Imazuura, a place that Hideyoshi valued - Walking around the key points of land and water transportation
Imazu was a vital transportation hub connecting the Kinai region and the Hokuriku region since ancient times, as it was located on the Nishi-Omi Road (Hokkoku Kaido), which connected Omi and Echizen, and also at the starting point of the Kurihan Kaido, which connected Omi and Wakasa. Sumiyoshi Shrine, which was established in this area in 1278, has been revered by many people as the guardian deity of lake transportation and the Imazu region. It is said that in 1583, Hashiba Hideyoshi, on his way to the Battle of Shizugatake, visited the area and prayed for safe lake transportation at Sumiyoshi Shrine. Hideyoshi also ordered that all goods sent from Obama (Wakasa) to Omi be loaded onto ships in this area. This greatly contributed to the prosperity of the area as a transportation hub.
In 1595, Imazu was given by Hideyoshi to Maeda Toshiie, and remained the domain of the Maeda family (Kaga Domain) until the end of the Edo period. For the Maeda family (Kaga Domain) based in Hokuriku, Imazu was a key transportation hub with the Kinai region, making it an indispensable domain. Even today, many valuable historical sites related to the Maeda family and Kaga Domain remain in the area.
Model Course Overview
JR Omi-Imazu Station
Approx. 7 hours
Imazuura and the Miura clan
-
-
Acitivity TimeApprox. 20 hours
In medieval Omi Province, many Shinshu temples were founded through Rennyo's missionary activities. The temples and followers of Imazuura, Kaizuura, and Oura (Nagahama City) formed a single group called the Miura-shu (Miura-ko during the Edo period), and during the Sengoku period, they participated in battles such as the Battle of Katata and the Battle of Ishiyama, challenging Oda Nobunaga. Several Shinshu temples still exist in Imazuura today.
- Address Imazucho, Takashima City
- Phone Number
Approx. 7 hours
Stone walls and the remains of the magistrate's office
-
-
Acitivity TimeApprox. 10 hours
A stone wall built by the Kaga domain to break the waves remains along the lakeshore from the Tenkawa River to the Shodaru River, stretching for about 900 meters. There is one section that juts out towards the lake, called Dezaki. Goods transported from Wakasa via the Kurihan Kaido road were loaded here. It is believed that the Kaga domain's magistrate's office and storehouses were located nearby.
- Address Imazucho, Takashima City
- Phone Number
Approx. 2 hours
Sumiyoshi Shrine
-
-
Acitivity TimeApprox. 20 hours
It is said that the deity was enshrined here in 1278, and has been revered by many as the guardian deity of lake traffic and the Imazu region. Behind the main hall is the ancestral shrine of Lord Maeda Toshiie, which shows the deep connection between this area and the Maeda family (Kaga domain).
- Address Imazucho, Takashima City
- Phone Number
Approximately 1 minute
Sotakuji Temple
-
-
Acitivity TimeApprox. 20 hours
This Soto Zen temple is said to have been founded during the Oei era (1394-1428). In the past, people would enter and leave the temple grounds by boat. A boat entrance can still be seen to this day on the north side of the temple. The temple also houses the memorial tablet of Hoshun-in (Matsu), the wife of Maeda Toshiie, which shows the deep connection between the temple and the Maeda family (Kaga domain).
- Address Imazucho, Takashima City
- Phone Number
Approx. 7 hours
Imazu family graves
-
-
Acitivity TimeApprox. 10 hours
The Imazu clan served as the magistrate of Imazu in the Kaga domain. Their ancestor was Kawarabayashi Jinemon, who is said to have been the person who managed the territory when Maeda Toshiie was given Imazu by Hideyoshi. The second generation Kawarabayashi Jinemon, who succeeded him, was given the surname "Imazu" by the domain and thereafter took the name Imazu. The Imazu clan was also the largest shipowner in the area, and as magistrate he protected the domain's territory and supported the prosperity of the area.
- Address Imazucho, Takashima City
- Phone Number
Approx. 15 hours
