Masakado's Grave

[Inzaghi]

So because I'm a big nerd, one of the things I did on my TGS trip was to visit a place any SMT fan should be familiar with: Taira no Masakado's grave, known as the Bandou Shrine in Nocturne. Here are a few pictures I took while there:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado01.jpg

The shrine is located in Otemachi. If you take the right exit from the subway station and then turn right, this is the sign you'll see directing you there.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado02.jpg

Follow the directions a little ways down the street and you'll see these flags, plus the big stone marker. It's a very tiny, out-of-the-way place, nestled in between two huge buildings. If people didn't still come to visit this shrine (several people--not just old people, but college-age students and ordinary salarymen--arrived and prayed there during my visit; you won't see any because it seemed rude to take pictures of them) I doubt it would still be standing, but Masakado is a big deal even outside of the SMT world.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado03.jpg

A closer view of the flags. I can't tell you what they say, alas; I'm no translator, just a poor dumb editor.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado04.jpg

I also can't read this (and neither can you because of the blurry pic--sorry!) but just inside the shrine to the left is a placard explaining what the place is about.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado05.jpg

Some greenery inside the shrine.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado06.jpg

Another stone marker.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/inzaghi_atlus/masakado07.jpg

And finally, the memorial that marks the actual spot where the head is buried. Only Masakado's head is enshrined here; it was taken from the battlefield where he was killed back to Tokyo, while the rest of the body was left where it fell. As you can see, many people still come to pay their respects. In addition to the flowers and drinks, one person left an umbrella to cover the statue behind the central stone pillar.

[Saishu]

Neat. I had no idea that Masakado's grave was real :D

[Kakizaki]

LOL. This is funny because my g/f and I are going to look at it this spring. IIRC this isn't the original site.

[jeffx]

thanks for sharing the pictures... very nice.

[Inzaghi]

LOL. This is funny because my g/f and I are going to look at it this spring. IIRC this isn't the original site.

No, but it's the site everyone goes to. I dunno where else you think I should have gone.

[Kakizaki]

Oh, no. I was laughing because I talk about wanting to see this. There is no way to see the original spot.

[dragonlife29]

That last shot's beautiful.

If I knew more Japanese history and whatnot, I'd totally nerd out with you; but alas, I don't, and can only admire the pictures. Of course, I do thank you for some background info!

[Emilio Morales]

I also didn't know that the grave of Masakados really exists! O_O Really interesting photos!

[Sei]

Tooooooo cool!

Thanks for the picks Inzaghi.

[Yeaster]

Speaking of Masakado, and this is sort of OT......but where exactly are the six pieces of his body in Shin MegaTen II? Where are they located and how do I get to these places?

[Kakizaki]

^Why not start a separate thread for that instead of hijacking this one?

[Yeaster]

I was going to, but I can't because, I guess, I don't have enough posts. I registered way back when this forum used to be on ezBoard. I posted before, but I was never a regular.

And of all the threads to hijack......this one seemed......I don't know, less offensive? If you want (or anyone), just PM me the assistance I need to avoid further hijacking.

[Kakizaki]

^I see. That makes more sense, but I think your question will get more attention with its own thread.

[Platyphyllum]

It's weird how I stumbled upon this thread right after fusing Masakado in Persona 4. Anyway, this is some really cool stuff! ^_^ I haven't played SMTIII: Nocturne for a while so I can't exactly remember what Masakado's Grave looked like in the game...