Yagyu & Ittoseki Rock|Legendary Swordmasters & Tengu in the Forest

柳生の一刀石と看板の写真 Culture & History
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Yagyu, located in the eastern part of Nara City, is famous for Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, a renowned swordsmanship style.
The Ittosheki Stone, a large rock associated with the training of Yagyu Sekishusai (Yagyu Muneyoshi) and a legendary tengu (goblin), has recently regained attention due to its appearance in the popular anime “Demon Slayer.”

Amano Ishitate Shrine and Ittosheki Stone


Ittosheki is a large rock, approximately 7 meters square, split cleanly down the middle.
According to legend, around 400 years ago, a swordsman named Sekishusai (Yagyu Muneyoshi), the founder of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, fought a tengu (goblin), a mythical creature, during his training.
He believed he had cut the tengu in a single stroke, but in reality, he had split the large rock into two pieces.

If you’re familiar with the anime Demon Slayer, you might recall a similar training scene with the protagonist.

Amano Ishitate Shrine

Amano Ishitate Shrine
(Ittosheki is on the other side of this shrine.)

According to legend:
In ancient times, when Amaterasu Omikami (the Supreme Deity) hid herself in the Amano Iwato (heavenly rock cave), the world fell into darkness.
To lure her out, people sang and danced lively and cheerfully in front of the cave.
Curious about what was happening, Amaterasu Omikami slightly opened the rock door.
At the same time, a powerful deity forcefully pulled the rock door open, bringing light back to the world.
It is said that this rock door fell to this place due to the excessive strength used.

Due to the influence of the anime “Demon Slayer“, the number of visitors has increased.
As a result, a “sword” and a “selfie stand” have been set up in front of Ittosheki, as shown in the photo (taken in 2023).
Please take a photo as if you are the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado.

Masakizaka Kenzen Dojo

Masakizaka Kenzen Dojo
(Sword and Zen Training Hall)

It’s the remains of Yagyu Castle.

Hotoku-ji Temple, the family temple of the Yagyu clan.

Yagyu Clan Senior Samurai’s House

Yagyu Clan Senior Samurai’s House

Jubei Cedar

Jubei Cedar
It is said to be a cedar tree planted by Yagyu Jubei about 400 years ago. Although it was a towering tree over 30 meters tall, it withered due to a lightning strike.

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