Akashi
After spending time in self-exile in Suma, the hero of The Tale of Genji travels to nearby Akashi and finds romance with The Akashi Lady. Their daughter subsequently becomes empress. |
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The moat around Akashi Castle. |
Akashi is now an ugly industrial port city, but its castle - built in 1619 by Lord Ogasawara Tadamasa and associated with legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi - has extensive grounds and is an excellent cherry-blossom viewing spot. |
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Akashi Castle. |
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One of the castle turrets. |
According to local legend, the Tsukimi-no-Ike (moon-viewing pond) at Asagao Komyoji temple is where Genji composed poems to the Akashi Lady while gazing at the moon's reflection in the water. |
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Tsukimi no Ike pond
at Asagao Komyoji Temple. |
