By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Goryo Jinja (Goryo Shrine)
Location: 238 Nishinakanocho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture
Main Enshrined Kami: Uka-no-Mitama-no-Okami
Co-Enshrined Kami: Lord Akechi Mitsuhide
Founding: Hoei 2 (1705)
Why a ‘Traitor’ Became a ‘Kami’: The Mystery of Goryo Jinja
Akechi Mitsuhide is generally known as a “traitor” for killing his lord, Oda Nobunaga, in the Honnoji Incident. However, here in Fukuchiyama, he holds a completely different reputation.
The term “goryo” refers to the act of pacifying the vengeful spirit (onryo) of someone who met an untimely death. Approximately 120 years after Mitsuhide’s death, during the Edo period, Fukuchiyama experienced a series of disasters such as fires and floods. The people of that time believed, “Could it be that the spirit of Lord Mitsuhide, who was an excellent ruler, is not at peace and is causing misfortune?” They sought to protect their town by enshrining his spirit.
It is extremely rare nationwide for a historical loser to be so beloved by his people and deified as a kami. This story speaks to how much the citizens of Fukuchiyama regarded Mitsuhide as an “ideal leader.”
Legends and Untold Stories: The Form of ‘Love’ Mitsuhide Left Behind
Exemption from Jishisen (Land Tax): When developing the castle town of Fukuchiyama, Mitsuhide exempted the land tax (jishisen). This benefit continued into the Edo period, and the townspeople never forgot their gratitude toward Mitsuhide.
The Flood Control Legend of ‘Akechi Yabu’: Mitsuhide diverted the frequently flooding Yura River and constructed strong embankments. The bamboo groves planted to protect these embankments are called “Akechi Yabu” and still stand today as a symbol of protection against floods.
The Hidden ‘Kikyo-mon’ (Bellflower Crest): The Akechi family crest, the ‘Mizuiro Kikyo’ (light blue bellflower), is carved into the chozubachi (water purification basin) and tiles of the jinja. Enshrining Mitsuhide, who was deemed a traitor by the shogunate, was almost taboo at the time, but the local people secretly and proudly continued to display this crest.
Pilgrimage Information: A Gathering Place for Anime and Game Fans
Goryo Jinja has become an essential holy site for fans of various works featuring Akechi Mitsuhide.
Sengoku-era Media Mix Works: Whenever Akechi Mitsuhide is attractively portrayed in popular works such as “Sengoku BASARA,” “Samurai Warriors” series, and “Fate/Grand Order (FGO),” many fans visit to trace the roots of their beloved character.
Fukuchiyama City Official Web Anime: Related to the web anime “I Was Reincarnated and Ordered to Slay Oni,” produced by Fukuchiyama City, the entire city is bustling as an ‘oni’ holy site. Goryo Jinja is an important hub on this walking route, attracting attention from both history and anime fans.
The “Kanai-ishi” (Wish-fulfilling Stone) located within the shrine precincts is believed to grant “prayers for victory” and “fulfillment of wishes,” in connection with Mitsuhide’s fervent desire. Students and visitors facing competitions constantly come to offer their prayers. It is a place where you can touch the true face of a brilliant strategist who vanished into the shadows of history. That is Goryo Jinja in Fukuchiyama.
Related Links / References