Tokushige Shrine is located in Ijuin-cho, Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It enshrines Shimazu Yoshihiro, a prominent samurai of the Satsuma Domain. Yoshihiro is renowned for his bravery, especially for his "teki-chū toppa" (breaking through enemy lines) during the Battle of Sekigahara, where he fought for the Western army but successfully broke through Tokugawa Ieyasu's main forces. The shrine's grounds were once occupied by Myoen-ji Temple, Yoshihiro's family temple, which was destroyed during the Haibutsu Kishaku movement of Meiji 2. Tokushige Shrine was established on the site in Meiji 4.
Every year, on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of October, Tokushige Shrine holds the "Myoen-ji Mairi" event, a traditional festival commemorating Yoshihiro's achievements and recalling the intense battles of the past. Originally, this pilgrimage extended from Kagoshima Castle to Tokushige Shrine, but now it typically starts from places like Shokoku Shrine in Kagoshima City. The event features a vibrant procession of young people dressed in samurai armor, marching towards the shrine to the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums and flutes. This procession commemorates the hardships Yoshihiro faced during his daring escape from the Battle of Sekigahara and is both powerful and visually stunning.
Tokushige Shrine is a must-see for history buffs, those seeking exciting events, and anyone interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture. If you're visiting Kagoshima Prefecture, be sure to include Tokushige Shrine in your itinerary.
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