jujutsu-kaisen - Enjoy Hida Takayama Japan

the birthplace of Ryomen Sukuna In Hida Province,Japan
Creative Director : Ryuhei Toda / 4293
Calligrapher : Mio Nakada
Art work : Shotaro Inagoshi / HAND
Cinematographer : Fukutaro Teraji
Produced by : NAUGHTY STUDIO
Ryomen Sukuna
The old townscape, Takayama Jinya, and the sightseeing of Takayama Festival are of course amazing . Hida Takayama is also famous as the town where Ryomen Sukuna, who appears in "JUJUTSU KAISEN," actually existed, with many important historical episode.
you can enjoy Hida Takayama more deeply when you compare the setting of anime with actual history and mythology.

Ryomen Sukuna, the "King of Curses" who possesses Yuji Itadori, the protagonist of the popular anime "JUJUTSU KAISEN," is inspired by a legend handed down in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.
Who was Ryomen Sukuna ?
We tried to trace its identity based on the legends.
Discovering Ryomen Sukuna
JUJUTSU KAISEN　pilgrimage

Secrets of Hida Takayama Unveiled
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Hida Takayama, where ancient legends and modern-day mysteries converge to create an experience like no other. As you explore the picturesque landscapes and delve into the rich tapestry of culture and tradition, prepare to embark on a journey that will ignite your intellectual curiosity and leave you spellbound at every turn.

Hida Takayama, where every corner holds a tale of tradition, intrigue, and history waiting to be uncovered. One such enigmatic figure that roams through the annals of time is Ryomen Sukuna, a character shrouded in mystery and folklore, whose legend transcends centuries and continues to captivate the imagination of those who wander these ancient streets.

Made famous by the acclaimed manga Anime series "Jujutsu Kaisen," Ryomen Sukuna is portrayed as the "King of Curses," the darkest aspects of human emotion.

Venture beyond the confines of historical texts, and you'll discover a world where the lines between fact and fiction blur, where the legacy of Ryomen Sukuna transcends the boundaries of time and space, weaving its way into the very fabric of Hida Takayama's identity.

So, as you wander through the cobblestone streets and ancient temples, let the whispers of the past guide your steps, for in Hida Takayama. every legend is a doorway to a realm where the imagination knows no bounds.
Ryomen Sukuna: A Demon God's Legacy in Chronicles
He appears in the article of Emperor Nintoku in article 65 in "Nihonshoki" (Chronicles of Japan).

Ryomen Sukuna was a strange figure or demon god who appeared in Hida Takayama around the late 5th century.
According to "Nihonshoki", Ryomen Sukuna was a violent robber.

六十五年飛騨國有一人曰宿儺其爲人壹體有兩面面各相背頂合無項各有手足其有膝而無膕踵力多以輕捷左右佩劒四手並用弓矢是以不随皇命掠略人民爲樂於是遣和珥臣祖難波根子武振熊而誅之

"in 65, there was a man in Hida Province. It is called Sukuna. There were two faces on one body, each facing the other side. Those heads were without nape. there are arms and legs on each side, no knees and hollow of the knees and heels.

Ryomen Sukuna was strong and light and had swords on both sides, and he used two bows and arrows with four hands.he disobeyed Emperor and enjoyed plundering the people. Therefore, Emperor sent Army of Takefurukuma no Mikoto to kill him.

It is considered to reflect the fact of conquest in the fifth century when the power of Yamato Imperial Court fought against local powerful family in the Hida region.

The Yamato court was the center of the archaic Japanese polity (ca 4th-ca mid-7th centuries), situated in Yamato (modern-day Nara Prefecture)

Yamato Imperial Court defeats Ryomen Sukuna. amidst the tales of his prowess, echoes of discord reverberate, as Ryomen Sukuna is depicted as a rebel, defying the edicts of the imperial court and plundering the lands with impunity, an act that ultimately invited the wrath of Emperor Nintoku and the formidable Army of Takefurukuma no Mikoto.

Therefore, it is generally believed that Ryomen Sukuna was described in Nihonshoki as a villain.
Ryomen Sukuna, truly—a villain or a hero?

However, as with many legends, the truth remains veiled in ambiguity, with whispers of alternative narratives echoing through the ages.

