Not giving up, Momotaro transformed into a cormorant and pursued the carp. He caught the carp and forcefully chewed up its body. e carp’s body was deeply gouged and it nally lost its strength 5 . When the carp washed up on Akahama (red shore), Ura had returned to his original form. Momotaro cut o Ura’s head, pierced it with a thick stake and le it on top of a tree in Kobe Village.

Ura raised his two hands in the air and kicked his feet forcefully. At that moment, to everyone’s astonishment, he transformed into a bright red pheasant and ‚ew away deep into the mountains. Momotaro also transformed into a hawk and chased a er him. Just as he was about to catch the red pheasant, this time the ogre transformed into a carp and jumped into Chisuigawa river.

17 18

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 20 13/02/17 21:45 Ura’s head that was le up in the tree groaned, “Errrrrh, errrrh, errrh,” every night for many years aer. e villagers who feared that Ura still held a grudge whispered to each other, “I wonder if he still hasn’t overcome his sense of resentment?” “He’s wailing out of sadness.” Momotaro then dug a deep hole in the ground under the clay oven at Kayabukinomiya 3 at the foot of Mount Nakayama and buried Ura’s head there permanently. Doing so, however, did not stop his eerie nocturnal wailings.

19 20

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 21 13/02/17 21:45 Ura’s head that was le up in the tree groaned, “Errrrrh, errrrh, errrh,” every night for many years aer. e villagers who feared that Ura still held a grudge whispered to each other, “I wonder if he still hasn’t overcome his sense of resentment?” “He’s wailing out of sadness.” Momotaro then dug a deep hole in the ground under the clay oven at Kayabukinomiya 3 at the foot of Mount Nakayama and buried Ura’s head there permanently. Doing so, however, did not stop his eerie nocturnal wailings.

19 20

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 22 13/02/17 21:45 One night several years later, Ura appeared in Momotaro’s dreams.

“Momotaro, I am not an ogre.” “But we were told that you abducted women and children In the dream, Ura told him the following story. whom you boiled and ate.” He was a Prince of Kudara Province in “I would never do anything like that. the Korean Peninsula. At the foot of Mount Niiyama 8 , you’ll nd a small village Aer losing a battle with a neighboring called Azo no Sato 7 . province, he escaped to Kibi Province together Go there.” with his comrades. When their ship dried to Kibi no Anaumi, the shermen mistook them for ogres and began to attack them. €ey had no choice but to escape to the mountains where they built their homestead 10 on top of Mount Niiyama 8 .

21 22

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 23 13/02/17 21:45 One night several years later, Ura appeared in Momotaro’s dreams.

“Momotaro, I am not an ogre.” “But we were told that you abducted women and children In the dream, Ura told him the following story. whom you boiled and ate.” He was a Prince of Kudara Province in “I would never do anything like that. the Korean Peninsula. At the foot of Mount Niiyama 8 , you’ll nd a small village Aer losing a battle with a neighboring called Azo no Sato 7 . province, he escaped to Kibi Province together Go there.” with his comrades. When their ship dried to Kibi no Anaumi, the shermen mistook them for ogres and began to attack them. €ey had no choice but to escape to the mountains where they built their homestead 10 on top of Mount Niiyama 8 .

21 22

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 24 13/02/17 21:45 Upon arriving in Azo no Sato 7 , Momotaro met a boy named Azo who told him, “Ura saved my life.” He told him that when he was a small child, Ura had saved him from a bear that was about to attack him at Mount Niiyama 8 . Since then, he went to visit Ura regularly. When he oered him gis of food on his visits, Ura thanked him with hoes, spades, harpoons, weights and other tools for farming and shing that he had fashioned by hand out of iron. Azo distributed these tools to the villagers. At rst, the villagers shunned these gis, saying, “­ese tools were made by ogres. ­ey make our skin crawl.” But gradually, people began accepting them. Once they started using the tools made by Ura which were far superior to anything they had been using before, it helped to get their work done much faster.

23 24

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 25 13/02/17 21:46 Upon arriving in Azo no Sato 7 , Momotaro met a boy named Azo who told him, “Ura saved my life.” He told him that when he was a small child, Ura had saved him from a bear that was about to attack him at Mount Niiyama 8 . Since then, he went to visit Ura regularly. When he oered him gis of food on his visits, Ura thanked him with hoes, spades, harpoons, weights and other tools for farming and shing that he had fashioned by hand out of iron. Azo distributed these tools to the villagers. At rst, the villagers shunned these gis, saying, “­ese tools were made by ogres. ­ey make our skin crawl.” But gradually, people began accepting them. Once they started using the tools made by Ura which were far superior to anything they had been using before, it helped to get their work done much faster.

23 24

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 26 13/02/17 21:46 Azo’s older sister, Azohime, who began accompanying her brother on his visits to Mount Niiyama 8 also became friends with Ura. “Ura told me that the millet dumplings that I make are his most favorite thing in the world,” boasted Azohime to her brother, and she made large amounts of these dumplings and eagerly delivered them to Ura. ...As time went on, Ura and Azohime fell deeply in love with each other. “Ura, you’ve never once come down the mountain. I’d like you to come visit our village.” “But the people of Azo no Sato 7 believe I’m an ogre and are afraid of me, aren’t they?” “No. Now everyone is using the tools that you made for them and is grateful to you.” Ura and Azohime made vows to be husband and wife. e villagers were very pleased about the marriage.

25 26

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 27 13/02/17 21:46 Azo’s older sister, Azohime, who began accompanying her brother on his visits to Mount Niiyama 8 also became friends with Ura. “Ura told me that the millet dumplings that I make are his most favorite thing in the world,” boasted Azohime to her brother, and she made large amounts of these dumplings and eagerly delivered them to Ura. ...As time went on, Ura and Azohime fell deeply in love with each other. “Ura, you’ve never once come down the mountain. I’d like you to come visit our village.” “But the people of Azo no Sato 7 believe I’m an ogre and are afraid of me, aren’t they?” “No. Now everyone is using the tools that you made for them and is grateful to you.” Ura and Azohime made vows to be husband and wife. e villagers were very pleased about the marriage.

