Shiroishi Sightseeing Navigation

Kacchudo

History & Culture

The sons of Saito Motoharu, Saito Tsugunobu and Saito Tadanobu in place of Minamoto no Yoshitsune were killed by the enemies. It is said that the wives of the two sons, Kaede and Hatsune saw their mother-in-law weeping and lamenting over the death of her sons. In efforts to console their mother-in-law, Kaede and Hatsune each wore their husbands’ armour and kabuto helm. The statues of Kaede and Hatsune are enshrined in Kacchudo in praise of them.

In the nearby of the prefectural boundary between Fukushima and Miyagi where “Saikawashuku” used to be, there is a shrine named “Tamura Shrine”. “Tamura Shrine” is the shrine where Sakanoue no Tamuramaro is enshrined. “Kacchudo” is located on the shrine premise. The wooden statues depicting the valiant figures of Kaede and Hatsune clad in armour are enshrined here in Kacchudo. Kaede and Hatsune were wives to Saito Tsugunobu and Saito Tadanobu, the brothers who were killed in action in place of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It is said that Kaede and Hatsune, in efforts to console the weeping mother, put on their husbands’ armour and acted as if their husbands had a triumph return.

The wooden statues were made by Komuro Tooru, a local sculptor who also happen to have made the horse-riding statue of Date Masamune. Through the wooden statues of Kaede and Hatsune you are able to see and feel the valiant aura of the family in the distant past.

A fire incident in the early Meiji Era burnt down the shrine. In efforts to rebuild the shrine, collection of donations were carried out. With the funds donated in good faith by the students in Miyagi Prefecture, the shrine was rebuilt. Tamura Shrine and the Kacchudo is said to be built during Enryaku Era (around 800). Kacchudo is also one of the many famous places in Oushu Kaido where many intellectuals such as Matsuo Basho visit.★The picture is a view of Tamura Shrine and Kacchudo from the high ground at rear of the shrine. The Sakura trees seen here are also visible from the 4th highway. The rows of Sakura trees from Saikawashuku Ruins (inner part of the photo) that extends to the shrine is on average best seen in mid-April. The beautiful Sakura tunnels paint the mountain hamlet of Saikawa with a brilliant and lively atmosphere.

Postal Code: 989-0215
Address: 115 Kamimukaiyama,Saikawa,Shiroishi, Miyagi
Phone number: 0224-26-2315
Remarks: ※Field Trip is free of charge
Access Method: 25 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway Shiroishi Interchange

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The Shiroishi city, Miyagi prefecture tourist information site 'Shiroishi Sightseeing Navigation'

Kacchudo

Kacchudo

The wooden statues were made by Komuro Tooru, a local sculptor who also happen to have made the horse-riding statue of Date Masamune. Through the wooden statues of Kaede and Hatsune you are able to see and feel the valiant aura of the family in the distant past.