Sightseeing Spots
Makara Jūrōzaemon, a retainer of the Echizen Asakura clan who appears in historical records such as the “Asakura Shimatsuki,” “Nobunaga Kōki,” and “Akechi Gunki,” was known as a man of great strength. He is also known for wielding the great sword “Tarō Tachi,” forged by Chiyozuru Kuniyasu, the swordsmith considered the founder of Echizen Uchihamono blades. Its length reached an astonishing 3 meters, and it is said that when Ashikaga Yoshiaki visited Ichijōdani seeking the support of Asakura Yoshikage, Makara effortlessly swung the great sword in his presence. He fought alongside his son in the “Battle of Anegawa”—a clash between the Azai-Asakura allied forces and the Oda-Tokugawa alliance—but was killed in action on June 28, 1570 (Genki 1). Kōtokuji Temple is home to the grave of Makara Jūrōzaemon, where a memorial service is held every year in June.
