The Hometown of the Great Strategist, Takenaka Hanbei! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tarui Town, Gifu Prefecture

Tarui Town is located in the western part of Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountains facing Sekigahara to the west, the town preserves a rich historical and cultural legacy. It is famous as the hometown of Takenaka Hanbei Shigeharu, the renowned strategist and military advisor of the Sengoku period. Hanbei Shigeharu, who served as a military advisor to a young Toyotomi Hideyoshi, left behind historical sites such as the remains of his clan’s administrative headquarters (jinya) and castle ruins in Tarui Town. For history enthusiasts, this is a place you must visit at least once. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Tarui Town, where history and nature abound.

1. Remains of the Takenaka Jinya

This site is a favored destination among fans of the Sengoku period, as it is associated with the strategist Takenaka Hanbei. Due to poor regional management under his eldest son, Shigemon, at Botaiyama Castle, this jinya (military headquarters) was built. You can view the white-walled main gate, stone walls, and parts of the moat.

It is situated between Tarui Station and Sekigahara, with the historic Sekigahara battlefield nearby. A striking statue of Takenaka Hanbei stands beside the yaguramon (turret gate)—perfect for commemorative photos. Incidentally, the hill behind the jinya site is where Botaiyama Castle once stood. After visiting the jinya remains, you should also tour the ruins of Botaiyama Castle.

2. Zenchō-ji – The Temple of Takenaka Hanbei

Zenchō-ji is the bodaiji (family temple) of Takenaka Hanbei, and it houses his grave. Hanbei suffered from a lung disease and passed away at the young age of 36 in the 7th year of Tenshō. His grave was later relocated to Zenchō-ji to honor his memory, and the existing main hall is said to have been built by his grandson, Shigenaga. The temple is located at the foot of the hill where Botaiyama Castle once stood. You can ascend Botaiyama from the road in front of the temple, making it a must-visit spot after touring the Takenaka jinya remains.

3. Taruipia Center – A Valuable Local Information Museum

Located in the center of Tarui Town along the banks of the Aikawa River, the Taruipia Center is a facility that houses both a local history museum and a public library. It holds precious materials and documents about the history of Tarui Town.

The permanent exhibition showcases the natural environment, local flora, and geological data dating back 12,000 years, detailing the history of Tarui. There is also a section that recreates the ancient tumulus (kofun) of Minodai, which is highly worthwhile to see. Of course, there is a special section dedicated to Takenaka Hanbei that will delight Sengoku enthusiasts. After exploring the history of Tarui Town at the Taruipia Center, it’s the perfect final stop on a tour of Hanbei-related sites.

The center also features exhibits on Tarui-juku, the historic post town along the Nakasendō, explaining the origins and development of the town. With displays that delve into local life and beliefs, as well as rotating special exhibitions, it’s a great stop for enhancing your sightseeing experience.

4. Nangu Taisha – A Must-See for Sword Enthusiasts

Located in the southwest of Tarui Town at the foot of Asakura-yama, Nangu Taisha is the primary shrine of Mino Province. It is an essential stop on any tour of Tarui Town.

The enshrined deity is Kanayamahiko-no-mikoto, revered as the guardian of all mining and metalwork in Japan. This shrine has long been a center of faith for locals, particularly among those in the metal industry. Although it was once destroyed by fire during the Battle of Sekigahara in Keichō 5, it was rebuilt in Kan'ei 19 by the third shōgun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.

The shrine grounds are vast, with a vibrant vermilion main gate and main hall that dazzle visitors. Eighteen structures in the precincts, exemplifying representative Edo-period shrine architecture, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government. The exquisite architectural style is a major highlight.

At Nangu Taisha, many precious treasures have been enshrined. The shrine possesses a large collection of metal items, including swords, befitting its status as the guardian of all metals. This is also related to the historical significance of Minami-Mino as a center for swordsmithing. The donated swords are exhibited to the public once a year on Culture Day, so sword enthusiasts should not miss a visit.

5. Tarui no Izumi – The Famous Spring Praised by Matsuo Bashō

Gifu Prefecture is home to three springs selected as “Japan’s Top 100 Famous Springs,” and one of them is Tarui no Izumi. It has also been chosen as one of “Gifu’s 50 Famous Springs.” The water flows steadily from the Great Oak (Ōkeyaki), which is designated as a Natural Monument of the prefecture.

Cherished by locals since ancient times, this spring even appears in Heian period poetry and was later celebrated by Matsuo Bashō in the Edo period. For a poet who found words and sounds in every aspect of nature, this spring must have held a special meaning. Perhaps because of this connection, there is even a box provided for visitors to submit their own tanka (short poems). Sit on a bench, imagine the feelings of the poets of old, and why not compose a poem of your own as you take in the scenery?

6. Minoro – A Historic Road for Reflecting on the Past

The old highway called Minoro runs on the north side of Tarui Station. At first glance, it appears to be just an ordinary street, but in autumn it transforms into a scenic route filled with beautiful fall colors. While it may not be dramatically exciting, this historic road is imbued with the footprints and legacy of the people who once lived in Tarui Town. After learning about Tarui’s history at the Taruipia Center, take a leisurely stroll along Minoro to reflect on the past.

◎ Summary

Tarui Town is a place deeply intertwined with rich history and nature. With numerous remnants of the past, it offers a fascinating range of sightseeing attractions. For those planning a tour of Gifu Prefecture, a visit to Tarui Town is a must. If you’re planning a historical sightseeing tour, consider a route that flows from Ōgaki City to Tarui Town and then to Sekigahara Town. Enjoy the journey through history in Tarui Town!