Prince Hayabusa-wake. Brokenhearted and filled with jealousy, the Emperor tried to capture and kill the couple.

The couple fled, being chased by the Emperor’s troops. As they reached the Soni Highland in Uda (in present day Nara Prefecture), the Emperor’s men caught up with the couple and killed them both.

Kasugataisha Shrine
▼AROUND NARA CITY
One of the most popular shrines in Nara, enshrining many of the deities that appear in Kojiki stories. (Nara City)

Sai River
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This river is mentioned in the song that Empress Isuke-yori-hime, who had been the wife of Emperor Jimmu, sang to warn her children about the threat to their lives. The Sai River, flowing from Mt. Miwa, is also the place where Emperor Jimmu and Empress Isuke-yori-hime are said to have fallen in love. (Sakurai City)

Mt. Wakakusa
▼AROUND NARA CITY
East of Nara Park, this 342-meter-high mountain top provides a bird’s eye view of Nara. One can see the sites of Princess Saho’s tragedy and other Kojiki stories. (Nara City)

Sagisu Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
Sagisu means “Nest of the Heron.” The shrine was built at the location where the heron was said to have fallen in the story about the son of Emperor Suinin. (Kashihara City)

Former Site of Fujiwarakyu
(Fujiwarakyo Palace)
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
The palace built by Empress Jito, who succeeded Emperor Tenmu to govern Japan, used to stand here. Sagisu Shrine is also part of the site. (Kashihara City)

Tamatsushima Myojin Shrine
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
Princess Karu is enshrined in her mother’s hometown. The shrine has a hot spring well that is believed to have been used to clean Princess Karu after she was born. (Sakurai City)

Soni Highland
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
This is where Princess Medori and Prince Hayabusa-wake were caught and killed by the forces of the jealous Emperor Nintoku. The lush green fields of the summer transform into a spectacular spread of silver grasses in the fall. Nara’s natural splendor can be enjoyed here all year round. (Soni Village)

Tamakiyama Tumulus Cluster
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This group of mounds is located near the site where Emperor Suinin built Makimuku-Tamaki Palace. Mt. Miwa and many other historical points can be seen from the top of the mounds. (Sakurai City)

Chapter 10

Kojiki Stories
of Royalty

Servant’s Search for the Fruit of Eternal Life

During the reign of Emperor Suinin, the Emperor sent his loyal servant Tajima-mori to bring back the fruit of the fragrant tree that knows no season and was said to be growing in the land of immortals. Tajima-mori set out to travel far into the Everworld. After a long and arduous journey, he finally found the tree. Tajima-mori picked a number of branches filled with fruit and brought them back for the Emperor.

When he returned, he learned that the Emperor had already passed away. Tajima-mori presented some branches to the Empress and took the rest to the tomb of Emperor Suinin.

There, holding the fruit in his hand, Tajima-mori broke down and cried. He mourned the loss of the Emperor so deeply that he died at the tomb.

Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin
▼AROUND NARA CITY
Tajima-mori died on this mound, mourning the death of Emperor Suinin. The small island in the canal became known as the Tomb of Tajima-mori. (Nara City)

Toshodaiji Temple
▼AROUND NARA CITY
This temple, next to the Tomb of Emperor Suinin, was built in 759 A.D. by Ganjin, a Tang-period Chinese priest, for training Buddhist monks. (Nara City)

Muromiyayama Tumulus
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
This large decorative tomb is believed to have been used by the ancestors of the Katsuragi clan who appear in Kojiki stories. It symbolizes the clan’s political power. (Gose City)

Chapter 11

Kojiki Stories
of Songs

The Emperor’s Song about a Dragonfly

When Emperor Yuryaku made a royal visit to Yoshino, he met a beautiful maiden on the bank of Yoshino River. He married this maiden but returned to the palace, leaving her behind.

When he paid another visit to Yoshino, they met again. He had her dance for him. Because she danced so well, the Emperor sang a song for her.

Then he went off to the fields of Akizu near a waterfall. As he was hunting there, a horsefly bit him on the arm. Immediately, a dragonfly came and devoured the horsefly. The Emperor recorded this incident in a song as well.