According to "Nihonshoki" (Chronicles of Japan), Ryomen Sukuna was considered to be a traitor who defied the imperial order, but there are various tradition handed down by word of mouth from old times in Hida Takayama, many of them are totally different

Ryomen Sukuna who was killed by Takefurukuma no Mikoto(武振熊命), while there is a tradition handed down by word of mouth from old times that Ryomen Sukuna was a leader of local powerful family that killed poisonous dragons or founded temples.
some people says this is a tale of heroism and valor, of a figure who founded temples and slayed dragons, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration to this day.

These stories, passed down through generations by word of mouth, paint a different picture of Ryomen Sukuna—one that challenges the notion of good and evil and invites us to reconsider our perceptions of history and myth.

a villain or a hero?

The answer, it seems, lies in the eye of the beholder.
While historical accounts may cast him as a traitor and a menace, local traditions in Hida Takayama depict him as a complex figure, embodying the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Whether he is a force for good or evil is a question that has puzzled scholars and storytellers alike for centuries, leaving his true nature shrouded in ambiguity and intrigue.

As you wander through the sightseeing spots of Hida Takayama, let the legend of Ryomen Sukuna guide your steps and ignite your intellectual curiosity. Explore the ancient temples and shrines that bear his legacy, and ponder the mysteries of history and folklore that linger in the air. From the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town to the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside, every corner of Hida Takayama offers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Ryomen Sukuna and the enduring power of myth.

So why not embark on a journey of discovery to Hida Takayama today? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of tradition and folklore that defines this enchanting region, and uncover the mysteries of Ryomen Sukuna for yourself. From ancient temples to majestic mountains, every sightseeing spot promises a new adventure and a chance to unravel the secrets of centuries past. The wonders of Hida Takayama await—will you answer the call?
Senko-ji Temple 飛騨千光寺
Senkoji in the limelight as a sacred place for animation, Jujutsu Kaisen.

As you explore the hallowed grounds of Senko-ji Temple, you'll be immersed in a world where myth and reality intertwine, where ancient rituals and spiritual practices offer solace and enlightenment to seekers of all backgrounds. From the tranquil beauty of the temple gardens to the majestic views from the mountaintop, every corner of Senko-ji Temple beckons with a sense of reverence and wonder that transcends time and space.

According to the temple's history, Senkoji-ki, Ryomen Sukuna founded Senkoji 1600 years ago during the reign of Emperor Nintoku.

According to this, there was a person called Sukuna in the Hida region. Sukuna appeared in the cave of Hachigaunohiyomo(八賀郷日面)
「His height was Juhachijo (54 m), and he was an incarnation of Guze-Kannon, with two faces, four elbows, and four legs on one head, and he built Senko-ji Temple.」（ Guze means' to save people from the suffering of the world.）
It is said that there was a stone coffin in the ground at the top of the mountain, and there were Hokekyo ( Lotus Sutra) books, Kesa (Buddhist stole) and a statue of Senju Kannon.

Senju Kannon has all the attributes associated with a Buddha statue. Holding the lotus flower, he symbolizes the purity of his heart. Armed with a sword and a bow, he faces all difficulties and suffering.

In the early Edo period, Enku, who is believed to have carved 120,000 Buddhist statues in his lifetime, visited Senko-ji Temple in his later years and stayed there for a while. At that time, Ryomen Sukuna statue maked by Enku is displayed in the Enku Butsuji Treasure House.（円空仏寺宝館　「両面宿儺坐像」）

A stone Ryomen Sukuna is enshrined in the Sukunadou（宿儺堂）, built in 1598. Usually, you can worship each face from the front and back small windows.

So come, experience the magic of Senko-ji Temple and delve into the mystical realm of Hida Takayama, where tradition and spirituality converge to inspire and uplift the soul. Whether you're drawn by the allure of ancient legends or the tranquility of sacred spaces, you'll find a sanctuary of serenity and enlightenment awaiting your discovery in this enchanting corner of Japan.
Minashi Shrine　（Hida Ichinomiya Minashi shrine）
飛騨一宮水無神社
Hida Ichinomiya Minashi-jinja Shrine is located near Mt. Kuraiyama.
Here, 'the hair of the head of Damon Shichina' is one of the sacred treasures in Hida Ichinomiya Minashi-jinja Shrine.
there is a traditions that the demon Shichina was killed by a God who Ryomen Sukuna is ,According to the theory of the Shinto priest .