25 26

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 28 13/02/17 21:46 Aer hearing the whole story from Azo, Momotaro reproached himself bitterly. “I had snatched away a person who was very dear to Azohime and Azo and robbed Kibi no Province of their light of hope.” As if in answer to Momotaro’s mournful cries, Ura’s voice came out of nowhere and said the following, Momotaro repented of his sins, and asked Ura “Momotaro, you nally know the truth.” if there was anything he could do for him. “Ura, is that you? How you must resent me.” “I have one request. Please ask Azohime to take the role of 3 “I don’t. You shot me down to protect the peace of Kibi Province. lighting the oven here in Kayabukinomiya where I am buried. My wish for the happiness of the people of this province are as strong as yours.” at way I can always protect my wife from where I am. “You were also trying to protect something that was important to you.” I will give you signs to foretell the fate of the world. “Yes, I was. If we had met under di‚erent circumstances, e iron pot will ring out in a rich tone in times of good fortune, I’m sure we could have become very close friends.” and drone in a coarse tone in times of calamity; 3 “We have su‚ered an ironic fate.” this will show people the way along the path of life .” “I understand. I will follow your dying wishes and devote the rest of my life to ensuring the happiness of the people in this province. As proof, I will adopt the two characters 吉備 (Kibi) and call myself Kibitsuhiko from this day forward.” “Kibitsuhiko, huh? I will keep watch of your e‚orts from here.”

27 28

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 29 13.2.19 1:08:31 PM Aer hearing the whole story from Azo, Momotaro reproached himself bitterly. “I had snatched away a person who was very dear to Azohime and Azo and robbed Kibi no Province of their light of hope.” As if in answer to Momotaro’s mournful cries, Ura’s voice came out of nowhere and said the following, Momotaro repented of his sins, and asked Ura “Momotaro, you nally know the truth.” if there was anything he could do for him. “Ura, is that you? How you must resent me.” “I have one request. Please ask Azohime to take the role of “I don’t. You shot me down to protect the peace of Kibi Province. lighting the oven here in Kayabukinomiya 3 where I am buried. My wish for the happiness of the people of this province are as strong as yours.” at way I can always protect my wife from where I am. “You were also trying to protect something that was important to you.” I will give you signs to foretell the fate of the world. “Yes, I was. If we had met under di‚erent circumstances, e iron pot will ring out in a rich tone in times of good fortune, I’m sure we could have become very close friends.” and drone in a coarse tone in times of calamity; “We have su‚ered an ironic fate.” this will show people the way along the path of life 3 .” “I understand. I will follow your dying wishes and devote the rest of my life to ensuring the happiness of the people in this province. As proof, I will adopt the two characters 吉備 (Kibi) and call myself Kibitsuhiko from this day forward.” “Kibitsuhiko, huh? I will keep watch of your e‚orts from here.”

27 28

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 30 13/02/17 21:46 Aer changing his name to Kibitsuhiko, Momotaro kept his promise to Ura and devoted the rest of his life to protecting the prosperity and peace of Kibi Province. Today, Kibitsuhiko is standing at the top of Mount Niiyama 8 with Azohime and Azo. “Look over there. Beyond that ocean is Yamato Province where I was born. One day this province will be uni‚ed with Yamato Province. Ura and I dream of getting rid of the boundaries between the provinces to create a larger, more enriched country. Azohime, Azo, please help me make that dream come true.” “We’d be happy to.” Ura warmly watched from the heavens as the three of them made a ‚rm promise to create a uni‚ed country.

29 30

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 31 13/02/17 21:47 Aer changing his name to Kibitsuhiko, Momotaro kept his promise to Ura and devoted the rest of his life to protecting the prosperity and peace of Kibi Province. Today, Kibitsuhiko is standing at the top of Mount Niiyama 8 with Azohime and Azo. “Look over there. Beyond that ocean is Yamato Province where I was born. One day this province will be uni‚ed with Yamato Province. Ura and I dream of getting rid of the boundaries between the provinces to create a larger, more enriched country. Azohime, Azo, please help me make that dream come true.” “We’d be happy to.” Ura warmly watched from the heavens as the three of them made a ‚rm promise to create a uni‚ed country.

