Walking Paths of History in Sekido
Sekido in Tama City was once located along the upper route of the Kamakura Highway.Because of this, many battles took place here, and military camps were set up.
Even today, traces of this history remain. Why not take a stroll through Sekido and explore its historical past?
1. The Site of Sekido Ferry Port
This ferry was used to cross the Tama River, connecting Sekido to Fuchu and Nakagawara along the Kamakura Highway. In 1937, the Sekido Bridge was completed, bringing the ferry’s role to an end.
2. Resting Place of the Sacred Coffin of Tokugawa Ieyasu
As per Tokugawa Ieyasu’s will, his spirit was enshrined at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This spot served as a resting place during the transport of his sacred coffin. A small shrine, Kanayama Daigongen, was built to commemorate this event.
3. The Site of Sekido Battlefield
In 1333, during the late Kamakura period, the forces of Yasuie Hojo clashed with those of Yoshisada Nitta in this historic battle. The Nitta forces emerged victorious, and soon after, the Kamakura shogunate fell.
4. Grave of Yokomizo Hachiro
The grave of Yokomizo Hachirou, a retainer of Yasuie Hojo.A stone monument stands below. A skilled archer, he fought bravely to protect Yasuie during the Battle of Sekido in 1333 but was killed in action. Yasuie fled to Kamakura.
*Please note that the path to the grave passes through private property, so please be quiet when visiting.
5. Kannonji Temple / Grave of Aizawa Goryu and Tomonushi
Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism.The exact origins of the temple are unknown, but temple legend states that a Tang-dynasty monk enshrined a statue of Kannon and built a small hermitage here in 1192. The graves of Aizawa Goryu and his son, Tomonushi, cultural figures born in Sekido during the Edo period, can be found here.
6. Kumano Jinja Shrine / Old Checkpoint
Founded in 1489, this shrine is dedicated to the three Kumano shrines of Wakayama Prefecture and serves as Sekido’s guardian shrine.There are also the remains of a checkpoint fence established by the Kamakura shogunate, which gave the area its name, "Sekido." This site is designated as a historic landmark by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
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