Visiting places related to the Kamakura Shogunate - Hojo Tokimasa and Kajiwara Kagetoki

This time, we will introduce places associated with Hojo Tokimasa, the father of the protagonist, Hojo Yoshitoki, and Kajiwara Kagetoki, who was highly valued by Yoritomo and served as stable chief (the head or manager of the horses being raised) and samurai-dokoro no shogun (the vice chief who assisted the chief).

Spot 1: Ishibashiyama Battlefield, a place connected to Hojo Tokimasa
Turning into a side road from Route 135 and going about 100m, you will come across a stone monument marking the "Ishibashiyama Battlefield" on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay. This is the place where Yoritomo fought against the army of Oba Kagechika.

In response to Emperor Mochihito's order to pursue the Taira clan, Minamoto no Yoritomo raised an army in Nirayama, Izu. After winning the first battle against the Yamaki clan, he advanced to Yugawara in Sagami Province, where he faced off against the forces of Oba Kagechika, leading to the Battle of Ishibashiyama.

This battle begins with a "war of words" between Hojo Tokimasa and Oba Kagechika. Hojo Tokimasa says, "Oba was supposed to have followed the Genji clan, so why are you drawing your bow on Minamoto no Yoritomo, the legitimate heir of the Genji clan?" Oba Kagechika responds, "Although we were once master and servant, the kindness of the Taira clan is immense, and I cannot betray them so easily." (There are many memorable anecdotes about Hojo Tokimasa, but I personally feel that this war of words was one of Tokimasa's greatest moments.)

The battle then began, and Minamoto no Yoritomo's army of 300 fought bravely against the 3,000-man Ooba army, but they were outnumbered and lost the battle, with Hojo Tokimasa's eldest son, Hojo Munetoki, and his vassals, including Sanada Yoichi Yoshitada, being killed in battle.
📍Ishibashi, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Spot 2: Enoshima Cave, a place connected to Hojo Tokimasa
This cave is located at the innermost part of Enoshima and is said to be the place where Kobo Daishi and Nichiren Shonin practiced their training in ancient times.

It is said that Hojo Tokimasa retreated to this cave and prayed for the prosperity of his descendants. Then, a heavenly maiden appeared before Tokimasa and told him that his clan would prosper as the rulers of Japan. She then transformed into a giant snake and disappeared into the sea, leaving behind three scales. Tokimasa was so happy with the prophecy that he made the scales his family crest, and the famous Mitsuuroko crest of the Hojo clan was born.
📍Enoshima 2, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Spot 3: Shitonodo Cave, a place associated with Kajiwara Kagetoki
Stone lanterns and stone Buddha statues line both sides of the steep, winding mountain path, and it is a quiet, secluded place even during the day. Shishido Cave is located at the bottom of the path.

There are several Buddha statues enshrined in the cave, and a thin waterfall flows from above, making the sound of the water echo through the cave, creating a very mystical place.

After losing the Battle of Ishibashiyama, Minamoto no Yoritomo fled with a small group of retinue and hid here in the "Shitonodo Cave." Oba Kagechika's forces conducted a thorough search, and Kajiwara Kagetoki discovered Yoritomo and his group hiding in the cave. Yoritomo tried to commit suicide, saying "This is the end," but Kagetoki told him, "I'll help you, so when we win the battle, I hope you won't forget me," and let Yoritomo go. Oba Kagechika, however, still suspected the cave and tried to enter it himself, but Kagetoki confronted him, saying, "Do you doubt me?" and Yoritomo narrowly escaped death.
It is unclear why Kagetoki let Yoritomo go, but there are various theories, such as "the Kajiwara clan served the Minamoto clan, so it was out of compassion," or "he was impressed by Yoritomo's dignified appearance." Later, Kagetoki was given more favorable treatment than Yoritomo, and this may have been because Yoritomo had not forgotten the kindness he received from him.
📍Kajiya, Yugawara Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Spot 4: Kenchoji Temple, a place associated with Kajiwara Kagetoki
If you head north along the Kamakura Kaido from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in the center of Kamakura, you will come to Kenchoji Temple, the first of the Five Mountains of Kamakura and the head temple of the Kenchoji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism.

At Kenchoji Temple, a "Segakie" ceremony is held twice a year on July 15th. *The Segakie ceremony is a memorial service for the spirits of the deceased who have fallen into the realm of hungry ghosts due to their misdeeds in life and suffer from hunger and thirst.
One is the "Sanmon Segaki-e" and the other is the "Kajiwara Segaki-e" to mourn the spirit of Kajiwara Kagetoki. This took place on July 15th, shortly after Kenchoji Temple had opened, when a warrior appeared just after the usual "Segaki-e" had finished. When the warrior found out that the event was over, he was very disappointed and prepared to leave. However, Daikaku Zenji called him to a stop and performed the Segaki-e once again. The warrior expressed his gratitude, said, "I am the spirit of Kajiwara Kagetoki," and disappeared. Since then, the Kajiwara Segaki-e has been held separately from the Segaki-e at Kenchoji Temple.
📍Yamanouchi 8, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

This time we introduced places associated with the first Kamakura Shogunate regent, Hojo Tokimasa, and his senior vassal, Kajiwara Kagetoki. What did you think?
Stay tuned for next time.

*Please note that there are various theories regarding the contents of this column.

Check out past articles
Tour the places associated with the Kamakura Shogun
A place associated with Hojo Yoshitoki