29 30

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 32 13/02/17 21:47 1 6 Kibitsuhiko Shrine Yaguinomiya By car p.15 The deity of worship at this shrine is Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Bizen-Ichinomiya, The distance between Kibitsu Shrine and Kinojo Castle is about 10 km Half day (6-hour) course the most important shrine in Bizen, was built when Kibi Province separated into as the crow flies. Since Yaguinomiya is approximately in the middle Bizen, Bitchu and Mimasaka. This shrine provides valuable records in temple between the two points, this spot is said to be where the arrow shot 10 Ashimori River and shrine construction such as the Sangenshanagare-zukuri and Hiwadabuki by Kibitsuhiko and the stone thrown by Ura fell. According to legend, Okayama Soja IC architectural styles and the tortoise-shaped platform made of granite, and it is the granite boulder called “Yagui no Iwa” situated on the shrine also highly regarded for the beauty of its shrine pavilions. The Otaue Festival grounds is the one thrown by Ura. held here every August is a traditional event that has been passed down since Approx. 20 min. by car National Road 180 Approx. 5 min. by car Public road Approx. 20 min. by car Public road Location: Takatsuka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Iwayadera Temple, before the Kamakura Period. Access: Approx. 1 minute by car from Okayama Soja IC Oni-no-Iwaya p.21 Location: 1043 Ichinomiya, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken 1 30 5 20 8 Mt. Niiyama, Oninokama 20 Access: Approx. 20 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Kibitsuhiko Shrine min. Koikui Shrine min. (Ogre’s pot) min. is is where Ura lived aer pp.11, 13 escaping to the mountains 9 Kinojo Castle Approx. 5 min. by car National Road 180 Public road to Approx. 15 min. by car National Road 180 Approx. 5 min. by car Public road 8 is is the mountain castle built 429 is is where the arrows 2 7 shot by Kibitsuhiko and 2 Kibi no Nakayama Aso Shrine by Ura that covered the entire Kibi no Nakayama 40 20 40 p.13 pp.22, 23, 26 summit of Mt. Kinojo Ura collided in the air and min. 6 Yaguinomiya min. 9 Kinojo Castle min. Mt. Niiyama, Oninokama fell to the ground 3 Kibitsu Shrine This is the mountain that appears in the Kokinshu tanka poem: "What Aso Shrine is located in Asonogo, the name given to the entire a pure sound the narrow valley rivulet makes as it winds about like a Chisuigawa river basin area where Japan’s oldest remains of iron National Road 180 to pp.11, 21-23, 26, 30 National Road 180 to Approx. 15 min. by car Approx. 5 min. by car Public road kimono sash on the Kibi no Nakayama in iron-smelting Kibi." The manufacturing was unearthed in great numbers. The iron pot used in (Ogre’s pot) Approx. 15 min. by car public road p. 22, 23, 26 public road mountain spreads out elegantly like a kimono with Kibitsu Shrine and the Narukama Shinji ritual at the Kibitsu Shrine has been supplied for 7 Aso Shrine Kibitsuhiko Shrine on each of its sleeves. With an elevatin of 162 m, generations by iron casters in Asonogo, showing the strong ties 20 20 Iwayadera Temple, 20 at the south tip is the Chausuyama imperial tomb in which lies four between Kibitsu Shrine and Azo village of iron connected with Ura. 4 Tatetsuki Ruins min. 7 Aso Shrine min. 10 min. is is the pot that is said to Oni-no-Iwaya shoguns and Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Location: 96 Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Takahashigawa River have been used by Ura in Location: Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC the tale to boil the women 271 Yaguinomiya p.15 Access: Approx. 20 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC and children whom he kidnapped from the village Ashimori Okayama Soja IC 3 Kibitsu Shrine 8 Mt. Niiyama, pp.11, 21-23, (Yaokiiwa, Okamaden) pp.16, 20, 28 Oninokama (Ogre’s pot) 26, 30 Okayama Expressway p.16 6 Hattori Chisuigawa River Worshipped here is Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto as the main deity, along This iron pot, approximately 1.8 m in diameter and 1 m in depth, can with the heroes of the Kibi clan. With the main shrine measuring be found by the side of the mountain road in the climb up to Kinojo is is Chusuigawa, the river into 180 approximately 264.5 m2 and the worship hall measuring approximately Castle. This pot is said to be the one used by Ura to boil his victims which Ura’s blood owed aer he Bitchu 79.3 m2, this is one of the largest shrines in Japan. The elegant alive, but the more widely held theory is that in the Kamakura Period, was wounded by an arrow Takamatsu Hiyokuirimoya-zukuri architecutral style, also called Kibitsu-zukuri, has Chogen, the Japanese monk, used the pot as a bath for the common been desiginated as a national treasure of Japan. In the tale of Ura, people and also to cook rice to feed the people in times of disaster. this is the location where Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto took up position for The pot is made from locally-sourced iron produced in Azo, Soja city, Akahama p.18 battle in accordance with an order from the Imperial Court. which indicates how rich in iron this region used to be. Location: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Location: Kuroo, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Akahama (red shore) takes its name from Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Approx. 17 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Higashi-Soja the shore that turned red with the blood that owed from Ura’s eye 180 4 9 429 Tatetsuki Ruins Kinojo Castle Bizen-Ichinomiya p.13 pp.11, 13 With an overall length of approximately 80 m, and a mound measuring It is said that Ura lived in seclusion in this mountain castle which Kibitsu approximately 40m in diameter, this is Japan’s largest Yayoi Funkyubo burial stands on the summit of Mt. Kinojo (altitude 400 m). The walls which Soja mound in the third century preceding the Kofun Period. In light of the enclose the inner castle covers an area of approximately 30 hectares, 1 discovery of the iron swords, necklaces and a large amount of cinnabar which making it one of the largest in Japan. The castle has four gates, and was a valuable commodity during that period, the deceased is said to have in the inner castle are remains of a building on foundation stone which 5 been a powerful and influential member of society in the first half of the third probably served as food storage, water gates, and a drainage well (a Sanyo Expressway Kibiji bicycle trail century. In the tale of Ura, the five flat boulders on the mountain summit are place to draw water). The Tale of Momotaro in Okayama Kibitsuhiko Shrine said to be the stone barriers that provided protection against Ura’s arrows. Location: Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Location: Shoshin-machi, Hibata, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 18 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC 3 Access: Approx. 14 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Koikui Shrine p.18 4 Kibi no Kibitsu Shrine 2 Nakayama p.13 5 10 Iwayadera Temple, and Yaokiiwa, Okamaden pp.16, 20, 28 is is where Kibitsuhiko, who was dispatched Koikui Shrine Kibitsuhiko Ura p.18 p.21 Tatetsuki Ruins p.13 to defeat Ura, built his camp Oni-no-Iwaya is shrine worships Kibitsuhiko at Worshipped here are Ura and Sasamorihiko-no-mikoto, one of This Shingonshu sect temple is located in a section along the chain of Stone barriers erected by Kibitsuhiko to the shrine pavilion built among Kibitushiko's retainers. It is said that Emperor Nintoku built this shrine mountains approximately 3 km north of Kinojo Castle. In the mountain protect against arrows shot by the enemy the ruins of Kayabuki-no-miya Okamaden At Okamaden where Ura was burried deep as one of the subordinate shrines to Kibitsu shrine. In the tale of Ura, behind the temple is a granite cave called Oni-no-Iwaya. In the tale of underground, the Narukama Shinji Ritual when Ura transforms into a carp and escapes into the Chisuigawa Ura, this is where Ura lived, and according to one theory, Ura’s torso is Did you enjoy the tale about Kibitsuhiko and Ura? Stage Map river, Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto chases after Ura in the form of a buried in the “Imperial Tomb” situated in the cemetery. (fortune-telling based on the tone of the pot’s 73 cormorant, and this is said to be the spot where the cormorant chews Location: Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Many place names and historic ruins associated with this tale can still be found in sound when struck) is still carried out today apart the body of the carp. Access: Approx. 25 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: 109 Yabe Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken the Kibiji area that stretches approximately 20 km east to west from the western part of is is where Kibitsuhiko, Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Okayama City to Soja, Kurashiki City. We invite you to let your mind wander to in the form of a cormorant, Yaokiiwa chewed apart Ura who had Please direct inquiries transformed into a carp is is the stone upon which Kibitsuhiko Momotaro Tourist Information Center Tel.: 086-222-2912 the Kibi Province of ancient times as you take a stroll through the tale’s setting. placed his arrows during his battle with Ura regarding sightseeing information to: 31 32

