Manga by Takehiko Inoue based on the real life of Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645). The locations are historical places where Musashi lived, dueled, and died in the 17th century.
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Sekigahara Battlefieldwhere the manga begins
Where the manga begins: Takezo (Musashi) survives the decisive battle of 1600 that ended the Sengoku period and ushered in the Tokugawa era. The battlefield museum features maps and original relics.
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Miyamoto Village — Birthplace of MusashiMusashi's birthplace
Musashi's birthplace in Mimasaka, Okayama. There is a reconstruction of his childhood home, statues of young Musashi at the station, and his tomb with relics brought from Kumamoto.
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Sanjūsangen-dō — Duel with Denshichirō Yoshiokaduel with Denshichirō
Musashi's second duel against the Yoshioka school took place in front of this Buddhist temple of 1001 Kannon statues. Musashi arrived late and defeated Denshichiro with a single blow.
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Ichijōji Sagarimatsu — Duel with the 70 Yoshiokaduel with the 70
The most epic duel of the manga: Musashi against 70 swordsmen of the Yoshioka school, including archers and musketeers. The current pine is the 5th generation. There is a two-sword statue of Musashi.
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Hachidai Shrinebefore the duel
Musashi stopped to pray here before the duel of the 70, but decided not to — he had to rely only on himself. A piece of the original Sagarimatsu pine and a statue of Musashi are preserved here.
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Ganryūjima — Final Duel vs. Sasaki Kojirōthe final duel
The island where in 1612 Musashi defeated Sasaki Kojiro, the only rival who was perhaps his equal. Musashi arrived deliberately late, carving a wooden sword out of a boat oar. Accessible via a 10-min ferry from Shimonoseki.
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Kokura CastleKokura Hibun memorial
After the Ganryujima duel, Musashi went directly to Kokura. The Kokura Hibun — the most reliable monolithic memorial of his life — was erected here by his adopted son Iori.
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Reigandō Cave — The Book of Five RingsThe Book of Five Rings
In 1643, aged 59, Musashi retired to this cave to write Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings). He died in 1645, shortly after finishing it. Entrance fee: 300¥.
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Musashizuka Park — Tomb of Miyamoto MusashiMusashi's tomb
Park containing the tomb of Miyamoto Musashi. According to legend, he was buried in full armor to protect his lord even after death.
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Hōzō-in, Nara — Duel with Inshunduel with Inshun
The spear master Inshun is a central character in the manga. Hozoin was a real school of sojutsu (spear fighting) in Nara. Musashi's duel with a Hozoin master is historically documented, though details differ.