Overview
Kaiten Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. It enshrines patriots, chiefly retainers of the Mito domain, who gave their lives for the nation during the turmoil of the late Edo period, in events such as the Ansei Purge, the Sakuradamon Incident, the Tōzenji Incident, the Sakashitamon Incident, the Tengutō Rebellion, and the Aizu War. Its name derives from the work Kaiten Shishi by the Mito scholar Fujita Tōko, and it remains a place of prayer unique to Mito that preserves the memory of those who upheld their ideals in a turbulent age.
Highlights
- ●A shrine enshrining Mito domain patriots who died in the Restoration era
- ●Deities linked to historic events such as the Ansei Purge and Sakuradamon Incident
- ●A meaningful name derived from Fujita Tōko's Kaiten Shishi
- ●A place to sense the history of Mito, known for its reverence-for-the-emperor thought
History
The shrine was founded in 1969. Those enshrined here are the patriots of the Mito domain who died in a series of late-Edo and Restoration-era events, including the Ansei Purge, the Sakuradamon Incident, the Tōzenji Incident, the Sakashitamon Incident, the Tengutō Rebellion, and the Aizu War. The Mito domain, which championed the ideal of reverence for the emperor and expulsion of foreigners, played a major role in this era at great cost. The title Kaiten Shishi, from which the shrine takes its name, is a work by Fujita Tōko, and its imagery of turning the very heavens well expresses the character of this shrine.
Access
The shrine stands in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, at roughly 36.39 degrees north and 140.45 degrees east. It can be reached from central Mito, conveniently by bus or car from Mito Station on the JR Joban Line. By car, head toward central Mito from the Mito interchange of the Joban Expressway. Historic sites connected with Mito are scattered nearby. Please confirm detailed routes and parking through official information.
Best season
To reflect quietly on history, spring through early summer when fresh greenery shines, or autumn with its clear air, is recommended. As a journey to contemplate the late Edo period and the Restoration, visiting to coincide with related memorial days or services can be especially meaningful. Please check event dates through official information.
Map
36.3925, 140.4545 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Begin a tour of historic sites in central Mito from Mito Station
- 2Visit Kaiten Shrine and reflect on the patriots who died in the late Edo period
- 3Walk the surroundings while recalling the Mito scholarship behind the shrine's name
- 4End the day by extending your trip to other historic sites linked with Mito
Did you know?
💡 The word Kaiten in the name means to turn the heavens, that is, to greatly set right a declining age. It is taken from the title of Fujita Tōko's work Kaiten Shishi, and the ideals and resolve of the patriots are distilled into these two characters.
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