Saigyō Hōshi’s Path

Emperor Sutoku, who was exiled to Sanuki (Sakaide) after his defeat in the Hōgen Rebellion. It is said that Saigyō Hōshi visited the Shirahige Imperial Mausoleum in 1168, three years after Emperor Sutoku's death.

The approximately 1.34-kilometer path from Seikai Shrine to the Shirahige Imperial Mausoleum and Shirahige Temple, which Saigyō is believed to have traveled, is known as "Saigyō Hōshi's Path."

Along the path, there are 88 poem monuments and 93 stone lanterns, featuring poems by Saigyō Hōshi and Emperor Sutoku, including the poem Saigyō composed in front of the mausoleum: "yoshiya kimi / mukashi no tama no / toko to temo / kakaran nochi wa / nani ni ka wa sen" ("Though this may be / your bed of state, my lord, / as in days of old / after you are gone from here / what use can it serve?")

As you climb while reading the poems, you can sense Emperor Sutoku's longing for the capital as he lived in exile in Sanuki after the Hōgen Rebellion, as well as Saigyō Hōshi's inner conflicts and uncertainties.

The path includes approximately 800 stone steps with an elevation difference of about 230 meters. As there are no vending machines along the way, please bring a water bottle during summer months.

Partway up, the path becomes traditional stone steps. Please be careful as it can be slippery after rain.