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 33 13/02/17 21:48 1 6 Kibitsuhiko Shrine Yaguinomiya By car p.15 The deity of worship at this shrine is Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Bizen-Ichinomiya, The distance between Kibitsu Shrine and Kinojo Castle is about 10 km Half day (6-hour) course the most important shrine in Bizen, was built when Kibi Province separated into as the crow flies. Since Yaguinomiya is approximately in the middle Bizen, Bitchu and Mimasaka. This shrine provides valuable records in temple between the two points, this spot is said to be where the arrow shot 10 Ashimori River and shrine construction such as the Sangenshanagare-zukuri and Hiwadabuki by Kibitsuhiko and the stone thrown by Ura fell. According to legend, Okayama Soja IC architectural styles and the tortoise-shaped platform made of granite, and it is the granite boulder called “Yagui no Iwa” situated on the shrine also highly regarded for the beauty of its shrine pavilions. The Otaue Festival grounds is the one thrown by Ura. held here every August is a traditional event that has been passed down since Approx. 20 min. by car National Road 180 Approx. 5 min. by car Public road Approx. 20 min. by car Public road Location: Takatsuka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Iwayadera Temple, before the Kamakura Period. Access: Approx. 1 minute by car from Okayama Soja IC Oni-no-Iwaya p.21 Location: 1043 Ichinomiya, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken 1 30 5 20 8 Mt. Niiyama, Oninokama 20 Access: Approx. 20 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Kibitsuhiko Shrine min. Koikui Shrine min. (Ogre’s pot) min. is is where Ura lived aer pp.11, 13 escaping to the mountains 9 Kinojo Castle Approx. 5 min. by car National Road 180 Public road to Approx. 15 min. by car National Road 180 Approx. 5 min. by car Public road 8 is is the mountain castle built 429 is is where the arrows 2 7 shot by Kibitsuhiko and 2 Kibi no Nakayama Aso Shrine by Ura that covered the entire Kibi no Nakayama 40 20 40 p.13 pp.22, 23, 26 summit of Mt. Kinojo Ura collided in the air and min. 6 Yaguinomiya min. 9 Kinojo Castle min. Mt. Niiyama, Oninokama fell to the ground 3 Kibitsu Shrine This is the mountain that appears in the Kokinshu tanka poem: "What Aso Shrine is located in Asonogo, the name given to the entire a pure sound the narrow valley rivulet makes as it winds about like a Chisuigawa river basin area where Japan’s oldest remains of iron National Road 180 to pp.11, 21-23, 26, 30 National Road 180 to Approx. 15 min. by car Approx. 5 min. by car Public road kimono sash on the Kibi no Nakayama in iron-smelting Kibi." The manufacturing was unearthed in great numbers. The iron pot used in (Ogre’s pot) Approx. 15 min. by car public road p. 22, 23, 26 public road mountain spreads out elegantly like a kimono with Kibitsu Shrine and the Narukama Shinji ritual at the Kibitsu Shrine has been supplied for 7 Aso Shrine Kibitsuhiko Shrine on each of its sleeves. With an elevatin of 162 m, generations by iron casters in Asonogo, showing the strong ties 20 20 Iwayadera Temple, 20 at the south tip is the Chausuyama imperial tomb in which lies four between Kibitsu Shrine and Azo village of iron connected with Ura. 4 Tatetsuki Ruins min. 7 Aso Shrine min. 10 min. is is the pot that is said to Oni-no-Iwaya shoguns and Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Location: 96 Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Takahashigawa River have been used by Ura in Location: Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC the tale to boil the women 271 Yaguinomiya p.15 Access: Approx. 20 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC and children whom he kidnapped from the village Ashimori Okayama Soja IC 3 Kibitsu Shrine 8 Mt. Niiyama, pp.11, 21-23, (Yaokiiwa, Okamaden) pp.16, 20, 28 Oninokama (Ogre’s pot) 26, 30 Okayama Expressway p.16 6 Hattori Chisuigawa River Worshipped here is Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto as the main deity, along This iron pot, approximately 1.8 m in diameter and 1 m in depth, can with the heroes of the Kibi clan. With the main shrine measuring be found by the side of the mountain road in the climb up to Kinojo is is Chusuigawa, the river into 180 approximately 264.5 m2 and the worship hall measuring approximately Castle. This pot is said to be the one used by Ura to boil his victims which Ura’s blood owed aer he Bitchu 79.3 m2, this is one of the largest shrines in Japan. The elegant alive, but the more widely held theory is that in the Kamakura Period, was wounded by an arrow Takamatsu Hiyokuirimoya-zukuri architecutral style, also called Kibitsu-zukuri, has Chogen, the Japanese monk, used the pot as a bath for the common been desiginated as a national treasure of Japan. In the tale of Ura, people and also to cook rice to feed the people in times of disaster. this is the location where Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto took up position for The pot is made from locally-sourced iron produced in Azo, Soja city, Akahama p.18 battle in accordance with an order from the Imperial Court. which indicates how rich in iron this region used to be. Location: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Location: Kuroo, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Akahama (red shore) takes its name from Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Approx. 17 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Higashi-Soja the shore that turned red with the blood that owed from Ura’s eye 180 4 9 429 Tatetsuki Ruins Kinojo Castle Bizen-Ichinomiya p.13 pp.11, 13 With an overall length of approximately 80 m, and a mound measuring It is said that Ura lived in seclusion in this mountain castle which Kibitsu approximately 40m in diameter, this is Japan’s largest Yayoi Funkyubo burial stands on the summit of Mt. Kinojo (altitude 400 m). The walls which Soja mound in the third century preceding the Kofun Period. In light of the enclose the inner castle covers an area of approximately 30 hectares, 1 discovery of the iron swords, necklaces and a large amount of cinnabar which making it one of the largest in Japan. The castle has four gates, and was a valuable commodity during that period, the deceased is said to have in the inner castle are remains of a building on foundation stone which 5 been a powerful and influential member of society in the first half of the third probably served as food storage, water gates, and a drainage well (a Sanyo Expressway Kibiji bicycle trail century. In the tale of Ura, the five flat boulders on the mountain summit are place to draw water). The Tale of Momotaro in Okayama Kibitsuhiko Shrine said to be the stone barriers that provided protection against Ura’s arrows. Location: Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Location: Shoshin-machi, Hibata, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 18 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC 3 Access: Approx. 14 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Koikui Shrine p.18 4 Kibi no Kibitsu Shrine 2 Nakayama p.13 5 10 Iwayadera Temple, and Yaokiiwa, Okamaden pp.16, 20, 28 is is where Kibitsuhiko, who was dispatched Koikui Shrine Kibitsuhiko Ura p.18 p.21 Tatetsuki Ruins p.13 to defeat Ura, built his camp Oni-no-Iwaya is shrine worships Kibitsuhiko at Worshipped here are Ura and Sasamorihiko-no-mikoto, one of This Shingonshu sect temple is located in a section along the chain of Stone barriers erected by Kibitsuhiko to the shrine pavilion built among Kibitushiko's retainers. It is said that Emperor Nintoku built this shrine mountains approximately 3 km north of Kinojo Castle. In the mountain protect against arrows shot by the enemy the ruins of Kayabuki-no-miya Okamaden At Okamaden where Ura was burried deep as one of the subordinate shrines to Kibitsu shrine. In the tale of Ura, behind the temple is a granite cave called Oni-no-Iwaya. In the tale of underground, the Narukama Shinji Ritual when Ura transforms into a carp and escapes into the Chisuigawa Ura, this is where Ura lived, and according to one theory, Ura’s torso is Did you enjoy the tale about Kibitsuhiko and Ura? Stage Map river, Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto chases after Ura in the form of a buried in the “Imperial Tomb” situated in the cemetery. (fortune-telling based on the tone of the pot’s 73 cormorant, and this is said to be the spot where the cormorant chews Location: Okusaka, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Many place names and historic ruins associated with this tale can still be found in sound when struck) is still carried out today apart the body of the carp. Access: Approx. 25 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: 109 Yabe Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken the Kibiji area that stretches approximately 20 km east to west from the western part of is is where Kibitsuhiko, Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Okayama City to Soja, Kurashiki City. We invite you to let your mind wander to in the form of a cormorant, Yaokiiwa chewed apart Ura who had Please direct inquiries transformed into a carp is is the stone upon which Kibitsuhiko Momotaro Tourist Information Center Tel.: 086-222-2912 the Kibi Province of ancient times as you take a stroll through the tale’s setting. placed his arrows during his battle with Ura regarding sightseeing information to: 31 32

