Shizuka-jinja Shrine

In short

A shrine on high ground in Iso, Amino-cho, Kyotango City, enshrining Shizuka Gozen, who is counted as one of the Tango Nana-hime (Seven Princesses of Tango). According to legend, Shizuka Gozen was born in this land of Iso, and after parting from Yoshitsune, she became a nun, returned to her hometown of Iso, and ended her brief life at just over twenty years of age.

• ​Stage-shaped Observation Deck​​: A short distance behind the shrine is an observation deck shaped like a dance stage, offering a view over the Sea of Japan
• ​Monument at Her Birthplace​​: On a hill about a three-minute walk from the shrine is the site where Shizuka Gozen is said to have been born, marked by a monument. It is a spot with a wide view of the sea
• ​Relief of Her Dancing Figure​​: Along the prefectural road down the shrine's stone steps stands a natural stone relief carved with the image of Shizuka Gozen dancing, accompanied by a poem she composed expressing her longing for Yoshitsune

History and Highlights

​Shizuka-jinja Shrine​ is a shrine situated on high ground in Iso, Amino-cho, Kyotango City. Enshrined here is Shizuka Gozen, who is counted as one of the Tango Nana-hime (Seven Princesses of Tango).

According to legend, Shizuka Gozen was born in this land of Iso as the daughter of a man named Zenji. Having lost her father at an early age, she moved to Kyoto with her mother and became a shirabyoshi dancer so renowned for her skillful dancing and beautiful appearance that she was praised as "the best in Japan" by Cloistered Emperor Goshirakawa. It is said that her dancing caught the eye of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and she became his concubine.

After the fall of the Taira clan, Yoshitsune was pursued by his elder brother, forcing Shizuka Gozen to part ways with him. It is passed down that she became a nun and returned to her hometown of Iso, where she ended her brief life at just over twenty years of age while praying for her husband's safety and the repose of her child's soul.

Enshrined in the main sanctuary is a wooden statue of Shizuka Gozen, said to have been crafted by local residents.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Stage-shaped Observation Deck​​: A short distance behind the shrine is an observation deck shaped like a dance stage, offering a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan. Enjoy the ocean view while reflecting upon Shizuka Gozen, who was a master of dance.
• ​Monument at Her Birthplace​​: On a hill about a three-minute walk from the shrine, a monument marks the site where Shizuka Gozen is said to have been born. While her birthplace home no longer remains, it is a spot offering a wide, expansive view of the sea.
• ​Relief of Her Dancing Figure​​: Along the prefectural road down the shrine's stone steps stands a natural stone relief carved with the image of Shizuka Gozen dancing. Erected with the cooperation of local residents, it is accompanied by a poem she composed expressing her longing for Yoshitsune.

Walking Tips

Iso is a quiet district where the scenery of a traditional fishing village still remains today. Along the shore are spots related to the legends, such as Nyuso no Hama, where Yoshitsune is said to have brought his boat ashore, and a place called Oki-no-Tobiiwa, and you can walk around these places tied to the legends. In a scenic area overlooking the Sea of Japan near the shrine stands the Northernmost Meridian Tower, which displays Japan Standard Time. Enjoy the coastal scenery along with the Yuhigaura Coast to the west and Kotohikihama Beach to the east.