A Song Warns of Danger to the Emperor

Emperor Sujin sent Prince O-biko to subdue twelve provinces in the East. On the way, Prince O-biko met a girl on the hill of Herazaka, near Yamashiro (near present day Kyoto). She was singing a song:

Alas Mimaki-iri-biko
Little do you know that
They are plotting to take your life
Going around the back door
Going around the front door

Prince O-biko thought these lyrics were strange and reported them to the Emperor. The Emperor realized that the song was an omen that Prince Take-hani-yasu, his elder half-brother in Yamashiro, was planning to attack him.

The Emperor sent Prince O-biko with his army to attack first. They succeeded in defeating and killing Prince Take-hani-yasu.


Hiding Princes Reveal Their Identities in a Song

Two young brothers, Prince Oke (who later became Emperor Ninken) and Prince Woke (who later became Emperor Kenzo), were living in the Province of Harima (in present day Hyogo Prefecture), hiding their identities because their father, Prince Ichinohe-no-oshiha, had been murdered by Prince O-hatsuse-wakatake (who later became Emperor Yuryaku).

One day, the new governor of Harima, Yamabe-no-otate, visited a housewarming celebration for a new dwelling where the young brothers were working to tend the fires. For entertainment, everyone took turns singing and dancing. When their turns came, the young brothers were unsure as to who should go first. Eventually, Prince Oke danced first, and then Prince Woke began to sing with his beautiful voice.

In his song, Prince Woke revealed that they were the children of the son of the Emperor. Astonished, Yamabe-no-otate fell out of his chair. Ordering everybody else to leave the room, he placed the two princes on his lap and wept for the tragedy that had befallen them.

Yamabe-no-otate had his people build a temporary palace for the princes to live in. The great news that the Emperor’s grandsons were alive soon reached their aunt, Lady Ii-doyo. She rejoiced and had them move to her palace.

Seirei no Taki Waterfall
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
Emperor Yuryaku sang a song about a dragonfly here. This waterfall has been a popular place to visit since ancient times. People enjoy the purifying sounds of the waterfall and the unspoiled nature of the Yoshino area. (Kawakami Village)

Hakusan Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
The precise location of the palace of Emperor Yuryaku has not been confirmed, but some say this shrine may have been built on its site. (Sakurai City)

Niukawakami Jinja Nakasha Shrine
▼AROUND UDA AND YOSHINO
A water deity is enshrined here. The shrine’s location is regarded as the sacred site where Emperor Jimmu conducted a ritual, following guidance he received in a dream. (Higashi Yoshino Village)

Mausoleum of Emperor Sujin
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This mound is believed to be the tomb of Emperor Sujin, who is recorded in Kojiki as the first Emperor to establish a system of government in Japan. (Tenri City)

Rooftop of the Nara Prefecture Building
▼AROUND NARA CITY
The rooftop of this building is open to the public and is regarded as one of the best locations to look out over the many historical sites in Nara, including Former Site of Heijyokyu(Heijokyo Palace), Todaiji Temple, and Mt. Katsuragi. (Nara City)

Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yo Culture
▼AROUND KASHIHARA AND ASUKA
This complex is a great place to learn about and research the culture of ancient Japan through interactive exhibits, theater presentations, and a variety of games. (Asuka)

Tsunosashi Jinja Shrine
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
Lady Ii-doyo, the aunt of the two princes who were discovered by Yamabe-no-odate, is enshrined here. Lady Ii-doyo was believed to have her own palace nearby.(Katsuragi City)

Tsubaichi
▼AROUND TENRI AND SAKURAI
This area was a crossroads and a marketplace in ancient Japan where goods were exchanged under the Divine Tree. Many songs that appear in Kojiki stories are connected to this area. (Sakurai City)

Mausoleum of Lady Ii-doyo
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
Lady Ii-doyo is regarded by many as having been the unofficial interim leader of Japan between the reign of Emperor Seinei and the reign of Emperor Kenzo, who was one of her nephews. (Katsuragi City)

Mausoleum of Emperor Kenzo
▼AROUND GOSE AND KATSURAGI
Prince Woke, who had been in hiding along with his brother Prince Oke, eventually became Emperor Kenzo. This is his tomb. (Kashiba City)