Aka-ura

Historical Footprints

Aka-ura was not included in the Forty-Two Bay list of Hoei 7 (1710). It was during the 1863 pilgrimage of Kanezaki Zenbei that a Buddhist statue referred to as ‘Jizoson’ was first recorded between Saka-ura and Koizu.

Regarding this Jizoson, the cape to the east of Aka-ura, known as Jizobana (‘hana’ meaning cape or tip), lies along the route from Saka-ura to Aka-ura. This area has a tranquil atmosphere, partly due to its association with the outer precincts of Ichibata Yakushi Temple. While the direct relationship between Jizoson, Ichibata Yakushi, and Ichibata Nyorai is not immediately clear, legend tells that a stone Jizo statue from the Jizobana forest fell into the sea and was later washed ashore at Taisha-machi.

Another tradition relating to the origins of Ichibata Yakushi states that in 854, a local man named Yoichi discovered a round stone Buddha in the sea off Aka-ura and began to worship it. It is possible that this Jizoson is connected to the Ichibata Jizoson.

The ‘Unyoushi’ also mentions a ‘Jizo waterfall approximately 360 feet high, with a Jizoson enshrined within its cave’. This may well correspond to the Jizo observed by Kanezaki Zenbei.

Aka-ura is a small bay of only about 200 meters in width, but as suggested by its name, the small reddish stones scattered along the inlet create a uniquely beautiful coastal landscape.

Pilgrimage Route Guide

There are two routes leading to Aka-ura, but the path from the western side of Saka-ura Harbor, which involves crossing over a mountain, is said to be the easier option.

Although guidebooks state that the distance from Saka-ura to Aka-ura is only about one kilometer, those who are less steady on their feet may prefer to travel by boat. However, as this route involves venturing into open waters, it is essential to check weather conditions in advance.

The road from Saka-ura Harbor to Aka-ura is a steep, unpaved path that was once used by pilgrims traveling between the shrines. Walking this route, one can truly feel its long history of over 1,100 years.

After climbing the path, the view of the Sea of Japan to the right is especially breathtaking.

In this rocky coastal area, the sea can be extremely rough, and the crashing waves can drown out all other sounds, creating an almost surreal sense of silence.

As a practical note, there are no restroom facilities in Aka-ura. Restrooms may be available during the day at the fishery cooperative in Saka-ura, and additional facilities can be found near the torii gate of Tomosaki-jinja.