【Kyoto History Guide】Tracing Oda Nobunaga: From Honno-ji Incident to Kenkun Shrine
Hello everyone! Welcome to your travel guide for exploring Japan’s grand samurai heritage.
During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, Oda Nobunaga was the visionary warlord who began unifying Japan. After entering Kyoto in 1568, the imperial capital served as his political base—and ultimately, the stage for his dramatic downfall.
In this guide, we’ll explore key historic sites associated with Nobunaga, including the famous Honno-ji Incident!
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1. Where the Warlord Fell: Honno-ji Temple
On June 2, 1582, Nobunaga met his tragic end during the “Honno-ji Incident” when his general Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed him. While the current temple was relocated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, visitors can see Nobunaga’s Cenotaph and priceless treasures in the temple museum.
【Must-See】The Original Site: Honno-ji Ruins
The actual site of the 1582 ambush lies about 1.5 km southwest of current Honno-ji. A stone monument stands in a quiet residential neighborhood marking the exact spot where history changed forever.
📍 Map: Honno-ji Temple (Current Location)
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2. Nobunaga’s Favorite Lodging: Myokaku-ji Temple
When staying in Kyoto, Nobunaga actually stayed at Myokaku-ji Temple more frequently than Honno-ji (over 20 times). His son, Oda Nobutada, was staying at Myokaku-ji when the Honno-ji Incident broke out.
Tucked away in northern Kyoto, Myokaku-ji features serene gardens and offers a quiet atmosphere far away from tourist crowds.
📍 Map: Myokaku-ji Temple Area
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3. Enshrining the Warlord: Kenkun Shrine (Kenkun-jinja)
Perched atop Mt. Funaoka, Kenkun Shrine was founded by Emperor Meiji to honor Oda Nobunaga as a deity. It is famous for granting luck, ambition, and success.
The shrine is world-famous among Japanese sword lovers for its ties to iconic samurai swords like “Yagen Toshiro” and “Soza Samonji.” The mountaintop setting offers sweeping views of Mt. Hiei and Kyoto city.
📍 Map: Kenkun Shrine Area
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4. Walking Tips for History Buffs
💡 Travel Tips
- Original vs. Current Honno-ji: The original site (“Honno-ji Monument”) is near Ogawa-dori and Takoyakushi-dori. Make sure not to confuse it with current Honno-ji on Teramachi-dori!
- Visit Amida-ji Temple: Amida-ji Temple in Kamigyo Ward houses the grave of Nobunaga, where his remains were secretly rescued and buried right after the incident.
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5. Summary
Oda Nobunaga left an indelible mark on Japanese history and the city of Kyoto. Step back into the 16th century and feel the passion of Japan’s most famous warlord on your next trip!
