A mountain castle whose name is forever etched in the pages of Japan’s Warring States period; Devotional Damine Kannon Temple Kabuki, designated a national important intangible folk cultural property; and so much more history, tradition, and folk culture run deep here.
01 Damine Castle: The mountain stronghold and face of the Okumikawa region
Imagine Japan’s tumultuous civil wars taking place before you from within a reconstructed mountain castle
Damine Castle was originally constructed in 1470 and acted as residence to the Damine area’s Suganuma clan, who reigned over the greater Okumikawa region in which Shitara lies. The Hommaru—or Main Castle—Palace and Ote Gate have been reconstructed where the original structures once stood. An observation deck standing at an elevation of 387 meters allows for a stunningly gorgeous view.
Damine Castle is one of Shitara’s ten castles offering commemorative “gojoin” stamp cards for purchase. These gojoin cards are popular for the castle names written in beautiful Japanese calligraphy and red stamps representing castle symbols. Collect them for the perfect commemorative souvenir.
02 Devotional Kabuki theater and its miraculous legend
Savor the scenery of Okumikawa together with traditional performing arts enduring since the Edo period
Damine Kannon Temple is one of the greater outlying Mikawa region’s Three Great Kannon Temples. As legend goes, villagers prayed for and experienced the divine miracle of snow in midsummer, leading to devotional performances of Damine Dengaku ritualistic music and dancing as well as Devotional Kabuki—both designated national important intangible folk cultural properties.
At the entrance to Damine Kannon Temple is Damine Terrace, a cafe spot from which to view Damine Castle and the Okumikawa region’s cascading mountains. And don’t forget to delight in its popular Damine soba noodles and gohei mochi menu items as you enjoy the view.
03 Memories of village life alive and well in the Okumikawa Folk Museum
Enhance your trip with a deeper knowledge of the region
One stop to make along your journey in the Okumikawa region is the Okumikawa Folk Museum, where you can gain a better understanding of the area. Different displays showcase local highlights by theme, such as Nature and Wildlife, History, and People. Outside, you can step aboard an actual train car from the now closed Taguchi Line which once ran through Shitara via the Toyohashi Rail Road. All aboard for a trip into the past!