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 34 13/02/17 21:48 Intertwining of History and Myth By train + bicycle Recommended sightseeing spots around Kibiji Half day (6-hour) course

Iwayadera Temple, JR Bizen-Ichinomiya Station Omizuen Park Kibiji Area Oni-no-Iwaya 14 13 Birthplace of Ogata Koan Approx. 5 min. Bicycle 10 30 15 Former Ashimori-han Samurai Residence 1 Kibitsuhiko Shrine min. Sightseeing Map Approx. 10 min. Bicycle 50 11 Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins 12 Saijo Inari 13 Birthplace of Ogata Koan 14 Omizuen Park 15 Former Ashimori-han Samurai Residence 3 Kibitsu Shrine min. is area is not only the setting of a tale! Kinojo Castle Takamatsu Castle fell, along with Shimizu Muneharu the lord of This shrine which is famous for prayer offerings is considered one Ogata Koan (1810-1863) was a scholar of Dutch studies and an This Kobori Enshu-style garden constructed around a pond is This is the former residence of the Sugihara family, chief Ashimorigawa River Approx. 20 min. Bicycle the castle who killed himself, after a water siege laid by Hashiba of the three great Inari shrines in Japan. With a picturesque view educator in the latter half of the Edo Period. He was born in located in the former residence of Lord Kinosita of the retainer of the Ashimori-han. Enclosed by a white nagayamon Kibiji is surrounded by burial mounds and 9 C hisuigawa River Hideyoshi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) under the orders of Oda of the Kibi Plain, the shrine is said to have been built approximately Ashimori as the third son of Saeki Koreyori, a samurai of the Ashimori-han. The pond and garden are arranged in a simple gate and mud walls, this residence, built in the Buke-shoin- 8 20 layout with maple trees, cherry trees and hackberries that are 4 Tatetsuki Ruins min. Nobunaga. The inner citadel ruins, where the tomb for 1,250 years ago by Hoon Daishi. Although Saijo Inari is a temple, Bitchu Ashimori-han. When he was 29, while he practiced zukuri style of architecture, is said to be the prototype of historic ruins that are of national value, Muneharu's severed head lies, is now maintained as a historic it has a Shinto torii gateway and a shrine-style main building medicine, he built a school in Osaka called Tekitekisaijuku hundreds of years old surrounding the pond, and two small modern-day Japanese architecture. After the Meiji Mt. Niiyama, islands, Tsuru-shima and Kame-shima, skillfully positioned in the places linked to great people in history, and Approx. 10 min. Bicycle park. The reference libraray located within the park displays allowing syncretistic fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. The where he taught many students including Fukukawa Yukichi and Restoration, many samurai residences rapidly disappeared, Oninokama (Ogre’s pot) 429 various data and information. temple draws many vistors who come to pray for blessings such Omura Masujiro. Buried underneath the commemorative plaque pond. This garden is a place where people come to relax and but this residence has been well kept and is considered an enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons, and large many other fascinating sightseeing spots. Saijo Inari 12 20 Location: 558-2 Takamatsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken as for success in business, traffic safety, and academic success. erected in the ruins of Ogata Koan’s birth home, are his extremely valuable building that conveys the way of life of a Aso Shrine 5 Koikui Shrine min. umbilical cord and hair. numbers of people visit the garden during the cherry blossom, samurai family. Access: Approx. 10 min. from Okayama Soja IC Location: 712 Takamatsu Inari, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, fall folliage and peony seasons. e beautiful scenery of each of the four Okayama-ken Location: Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Location: 752 Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken 7 Approx. 15 min. Bicycle Location: 803 Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Access: Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: seasons is lled with a sense of nostalgia and 30 17 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound min. is also a part of the area’s charm. Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Approx. 15 min. Bicycle Okayama Expressway 271 20 20 Komori-zuka Burial Mound min. Ashimori Takahashigawa Approx. 5 min. Bicycle River Yaguinomiya 50 21 Bitchu Kokubunji Temple min. Hattori Okayama Soja IC 6 Approx. 10 min. Bicycle 16 Birthplace of Sesshu 17 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound 18 Senzoku-soshoku Burial Mound 19 Bitchu Kokubunniji Ruins 20 Komori-zuka Burial Mound This is an enormous keyhole-shaped burial mound from the TakamatsuBitchu 20 Sesshu, a master painter who is famous for his anecdote about This is the largest subordinate burial mound where people who This is the ruins of a convent built in Bitchu Province at the wish This keyhole-shaped burial mound with an overall length of 100 Bitchu Kokufu Ruins 23 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound min. painting a picture of a mouse with his tears after being scolded mid-Kofun Period. It is the fourth largest burial mound in Japan committed suicide to follow their lords buried at the Tsukuriyama of Emperor Shomu during the Nara Period. The temple covers m was built in the latter half of the sixth century using a hill that 16 and tied to a pillar in the temple by a Buddhist priest, was born in terms of its length, and the largest ancient burial tomb in Burial Mound were entombed. Measuring 74 m in length, this an area of 108 m east to west and 216 m north to south. Within was formed in nature. The internal ancient tomb is a vertical Approx. 15 min. Bicycle in Akahamamura, Bitchu (present day Soja City, Okayama Japan that allows people to enter. As there have been no official keyhole-shaped burial mound was built in the latter half of the fifth the temple grounds which is enclosed by a tile-roofed mud stone chamber made using enormous boulders that form a long Prefecture) in 1420. A monument has been erected in his academic investigations conducted up to now, the site has not century. The mound is called a Soshoku burial mound due to the wall, the buildings for worship are arranged in a straight line dromos and a burial chamber in the back which holds a large 22 Birthplace of Sesshu JR Soja Station birthplace to commemorate the genius painter. been excavated, but judging from the size of the burial mound, Chokkomon decorative scheme on the front of the burial chamber from south to north starting with a south gate, inner gate, main house-shaped stone coffin. The stone coffin is made from the it is believed that the deceased was a paramount chief who and the Kaginotemon design on the upper side. Archeological hall, worship hall and so on. The ruins, including the foundation Namigataiwa (shell limestone) from Nogami-cho, Ibara-shi. Location: Akahama, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken findings at this site include a mirror, comma-shaped beads, small Bicycle Access: Approx. 3 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC contributed to the unification of the entire Kibi region. stone for the main hall, have been preserved in good condition Location: Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Sanyo Expressway beads, sword and armor (The stone decorations that are of to this day. 180 rentals Tsukuriyama Burial Mound 180 Bicycle Location: Shinjoshimo, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken national value to Japan are presently under repair). Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Higashi-Soja Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken rentals Location: Shinjoshimo, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 14 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Bitchu Kokubunji Temple IchinomiyaBizen- Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Komori-zuka Burial Mound 18 17 Tsukuriyama Kibitsu Soja Kibiji Festivals and Annual Events Burial Mound 1 Bicycle 20 Senzoku-soshoku rentals Kibitsuhiko Shrine (rice-cake pounding) 19 Burial Mound ●Kibitsu no Shamisen Mochitsuki ●Kibitsu Shrine Shichijugozen Festival 21 Kibitsu Shrine January 1-3 Kibitsu Shrine Second Sunday of May and October 23 5 3 Koikui Shrine Kibitsu Shrine ●Yatate Shrine Ritual ●Miyauchi Odori Dance (Prefectural cultural asset) Kibitsu Shrine January 3 Kibitsu Shrine July 31 4 2 Bitchu Kokubunniji Ruins 21 Bitchu Kokubunji Temple 22 Bitchu Kokufu Ruins 23 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound Tatetsuki Ruins Kibi no Nakayama ●Ebisu Festival ●Otaue Festival (Prefectural cultural asset) Kibiji bicycle trail This state-sponsored temple was built by the wish of Emperor Under the Ritsuryo legal codes, the administrative offices This burial mound built in the mid-Kofun Period is said to be the Kibitsu Shrine January 9-11 Kibitsuhiko Shrine August 2-3 Shomu in 741 to pray for the protection of the region. After the located in Bizen Province, Bitchu Province and other provinces grave of a paramount chief of the ancient Kibi kingdom. Using a seven-storied pagoda (estimated to be 50 m high) burned to the were regarded as the Kokufu (capitals). To the east of the small naturally-formed hill, the three-story keyhole-shaped ●Hatsuumasai Festival ●Okayama Momotaro Festival ground during the period of the Northern and Southern Kokubunjiguchi intersection along National Road 180 stands a burial mound has an overall length of 286 m, with the circular Dynasties, the five-storied pagoda (34.32 m high) was rebuilt in stone monument on which is engraved “Bitchu Kokufu Ruins” mound at the rear measuring 174 m in diameter and 24 m in Saijo Inari First Sunday in March Okayama Station and vicinity Beginning of August a different location around 1843. The five-storied pagoda which with another stone monument on the other side for the height. Tsukuriyama Burial Mound is the ninth largest of its kind ●Kibiji Renge Festival ●Soja Shimin Festival Sesshu Festa leaves a strong reminder of the architectural style of the latter Goshomiya (Imperial palace). Although the location of Bitchu’s in Japan, and the second largest in Okayama Prefecture 429 Edo Period is the only one of its kind in Okayama Prefecture. Kokufu has not yet been determined, this spot marked "Gosho" following the Tsukuriyama Burial Mound (Shinjoshimo). Bitchu Kokubunji and vicinity April 29 Soja City Hall and vicinity Beginning of August 469 Location: 1046 Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken is considered a very important site. Location: Misu, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken ●Genso no Kyoen ●Ohitaki Grand Festival Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: Kanaido, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Approx. 3 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Bitchu Kokubunji Temple grounds Beginning of May Saijo Inari Second Sunday of December and previous day

