Saikashu Party Town

Saikashu, the plucky group fought against Nobunaga Oda and other Samurais, who were in power at the time - with guns and original strategies in the Sengoku Period （period of warring states）.

Kishu （current Wakayama） had a great power and posed a major threat to the Tenkabito or a person who came to ruling power in the Sengoku Period （period of warring states）. Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who both were significant samurais, attacked Kishu fiercely to unite a whole country. In 1577, Nobunaga attacked Saika. Then in 1585, Hideyoshi conquered Kii province （Wakayama）. The battles have left impressions even now. Let's visit the traces of Kishu Attack, such as the areas associated with Saikashu, historic battlefields and so on.

The Former Site of hirai Castle

The Former Site of Hirai Castle is said to be a former residence of magoichi Suzuki, a leader of Saikashu Party （under an alias of Magoichi Saika）.

Renjyo-ji Temple

Renjyo-ji Temple used to have a grayveyard of Magoichi's relatives and the hall where he enshrined his guardian deity.

Hongan-ji Saginomori-betsuin Temple

In 16th century, Jodo Shinshu Sect had been worshipped in the whole country, and Hongan-ji was its head temple. In 1580, Kennyo Shonin evacuated from Osaka to the Hongan-ji Saginomori-betsuin Temple because of the fierce confrontaion with Nobunaga Oda. Saiginomori-betsuin Temple became a headquarter of the Jodo Shinshu Sect for the next three years. Saikashu Party was devout Buddhists of Jodo Shinshu Sect and bravely attacked the vast army of Nobunaga to support Kennyo Shonin. Their names were transmitted to posterity.

Yanomiya-jinja Shrine

Yanomiya-jinja Shrine had become a symbolic guardian to Saikashu Party. When the battle of Miroku-ji Temple Mountain Castle Withdrew a large Nobunaga army, Saikashu Party was believed they were under Yanomiya Shrine's divine protection. They danced to celebrate their victory, and "Saika Odori Dance" is still used for Waka Festival even today.

The Former Site of Ota Castle

Ota Castle was a residence of Ota family in the Sengoku Period. Current Raiko-ji Temple is the former honmaru （main building of a castle）. In 1585, this castle was fallen to Hideyoshi Toyotomi due to his clever inundation tactics.