The Chiba Clan: A Lineage of
Warriors Tracing Back to Masakado
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and Taira no Masakado in the Chiba Area
The History of Masakado and the Chiba Clan Circa
- 935–940: Taira no Masakado raises an army in Kanto, expanding his influence across the region.
- 1126: Chiba Tsuneshige establishes a residence in what is now Chuo Ward, Chiba City.
- 1180 onward: Chiba Tsunetane supports Minamoto no Yoritomo and contributes to the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate.
- After the Muromachi Period: The Chiba Clan gradually fragments, leading to internal conflict.
- Bunmei Era (1469–1486): Moto-Sakura Castle is constructed, and the Chiba Clan later moves its stronghold there.
- 1590: The Chiba Clan meets its downfall following Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Siege of Odawara.
Chiba Castle: Legacy of the Chiba Clan
Moto-Sakura Castle:
The Chiba Clan in Sakura City, Chiba
Douzuka:
Masakado in Bando City, Ibaraki
Kubi-zuka:
Legends of Masakado in Tokyo
Chiba Castle: Legacy of the Chiba Clan
Chiba City is home to numerous historical sites and legends associated with the Chiba Clan. Many of these also bear the influence of Taira no Masakado and his guardian deity, Myoken-sama (the North Star, the Big Dipper, and the legendary tortoise, Genbu).
For instance, Chiba Shrine, located in Chuo Ward of Chiba City, is deeply linked to the Chiba Clan. Known affectionately as "Myoken-sama," the shrine features a sacred rock in the shape of a tortoise, called Kameishi.
Additionally, the area surrounding Inohana Castle (commonly referred to as Chiba Castle) features Shichitenno-zuka (Seven Heavenly Kings Burial Mounds). While these mounds are said to enshrine Gozu Tennō (a deity), the fact that there are seven mounds has led to speculation that they are also related to Myoken faith, which reveres the Big Dipper. Furthermore, there is a legend that these mounds enshrine Taira no Masakado’s seven shadow warriors.
・Address： 1-6-1 Inohana, Chuo Ward, Chiba City
・Access：15 minutes on foot from JR Hon-Chiba Station
・Features：Displays related to the Chiba Clan and Taira no Masakado.
Chiba Shrine
・Address：1-16-1 Innai, Chuo Ward, Chiba City
・Access：10 minutes on foot from Chiba Station
Shichitenno-zuka (1st Mound)
・Address：3-6-2 Inohana, Chuo Ward, Chiba City
・Access：Near the entrance to Chiba University’s Medical and Pharmaceutical faculties.
・Features：Located near Inohana Castle (commonly referred to as Chiba Castle).
Moto-Sakura Castle: The Chiba Clan
in Sakura City, Chiba
The Chiba Clan later moved their stronghold from present-day Chiba City to the areas around Sakura City and Shisui Town, where they built Moto-Sakura Castle. This region is home to many historical sites related to Taira no Masakado and the Myoken faith. Today, this region continues to Masakado with shrines and towns bearing his name.This shrine is deeply intertwined with the region’s history and culture, suggesting that Masakado continued to serve as a spiritual pillar for the people in this area.
・Address:781 Moto-Sakura, Shisui Town, Imba District, Chiba Prefecture
・Access: Keisei ŌsakuraStation
Masakado Kuchi-no-Miya Shrine
・Address: 1929-1 Ōsakura, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture
・Access: 8 minutes on foot from Keisei Ōsakura Station
Douzuka: Masakado in Bando City, Ibaraki
Taira no Masakado was a revered spiritual figure for the Chiba Clan. While he is generally known as a rebel leader who rose against the central government, in reality, Masakado was a hero who stood against corrupt officials, supported the heavily taxed populace, and rapidly expanded his influence across the Kanto region.
Although he ultimately lost his life before realizing his ambitions, his "torso" is said to be enshrined in Douzuka, located in Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The surrounding areas, including neighboring Noda City in Chiba Prefecture, are rich with legends and folklore about Masakado that persist to this day.・Address: 715-1 Kandayama, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Kokuo Shrine
・Address: 951 Iwai, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Kubi-zuka: Legends of Masakado in Tokyo
In contrast, Taira no Masakado’s "head" is said to have been enshrined far from his hometown, in Tokyo. Located in Otemachi, the Kubi-zuka (Head Mound) sits amidst the towering skyscrapers of the modern metropolis. Despite its urban surroundings, the site maintains a solemn and reverent atmosphere. It has long been regarded as a spiritual sanctuary for samurai and the people of the Kanto region.
・Address:
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
（5 minutes from Ochanomizu Station）
・History：
Kanda Myojin was founded in 730 (Tenpyo 2), predating the time of Taira no Masakado. It was designated as the "Guardian Shrine of Edo" after Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed for victory here, symbolizing the protection of Edo.
・Deities：
The deity enshrined at Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine) includes Taira no Masakado; however, the shrine originally honored Ōkuninushi (Daikoku-sama). Today, Ebisu-sama is also venerated at the shrine.
・Events and Culture：
Kanda Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Edo, is a cherished traditional event that honors Taira no Masakado and expresses gratitude for his contributions. This nearly 1,300-year-old shrine serves as a cultural cornerstone of Edo and preserves Masakado's legacy.
・Museum：
The Kanda Myojin Museum, located on the shrine grounds, features exhibits on Taira no Masakado and other historical artifacts, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the rich history of Masakado and Edo.
Masakado-zuka(Masakado's Head Mound)
・Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo（near Otemachi Station）
Kanda Myojin was originally located here. While the authenticity is unclear, the site is believed to enshrine Masakado’s head.
Izumo Taisha Tokyo Bunshi
・Address: 7-18-5 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo (near Roppongi Station)
Originally located within Kanda Myojin, it is now situated in Roppongi. Dedicated to Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, it stands near Roppongi Hills.
Tsukudo Shrine
・Address: 1-14-21 Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
（2 minutes from Kudanshita Station）
Although not a main deity, Taira no Masakado is enshrined here. It was formerly located in Otemachi, where a container said to hold "Masakado's head urn（bucket）" was once enshrined. However, this artifact was destroyed during the Tokyo air raids.
Kabuto Shrine
・Address: 1-12 Kabutocho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
（6 minutes from Kayabacho Station）
Dedicated to Ōkuninushi (Daikoku-sama), this shrine is near the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is considered the guardian of the securities industry. A legend claims that Taira no Masakado's helmet was once enshrined here.
Yoroi Shrine
・Address: 3-16-18 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo （11 minutes from Okubo Station）
Dedicated to Ōkuninushi (Daikoku-sama) and Taira no Masakado, the shrine is associated with a legend that Masakado’s armor is buried in this area.
Note: There are various theories regarding the burial locations of Taira no Masakado’s torso and head.
The information provided here is based on legends and historical sites. While some details may lack historical verification, they have been cherished and passed down through the local culture and beliefs.
