自然豊かな大江山散策👹鬼の足跡・美多良志荒神・新童子橋を巡る Tracing the Demon’s Footprint. Fukuchiyama in Kyoto, Japan
Mt. Ōeyama – Once Home to Demons This time, we’re visiting Mt. Ōeyama in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto. Long ago, it was said to be the home of demons, including the infamous Shuten Dōji. Not long ago, I visited the Kubizuka Daimyōjin shrine, where Shuten Dōji’s severed head is enshrined. Since then, I’ve wanted to learn more about these demons—so here I am. First up, we’re going to check out the demon’s footprint. After a long drive this morning, plus walking around places like Ama-no-Iwato Shrine, Moto-Ise Naikū Kōdaijinja, and Ōiwa Shrine… I’m pretty tired now. Somewhere around here is the demon’s footprint. But before that—wow, so many jagged rocks… These rocks were likely formed during the Ice Age.
The area is often called Gankai, meaning a “sea of rocks,” because of how they stretch out like waves across the land. Feels like something out of a Ghibli movie… There it is! The demon’s footprint! It’s huge! A river runs just beside it, and legend says the demon leapt from the opposite bank and landed here, leaving behind this mark. A bit further ahead is the rock where Minamoto no Yorimitsu supposedly rested after defeating Shuten Dōji. Hm? I looked into this beforehand… I think this is the Koshikake Iwa, or “Sitting Rock.” Maybe someone moved the sign? Not quite sure… Still, it was the perfect size for sitting. Shindōji Bridge What a breathtaking view…! The bridge is made of wood, and it appears to be suspended by these wire cables. Its shape resembles a torii gate. Nearby, I found this signboard with some information. Besides the famous tale of Minamoto no Yorimitsu slaying the demon Shuten Dōji, there are two other demon-slaying legends passed down in the Ōeyama area. One of them tells the story of Prince Maroko, the younger brother of Prince Shōtoku, who defeated demons named Eiko, Karuashi, and Tsuchiguma. The demons used sorcery to hide themselves, making it a tough battle. But then, two white dogs appeared, each with a mirror on its forehead. The demons, reflected in the mirrors, were unable to remain hidden—and were finally defeated. After the battle, the dogs sadly passed away. It’s believed the dogs were divine messengers of the gods from Moto-Ise Shrine, where the prayers for the battle were offered. The dogs were buried near the mountain summit, and the mirrors were enshrined here at Mitarashi Kōjin. The name Mitarashi is said to come from mi-terashi, meaning “to shine” or “to illuminate.” This deity is known for dispelling darkness and bringing light. It’s a bit scary, but I’m going to cross the bridge. When Yorimitsu and his men arrived at Mt. Ōeyama to slay Shuten Dōji, they met a beautiful woman washing clothes by the river. She was a princess who had been kidnapped by the demon and was washing blood-stained garments. That spot is said to be this very river—Futasegawa. Honestly, looking at this scenery… it’s easy to believe demons once lived here. You can see straight through the gaps between the planks… yikes. Now, let’s head to the final spot I’ve been wanting to visit. We’ve arrived! It looks like Yorimitsu and his team are here to greet us. Japan Oni Exchange Museum This museum is filled with exhibits related to oni (demons) in Japanese folklore. What an intense presence… It’s also located near the Demon’s Footprint and Shindōji Bridge, so if you’re visiting those spots, I definitely recommend stopping by here too. Thank you for watching until the end!
If you enjoyed the video, please hit the Like button and consider subscribing to the channel!
【 英語等字幕あり 】
今回は福知山にある大江山を散策します☺️
かつて鬼が住んでいたと云われる大江山。そんな大江山には鬼にまつわるスポットがたくさんあります👹
よろしければどうぞご覧になってみてください☺️
チャンネル登録もどうぞ宜しくお願い致します☺️🙏
If you’re willing, please subscribe to the channel🙏
※This channel is using ChatGPT to translate into English so that it can be understood by people from foreign countries. There might be differences in the nuances of the translation.
※Filmed in March. 2025
————————————————————————————————————————————————
1:50 鬼の足跡・頼光の腰掛岩 Demon’s Footprint
3:10 新童子橋 Shindo-jibashi Bridge
4:05 美多良志荒神 Mitarashi Shrine
8:00 日本の鬼の交流博物館 Japanese Oni Exchange Museum
————————————————————————————————————————————————
#kyoto #japan
#fukuchiyama
#大江山