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Kibiji_EN_A.indd 35 13/02/17 21:49 Intertwining of History and Myth By train + bicycle Recommended sightseeing spots around Kibiji Half day (6-hour) course

Iwayadera Temple, JR Bizen-Ichinomiya Station Omizuen Park Kibiji Area Oni-no-Iwaya 14 13 Birthplace of Ogata Koan Approx. 5 min. Bicycle 10 30 15 Former Ashimori-han Samurai Residence 1 Kibitsuhiko Shrine min. Sightseeing Map Approx. 10 min. Bicycle 50 11 Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins 12 Saijo Inari 13 Birthplace of Ogata Koan 14 Omizuen Park 15 Former Ashimori-han Samurai Residence 3 Kibitsu Shrine min. is area is not only the setting of a tale! Kinojo Castle Takamatsu Castle fell, along with Shimizu Muneharu the lord of This shrine which is famous for prayer offerings is considered one Ogata Koan (1810-1863) was a scholar of Dutch studies and an This Kobori Enshu-style garden constructed around a pond is This is the former residence of the Sugihara family, chief Ashimorigawa River Approx. 20 min. Bicycle the castle who killed himself, after a water siege laid by Hashiba of the three great Inari shrines in Japan. With a picturesque view educator in the latter half of the Edo Period. He was born in located in the former residence of Lord Kinosita of the retainer of the Ashimori-han. Enclosed by a white nagayamon Kibiji is surrounded by burial mounds and 9 C hisuigawa River Hideyoshi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) under the orders of Oda of the Kibi Plain, the shrine is said to have been built approximately Ashimori as the third son of Saeki Koreyori, a samurai of the Ashimori-han. The pond and garden are arranged in a simple gate and mud walls, this residence, built in the Buke-shoin- 8 20 layout with maple trees, cherry trees and hackberries that are 4 Tatetsuki Ruins min. Nobunaga. The inner citadel ruins, where the tomb for 1,250 years ago by Hoon Daishi. Although Saijo Inari is a temple, Bitchu Ashimori-han. When he was 29, while he practiced zukuri style of architecture, is said to be the prototype of historic ruins that are of national value, Muneharu's severed head lies, is now maintained as a historic it has a Shinto torii gateway and a shrine-style main building medicine, he built a school in Osaka called Tekitekisaijuku hundreds of years old surrounding the pond, and two small modern-day Japanese architecture. After the Meiji Mt. Niiyama, islands, Tsuru-shima and Kame-shima, skillfully positioned in the places linked to great people in history, and Approx. 10 min. Bicycle park. The reference libraray located within the park displays allowing syncretistic fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. The where he taught many students including Fukukawa Yukichi and Restoration, many samurai residences rapidly disappeared, Oninokama (Ogre’s pot) 429 various data and information. temple draws many vistors who come to pray for blessings such Omura Masujiro. Buried underneath the commemorative plaque pond. This garden is a place where people come to relax and but this residence has been well kept and is considered an enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons, and large many other fascinating sightseeing spots. Saijo Inari 12 20 Location: 558-2 Takamatsu, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken as for success in business, traffic safety, and academic success. erected in the ruins of Ogata Koan’s birth home, are his extremely valuable building that conveys the way of life of a Aso Shrine 5 Koikui Shrine min. umbilical cord and hair. numbers of people visit the garden during the cherry blossom, samurai family. Access: Approx. 10 min. from Okayama Soja IC Location: 712 Takamatsu Inari, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, fall folliage and peony seasons. e beautiful scenery of each of the four Okayama-ken Location: Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Location: 752 Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken 7 Approx. 15 min. Bicycle Location: 803 Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Access: Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: seasons is lled with a sense of nostalgia and 30 17 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound min. is also a part of the area’s charm. Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Approx. 15 min. Bicycle Okayama Expressway 271 20 20 Komori-zuka Burial Mound min. Ashimori Takahashigawa Approx. 5 min. Bicycle River Yaguinomiya 50 21 Bitchu Kokubunji Temple min. Hattori Okayama Soja IC 6 Approx. 10 min. Bicycle 16 Birthplace of Sesshu 17 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound 18 Senzoku-soshoku Burial Mound 19 Bitchu Kokubunniji Ruins 20 Komori-zuka Burial Mound This is an enormous keyhole-shaped burial mound from the TakamatsuBitchu 20 Sesshu, a master painter who is famous for his anecdote about This is the largest subordinate burial mound where people who This is the ruins of a convent built in Bitchu Province at the wish This keyhole-shaped burial mound with an overall length of 100 Bitchu Kokufu Ruins 23 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound min. painting a picture of a mouse with his tears after being scolded mid-Kofun Period. It is the fourth largest burial mound in Japan committed suicide to follow their lords buried at the Tsukuriyama of Emperor Shomu during the Nara Period. The temple covers m was built in the latter half of the sixth century using a hill that 16 and tied to a pillar in the temple by a Buddhist priest, was born in terms of its length, and the largest ancient burial tomb in Burial Mound were entombed. Measuring 74 m in length, this an area of 108 m east to west and 216 m north to south. Within was formed in nature. The internal ancient tomb is a vertical Approx. 