Yoshimi: Pagodas, Shrine Traditions and Seasonal Strawberry Picking

Yoshimi brings together traces of local history in Ōgushi and a seasonal strawberry-picking offer. The topics below differ mainly in their historical time frames.

Pagodas and Archaeological Finds

The Hōkyōintō pagodas at Kinzoin in Ōgushi are designated as a prefectural cultural property. This gives you a specific starting point for exploring Yoshimi’s history. The pagodas are noteworthy for more than their designation, however: archaeological finds from restoration work are also associated with them.

Human remains were discovered beneath the Kinzoin pagoda in two different vessels: a Chinese white four-handled vessel from the early 13th century and a large Atsumi ceramic vessel from the second half of the 12th century. These dates refer to the vessels and span the period from the second half of the 12th century to the early 13th century. They should therefore be distinguished from the pagoda’s inscription, which dates to 1376.

Another archaeological site in Ōgushi is the Kannonji group of standing stones at address 1282. It is designated as an archaeological cultural property of Yoshimi Town. This means you will encounter two different levels of designation: the Hōkyōintō pagodas are a prefectural cultural property, while the group of standing stones is a municipal cultural property. This distinction helps keep the sites and their respective designations clear.

Shrine Traditions and Historical Accounts

Ōgushi Hikawa Shrine was traditionally revered as the guardian shrine of Ōgushi village. Its principal deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto. According to tradition, the warrior Ōgushi Jirō Shigechika had the shrine moved here from what was then Musashi; the tradition identifies today’s Ōmiya Hikawa Shrine as the point of reference.

The Hōkyōintō pagoda is also traditionally associated with Ōgushi Jirō Shigechika and is said to be his tomb. This tomb tradition should be distinguished from the inscription dating to 1376; a period of time separates the warrior from the pagoda. Thus, different historical reference points come together in Ōgushi: an account of the shrine’s relocation, the worship of its principal deity, and a distinct tomb tradition associated with the pagoda.

Seasonal Strawberry Picking

Ōgushi Strawberry Farm offers a 45-minute strawberry-picking experience with unlimited eating. Unlike the historical topics, this activity is explicitly seasonal. Check opening times, dates, and conditions before visiting. The farm is associated with the Benitama, Beni Hoppe, and Berry Pop Suzu varieties; variety assignments and seasonal availability may change.

The pagodas, finds, and shrine traditions form a historically focused highlight; strawberry picking depends on a seasonal offer. If you are interested in visiting the farm, take its dates and conditions into account when planning. This allows you to tailor your stay to the topics that matter most to you without conflating historical traditions with seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Yashio, Wakō, Kōnosu, Honjō, Tokorozawa, Sayama, Ranzan, Sōka.

For the regional travel overview: Saitama Prefecture.