Since ancient times, it is said to have been built during the time of Gods.
Mizunashi no Kami, the enshrined Gods, has been worshipped as a "God" who brings fruits to life and crops.
Therefore, it is said that the power of Minashi Shrine is high for agriculture, sericulture, animal husbandry, health and longevity.

Zenkyuji Temple 善久寺
Zenkyuji Temple

there is a wooden statue of Ryomen Sukuna is placed as a God.
It is also said that Ryomen Sukuna killed ' Damon Shichina' in Kuraiyama (Ichinomiya-cho, Takayama City) by order of the Emperor.

statue of Ryomen Sukuna
(only open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
*Please note that you may not be able to see it even on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

Gozenishi (Ozenishi)
At Zenkyu-ji Temple, Ryomen Sukuna apperard as 11 faced Kannon and he built Zenkyu-ji Temple.
On the premises of Zenkyu-ji Temple, there is an Oishi-zen where he is said to have eaten a pot with a stone set away from his house.

Ryomen Sukuna was entertained by the villagers, but it is said that he ate in an empty place so as not to bring disaster to the people.
Hida Limestone Cave (飛騨大鍾乳洞)

HP：https://www.syonyudo.com
TEL：0577-79-2211
The largest sukuna nabe(Sukuna Pot) in Japan, 6.1 meters in diameter, is on display at Hida Limestone Cave.

This sukuna nabe（Sukuna Pot) was actually used at the Hida Nyukawa Sukuna Festival, held in memory of Ryomen Sukuna and wishing for a bountiful harvest, from the first festival in 2001 to 2007.
Currently, sukuna nabe is not used, but the Hida Nyukawa Sukuna Festival is held every November 3 in the parking lot in front of the Nyukawa branch.

It is said that Ryomen Sukuna emerged from a rock cave in Dewa ga Hira (Degawa Hira: near the present Hida Limestone Cave).
Ryomen Sukuna is said to have lived in Ryomen Sukuna cave, and a statue ofRyomen Sukuna is enshrined at the back of Ryomen Sukuna cave, but it is currently off limits due to the risk of falling rocks.

For this reason, Ryomen Sukuna Reihaijo as a place to worship and offer prayer has been opened at Ryomen Sukuna-guchi. There is a statue ofRyomen Sukuna, modeled after the Enku of Hida Senko-ji Temple.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine（櫻山八幡宮）

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama is famous for its autumn festival.

It is said to have originated in the era of Emperor Nintoku, when a punitive force was formed to exterminate Ryomen Sukuna, which was raging in the Hida area, and Takefurukuma enshrined the former emperor, Emperor Ojin (Hachimanshin), to pray for victory.

It was restored in 1623 by the Kanamori clan, who became the lord of Takayama in the Edo period, and the whole area of the northern part of Takayama was designated as the shrine parishioner and became Chinju. In this way, it is a shrine that has a good history and attracts the faith of the people of the town.
Takazawa Kannon（日龍峯寺、高澤観音）

The main hall with a stage structure similar to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. It is quietly located deep in the mountains.
you can relax and worship in a quiet environment. It is a temple with a great sense of history.

This historic temple is home to many historic cultural properties. there is statue of Ryomen Sukuna, who is said to have built the temple, which can only be seen once a year.
Nestled within the heart of Hida Takayama lies the enigmatic figure of Ryomen Sukuna, a character whose legend spans the annals of time and captivates the imagination of all who wander these historic streets.

Step into the captivating realm of Hida Takayama, where tales of ancient lore and contemporary intrigue intertwine to offer an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking to uncover the mysteries of the past.

perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Ryomen Sukuna's story lies in its duality—a dichotomy between villainy and heroism, darkness and light. Ryomen Sukuna embodies the complexities of human nature, with anger and compassion existing as two sides of the same coin. Behind the veneer of the "King of Curses" lies a deeper truth—a truth that challenges us to reevaluate our perceptions and delve into the depths of empathy and understanding.

So why hesitate? Embark on a voyage of discovery to Hida Takayama today and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of tradition and folklore that defines this enchanting region. From ancient temples to majestic mountains, every sightseeing spot promises a new adventure and an opportunity to unravel the secrets of centuries past. The wonders of Hida Takayama await—will you heed the call?