Searching for the historic sites of Taira no Masakado: 7 recommended tourist spots in Bando, Ibaraki!

Bando City, located in the western part of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a place deeply connected to Taira no Masakado. Within the city, many historic sites related to him still remain. There are also plenty of nature-rich tourist spots where you can discover wild birds and insects, making it an enjoyable destination for families as well.

This time, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Bando City, a town that lets you feel its rich history. Of course, there are places connected to Masakado himself, but there are also many other spots where you can have fun exploring Bando. Be sure to check it out for reference!

1. Museum Park Ibaraki Nature Museum

The first recommended tourist spot in Bando City is the "Museum Park Ibaraki Nature Museum." Here, visitors can explore numerous exhibits that teach about the history of Earth, the evolution of the universe, nature, and the ecosystems of living creatures.

It’s a museum packed with content—visiting all the exhibition rooms takes about two hours! Among the highlights are the fossils of the world’s largest Shōkakō Mammoth and Nurosaurus, which are definitely worth seeing.

After learning so much inside the museum, head out to the expansive outdoor facilities where you can experience nature firsthand. Joining an outdoor guided tour is a great way to deepen your knowledge about the natural world.

2. Kokuō Shrine

Next is "Kokuō Shrine," located in Iwai, Bando City. This is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, as it enshrines the "Yosegi-zaiku Wooden Statue of Taira no Masakado," which is designated as a cultural property by the prefecture.

The origins of this ancient shrine trace back to Masakado's third daughter, Nyokōni, who built a hermitage on the site where he met his end. Later, it was dedicated to the deity title "Kokuō Daimyōjin," and continues to this day.

Within the shrine grounds, you'll find the main hall and worship hall—both important cultural properties of the prefecture—as well as other highlights such as the "Shugo Daimyōjin," said to enshrine Taira no Moriaki (a descendant of Masakado), and a monument commemorating Masakado himself.

Kokuō Shrine is inseparable from the legacy of Masakado. If you're in Bando, it’s a must-visit spot!

3. Enmei-ji Temple

The next spot also has ties to Taira no Masakado. Enmei-ji Temple, located in Iwai, Bando City, enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, Masakado’s guardian deity. It's affectionately known as "Shima no Yakushi."
Highlights when visiting include the thatched-roof gabled main gate and the stone-built drum bridge, both designated important cultural properties by Bando City. Particularly notable is the four-legged gate built during the Muromachi period, which exudes historical charm.

Interestingly, the Yakushi Nyorai statue was enshrined here after Masakado’s death. Enmei-ji Temple was founded to ward off evil spirits from Masakado's stronghold, the Ishii Garrison (Shima Hiroshima). It’s a historically significant spot that you shouldn’t miss.

4. Iwai Masakado Festival

The Iwai Masakado Festival is an event that has been held every year on the second Sunday of November since 1972, to commemorate the former Iwai City’s municipal incorporation. It begins with a victory prayer at Kokuō Shrine, followed by the resounding beats of the Kanda Myojin Masakado Taiko drums, as a procession of about 100 armored warriors marches through the shrine grounds.

During the warrior parade, samurai clad in armor, young sword fighters, and princesses dressed in kimono parade through Bando City. The procession is accompanied by the lively tunes of Kanda-bayashi, a traditional musical performance said to have originated from the military music played at Masakado’s main camp. Kanda-bayashi is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the prefecture.

This festival, which recreates the heroic figure of Taira no Masakado, a local hero of Bando, is sure to stir excitement, even if you’re not a fan of his. It’s also fun to spot famous warlords within the parade!

5. Kanki-ji Temple Edo Higan Cherry Tree

If you want to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Bando, this is the place to go! At Kanki-ji Temple in Heta, Bando City, you can view an Edo Higan cherry tree said to be over 400 years old.

These cherry blossoms reach their peak around the spring equinox. The large branches bloom with pale pink flowers, creating a stunning sight. At night, the tree is illuminated, giving visitors a different, magical atmosphere from the one during the day. It’s a popular spot for tourists during cherry blossom season.

The spacious grounds of Kanki-ji Temple make the ancient Edo Higan cherry tree stand out even more beautifully in its open setting.

6. Sakasai Castle Ruins Park

Sakasai Castle Ruins Park was established on the site of Sakasai Castle, originally built in 1577. This prefectural historic park features several reconstructed buildings from the Sengoku period, including fortresses, the main hall, and a Kannon temple.

Besides the historical structures, the park has a spacious lawn area and forests where visitors can observe insects and wild birds. During spring, the park is also known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing spot, Sakasai Castle Ruins Park has something for everyone. It’s also a popular recreational space for locals.

7. Sugo-numa Promenade

The final tourist spot to introduce in Bando City is the "Sugo-numa Promenade." This walking path is located in the "Kami-numa" area of Sugo-numa, which lies along the border between Bando City and Joso City.

This marsh area is extremely popular among nature enthusiasts, as it offers opportunities to observe a wide variety of fish, birds, wild plants, and insects. You can often see many species of wild birds here, such as ducks, kingfishers, and Japanese bush warblers. In winter, as many as 300 tundra swans migrate here.

Bring a pair of binoculars or a camera on your visit, and you’re sure to enjoy the experience even more. Take your time and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced 7 recommended tourist spots in Bando. In addition to these suggestions, there are many other historical sites scattered throughout Bando, as well as unique festivals that can only be experienced here. It’s a place where you can enjoy sightseeing all year round.

Of course, there’s also delicious food! There are many restaurants throughout town where you can try exquisite dishes made with Bando’s locally grown green onions. Bando City in Ibaraki Prefecture is about an hour’s drive from Tokyo. Why not take a trip to this peaceful place, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and experience the history and nature Bando has to offer?