15 min. Bicycle in Akahamamura, Bitchu (present day Soja City, Okayama Japan that allows people to enter. As there have been no official keyhole-shaped burial mound was built in the latter half of the fifth the temple grounds which is enclosed by a tile-roofed mud stone chamber made using enormous boulders that form a long Prefecture) in 1420. A monument has been erected in his academic investigations conducted up to now, the site has not century. The mound is called a Soshoku burial mound due to the wall, the buildings for worship are arranged in a straight line dromos and a burial chamber in the back which holds a large 22 Birthplace of Sesshu JR Soja Station birthplace to commemorate the genius painter. been excavated, but judging from the size of the burial mound, Chokkomon decorative scheme on the front of the burial chamber from south to north starting with a south gate, inner gate, main house-shaped stone coffin. The stone coffin is made from the it is believed that the deceased was a paramount chief who and the Kaginotemon design on the upper side. Archeological hall, worship hall and so on. The ruins, including the foundation Namigataiwa (shell limestone) from Nogami-cho, Ibara-shi. Location: Akahama, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken findings at this site include a mirror, comma-shaped beads, small Bicycle Access: Approx. 3 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC contributed to the unification of the entire Kibi region. stone for the main hall, have been preserved in good condition Location: Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Sanyo Expressway beads, sword and armor (The stone decorations that are of to this day. 180 rentals Tsukuriyama Burial Mound 180 Bicycle Location: Shinjoshimo, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken national value to Japan are presently under repair). Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Higashi-Soja Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken rentals Location: Shinjoshimo, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 14 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Bitchu Kokubunji Temple IchinomiyaBizen- Access: Approx. 10 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Komori-zuka Burial Mound 18 17 Tsukuriyama Kibitsu Soja Kibiji Festivals and Annual Events Burial Mound 1 Bicycle 20 Senzoku-soshoku rentals Kibitsuhiko Shrine (rice-cake pounding) 19 Burial Mound ●Kibitsu no Shamisen Mochitsuki ●Kibitsu Shrine Shichijugozen Festival 21 Kibitsu Shrine January 1-3 Kibitsu Shrine Second Sunday of May and October 23 5 3 Koikui Shrine Kibitsu Shrine ●Yatate Shrine Ritual ●Miyauchi Odori Dance (Prefectural cultural asset) Kibitsu Shrine January 3 Kibitsu Shrine July 31 4 2 Bitchu Kokubunniji Ruins 21 Bitchu Kokubunji Temple 22 Bitchu Kokufu Ruins 23 Tsukuriyama Burial Mound Tatetsuki Ruins Kibi no Nakayama ●Ebisu Festival ●Otaue Festival (Prefectural cultural asset) Kibiji bicycle trail This state-sponsored temple was built by the wish of Emperor Under the Ritsuryo legal codes, the administrative offices This burial mound built in the mid-Kofun Period is said to be the Kibitsu Shrine January 9-11 Kibitsuhiko Shrine August 2-3 Shomu in 741 to pray for the protection of the region. After the located in Bizen Province, Bitchu Province and other provinces grave of a paramount chief of the ancient Kibi kingdom. Using a seven-storied pagoda (estimated to be 50 m high) burned to the were regarded as the Kokufu (capitals). To the east of the small naturally-formed hill, the three-story keyhole-shaped ●Hatsuumasai Festival ●Okayama Momotaro Festival ground during the period of the Northern and Southern Kokubunjiguchi intersection along National Road 180 stands a burial mound has an overall length of 286 m, with the circular Dynasties, the five-storied pagoda (34.32 m high) was rebuilt in stone monument on which is engraved “Bitchu Kokufu Ruins” mound at the rear measuring 174 m in diameter and 24 m in Saijo Inari First Sunday in March Okayama Station and vicinity Beginning of August a different location around 1843. The five-storied pagoda which with another stone monument on the other side for the height. Tsukuriyama Burial Mound is the ninth largest of its kind ●Kibiji Renge Festival ●Soja Shimin Festival Sesshu Festa leaves a strong reminder of the architectural style of the latter Goshomiya (Imperial palace). Although the location of Bitchu’s in Japan, and the second largest in Okayama Prefecture 429 Edo Period is the only one of its kind in Okayama Prefecture. Kokufu has not yet been determined, this spot marked "Gosho" following the Tsukuriyama Burial Mound (Shinjoshimo). Bitchu Kokubunji and vicinity April 29 Soja City Hall and vicinity Beginning of August 469 Location: 1046 Kanbayashi, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken is considered a very important site. Location: Misu, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken ●Genso no Kyoen ●Ohitaki Grand Festival Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Location: Kanaido, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken Access: Approx. 15 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Access: Approx. 3 min. by car from Okayama Soja IC Bitchu Kokubunji Temple grounds Beginning of May Saijo Inari Second Sunday of December and previous day

