The cave (or grotto) where Minamoto no Yoritomo and his retainers, after being defeated at the Battle of Ishibashiyama, are said to have hidden from the Heike army. The name "Shitodo" comes from a bird of the same name that flew out of the cave when the Heike forces approached, helping Yoritomo and his group to escape unharmed.
Having safely fled, Yoritomo and his men escaped from the rocky coastline of Manazuru and sought refuge in Boso, where they planned their comeback.
In Manazuru, many people with the surname "Aoki" have lived for a long time. This is said to be a tribute to Yoritomo, who camouflaged the entrance of the cave with an "Aoki" tree when he was hiding. As thanks, he bestowed the surname "Aoki" on those who helped. Similarly, the surnames "Gomi" and "Onmori" were given to those who provided food support or served as lookouts, and they remain common in Manazuru to this day.
Address: 1042-4 Manazuru, Manazuru Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: Open to visitors at any time
Closed: No holidays
Admission Fee: Free
By Train:
From the Tōkaidō Main Line, Manazuru Station, it's a 17-minute walk or take the Izu Hakone Bus or Hakone Tozan Bus, heading toward Cape Manazuru, and get off at "Uoichiba" (Fish Market).
By Car:
From the Nishi-Shō Bypass, Ishibashi IC, take Route 135 for about 11 km (approximately 20 minutes). There is no parking on-site, but parking is available at the Manazuru Port parking area.
It’s just a historic site, so if you’re not a fan of Yoritomo, it might not be very exciting. However, since it’s within walking distance from Manazuru Port, it could be nice to stop by casually and reflect on the ancient periods!
