What to know
Takadachi Gikeido (高館義経堂) is a memorial hall dedicated to Minamoto Yoshitsune, a legendary samurai. It commemorates one of Japan's most tragic episodes: in 1189, Yoshitsune was killed on the orders of his own brother, Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. Inside the hall stands a life-sized wooden statue of Yoshitsune.
Yoritomo, aspiring to become Japan's ruler, saw his younger brother as a threat. Yoshitsune fled to Hiraizumi seeking refuge, but the local Fujiwara lord eventually betrayed him. Rather than be captured, Yoshitsune took his own life. Shortly after, Hiraizumi was destroyed by Yoritomo's forces despite the Fujiwara's surrender.
From Hiraizumi Station, Takadachi Gikeido is a 15-minute ride on the Hiraizumi Loop Bus or a 15-20 minute walk.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from November 5 to March 4)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Takadachi Gikeido
- Original name
- Takadachi Gikeido
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.