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Kibiji_EN_A.indd 36 13/02/17 21:49 Access Guide

Traveling time to Okayama City by car Traveling time to JR Okayama Station (using the Nozomi Shinkansen service) Traveling time to Okayama Airport ● From Osaka: approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. ● From Tokyo Station: approx. 3 hrs. 12 min. ● From Tokyo: approx. 1 hr. 10 min. The Tale of Momotaro in Okayama ● From Hiroshima: approx. 1 hr. 50 min. ● From Shin-Osaka Station: approx. 44 min. ● From Seoul: approx. 1 hr. 35 min. ● From Yonago: approx. 1 hr. 40 min. ● From Hiroshima Station: approx. 34 min. ● From Shanghai: approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. ● From Kochi: approx. 2 hrs. ● From Hakata Station: approx. 1 hr. 37 min.

Izumo City Matsue Yonago Tottori San’in Main Line San’in Expressway Shinji JCT Yonago IC Izumo IC Matsue Expressway Yonago Expressway Inbi Line Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway Mitoyakisuki IC Hokubo JCT Ochiai JCT Chugoku Expressway

Niimi IC Niimi Tsuyama Yokawa JCT Kibitsuhiko Okayama Expressway Okayama Airport Hiroshima IC Kibi Line Tsuyama Line Fukuoka IC Soja approx. 1 hr. 35 min. Okayama Soja IC Seoul Kurashiki JCT Okayama IC Chugoku Suita IC Tokyo Fukuyama-Nishi IC Hakubi Line Okayama JCT Sanyo Expressway approx. 1 hr. 10 min. Hakata Hiroshima Okayama Himeji Shin-Osaka Tokyo and Kurashiki Kumamoto Sanyo Main Line approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. Seto-Ohashi Line Shanghai Okayama Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Seto-Chuo Uno Line Expressway Expressway Kagoshima-Chuo Kojima Uno Seto-Ohashi Yosan Line Matsuyama Takamatsu Kotoku Line Takamatsu- Oozu IC Nishi IC Kawanoe JCT Iyo Komatsu JCT Tokushima Tokushima IC Ura

Susaki-Higashi IC Kochi IC Kochi Written by Reiko Amura Illustrated by Shogo Natsume

Kibiji is tale is newly adapted from Atsuko Asano’s storytelling performance of Okayama City Kibitsuhiko and Ura - Two Men Tied by Fate to Create Kibi Province, written by Reiko Amura. Guidebook A stroll through Kibiji with the Tale of Momotaro March 2012

Kibiji_EN_A.indd 1 13/02/17 21:49