Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

TV drama · 2003

Musashi Bushi — filming locations

5 places you can visit, in Kyoto, Iwate, Hokkaido. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

Open on the map

Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 5

Gojo Bridge

Kyoto Start here

The Kamo crossing where Benkei's duel with Ushiwakamaru is set — the scene the whole legend opens on.

Getting there
Kiyomizu-Gojo Stn (Keihan Main Line) · 1 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Very crowded — expect queues
  • No tripods or selfie sticks
Sources
武蔵坊弁慶

Chusonji

Iwate

The Hiraizumi temple of the Oshu Fujiwara, where Yoshitsune and Benkei take refuge and make their last stand.

Getting there
Hiraizumi Stn (JR Tohoku Main Line) · 32 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Worshippers come first
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
Sources
武蔵坊弁慶

Benkei Cape

Hokkaido

The Shakotan headland named for the legend that Benkei watched the sea from it; a bronze figure stands on the point.

Getting there
Bus from Otaru Stn · 3 min walk
Before you go
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Few buses — check your return time before you go
  • Keep your voice down
Sources
武蔵坊弁慶

Todaiji

Nara

The Nara temple Benkei is said to have trained at before Kyoto.

Getting there
Kintetsu-Nara Stn (Kintetsu Nara Line) · 18 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Very crowded — expect queues
  • Worshippers come first
Sources
武蔵坊弁慶

Tsurumine Hachimangu

Kanagawa

The Sagami shrine on the Minamoto's road east, older than Kamakura's own.

Getting there
Kita-Chigasaki Stn (JR Sagami Line) · 24 min walk
Before you go
  • Worshippers come first
  • Keep your voice down
  • Residential area — people live here
Sources
鶴嶺八幡宮 · 武蔵坊弁慶

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