EDITORIALS
Benkei visited Sutsu! Cape Benkei" tickles the romance of history buffs
Legends about Yoshitsune Minamoto and Benkei Musashibo remain throughout Japan. Among them, "Benkei Cape" in the town of Suttsu is aptly named. Let us introduce you to Cape Benkei and the highlights of the area.
Driving along Route 229 from the direction of Shuto toward Shimamaki, you will see a large statue of Benkei Musashibo. That is exactly where Cape Benkei is. The height of the statue is considerable, as the base is 1m40cm and the body is 3m60cm.
The origin of the name of Cape Benkei is that the word "per-kei," originally an Ainu word meaning "torn place," became "benkei" when it was accented to make it easier for Japanese people to pronounce. So it was derived from the Ainu language, as is often the case in Hokkaido.
In later times, a legend came to be told that Minamoto no Yoshitsune did not actually die in Iwate, but fled to Hokkaido ....... It seems that the cape and Benkei were connected as one of the places in that legend.
According to a legend passed down in Sutsu, Yoshitsune and Benkei stayed for a time in the area where Cape Benkei is now located. During their stay, Benkei always stood at the cape waiting for reinforcements because he had received information that Benkei's younger brother, Hitachibo Kaison, was heading to Ezo to re-enforce Yoshitsune's attack on Ezo.
Unfortunately, Benkei finally never saw the shadow of the ship, but knowing such a legend and looking up at the large statue, one can't help but feel a sense of sadness. Incidentally, the statue was erected in 1987. It was installed as part of the maintenance of Cape Benkei, a health and scenic spot that many people used to visit.
It is also a relatively easy place to visit as it is equipped with a large parking lot. You may want to park your car and take your time to contemplate the history.
There is a rest area and restrooms next to the parking lot, but please note that only the restrooms are closed during the winter.
It is also famous for its spectacular sunset view, and even if you don't know the history and legends, it is definitely a great location.
Please visit this place while sightseeing or just taking a drive.
<Cooperation for this report
Industry Promotion Division, Sutsu Town Hall
Address: 140-1 Watashimacho, Suto-cho, Suto-gun
Official website: http://www.town.suttu.lg.jp/
Sutsu Town Board of Education
Address: 187-1 Aza-Kaishin-cho, Juto-cho, Juto-gun
Official website: http: //www.town.suttu.lg.jp/
<Thumbnail photo provided by
Nagisa Nishimura, Shuto Camera
Driving along Route 229 from the direction of Shuto toward Shimamaki, you will see a large statue of Benkei Musashibo. That is exactly where Cape Benkei is. The height of the statue is considerable, as the base is 1m40cm and the body is 3m60cm.
The origin of the name of Cape Benkei is that the word "per-kei," originally an Ainu word meaning "torn place," became "benkei" when it was accented to make it easier for Japanese people to pronounce. So it was derived from the Ainu language, as is often the case in Hokkaido.
In later times, a legend came to be told that Minamoto no Yoshitsune did not actually die in Iwate, but fled to Hokkaido ....... It seems that the cape and Benkei were connected as one of the places in that legend.
According to a legend passed down in Sutsu, Yoshitsune and Benkei stayed for a time in the area where Cape Benkei is now located. During their stay, Benkei always stood at the cape waiting for reinforcements because he had received information that Benkei's younger brother, Hitachibo Kaison, was heading to Ezo to re-enforce Yoshitsune's attack on Ezo.
Photo by Nagisa Nishimura, Jutsu Camera
Unfortunately, Benkei finally never saw the shadow of the ship, but knowing such a legend and looking up at the large statue, one can't help but feel a sense of sadness. Incidentally, the statue was erected in 1987. It was installed as part of the maintenance of Cape Benkei, a health and scenic spot that many people used to visit.
It is also a relatively easy place to visit as it is equipped with a large parking lot. You may want to park your car and take your time to contemplate the history.
There is a rest area and restrooms next to the parking lot, but please note that only the restrooms are closed during the winter.
It is also famous for its spectacular sunset view, and even if you don't know the history and legends, it is definitely a great location.
Please visit this place while sightseeing or just taking a drive.
<Cooperation for this report
Industry Promotion Division, Sutsu Town Hall
Address: 140-1 Watashimacho, Suto-cho, Suto-gun
Official website: http://www.town.suttu.lg.jp/
Sutsu Town Board of Education
Address: 187-1 Aza-Kaishin-cho, Juto-cho, Juto-gun
Official website: http: //www.town.suttu.lg.jp/
<Thumbnail photo provided by
Nagisa Nishimura, Shuto Camera
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Turtle Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm "Bubaneko," a writer with many connections to Hokkaido's sights and tourist facilities. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.
