We visited Benkei Statue at Cape Benkei during our stop at Cape Benkei, and it added a strong sense of history and legend to our Southwestern Hokkaido road trip. Standing proudly against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, the statue of Saitō Musashibō Benkei is both striking and symbolic. Known as the loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Benkei is a central figure in the legend of Yoshitsune’s northward journey, and this site is believed to be connected to that story. Seeing the statue in person, with the vast ocean behind it, gave the place a dramatic and almost cinematic feel. When we visited as a family, the strong winds and crashing waves seemed to match the intensity of the story behind the statue. It’s one of those spots where history, folklore, and nature come together in a powerful way.

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2 years ago today, glad we were there to see the v the southwestern coast of Hokkaido and the monument of this warrior awaiting his sea-coming comrades.

The Benkei statue at Cape Benkei. The magnificent scenery in the background, Benkei Lighthouse, and the Benkei statue are all wonderful. Just looking at it gives you energy.

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Apparently Benkei fled all the way to a place like this. It was built at the entrance of the cape based on the "Yoshitsune Northward Journey Legend" involving Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Musashibō Benkei. According to the legend, Yoshitsune and Benkei's party, fleeing from Oshu, crossed to Hokkaido and tried to make a comeback in this place. At that time, Benkei is said to have stood at the tip of the cape day after day, continuing to wait for his comrades to arrive. It is said that the Ainu people who saw him came to call this place "Benkei Cape". The statue is about 5 meters tall including the pedestal, standing proudly facing the Sea of Japan. The two characters "Sōbō" (longing and awaiting) are carved on the pedestal, embodying Benkei's feelings as he longingly waited for his comrades. The statue was erected in Showa 62 (1987), installed as part of the development of the cape.

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A very beautiful place. You can let your thoughts drift to Benkei and Ushiwakamaru.

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