Those looking to put a trip to Kami in its cultural and historical context can distinguish between two different focal points in Tosayamadachō-nakano: the residence ruins of Nonaka Kenzan by the Funairei irrigation canal and the traditions at Tokkoishi Shrine. The ruins center on a specific place and Kenzan’s historical projects, while the shrine is defined by a set date and the annual participation of a school class. In this way, local history and festival tradition come together without becoming the same subject.

Residence Ruins and Historical Projects

The ruins of Nonaka Kenzan’s residence are located by the Funairei irrigation canal. They also lie at the place Kenzan used as a base for building the Yamada Weir, developing the Kōchō Plain, and founding the new town. The connection is therefore twofold: the residence ruins anchor the history to a specific place, while the projects mentioned extend the focus beyond a single building.

The three projects can be understood as distinct undertakings. The Yamada Weir represents weir construction, the Kōchō Plain its development, and the new town a founding. This distinction makes the historical context concrete: these are not three names for the same event, but a base associated with a construction project, a plain, and the founding of a town. The Funairei adds another perspective as the irrigation canal beside which the residence ruins stand. The site is thus characterized both by Kenzan’s work and by its location along the waterway.

Ritual and School Festival at Tokkoishi Shrine

A traditional ritual takes place at Tokkoishi Shrine on June 10. This fixed date gives the tradition its own place on the calendar. If the date matters for your trip, check it in advance for your chosen year so you can plan around it without confusing the ritual with another occasion.

Another occasion is the Time Remembrance Day festival at the same shrine. During the COVID-19 period, fourth-graders from Funaire Elementary School took part in the Time Remembrance Day festival every year. This gives two distinct points of reference: June 10 is the key date for the ritual, while the fourth-graders’ participation during the COVID-19 period is the reference point for the festival.

Which Cultural Focus Suits Your Trip?

These offer two different perspectives when choosing a cultural focus. If you are interested in Kenzan’s historical role, you can put the residence ruins in context through the three projects: weir construction, development of the Kōchō Plain, and founding the new town. If you would rather choose based on a calendar event, June 10 is the date to keep in mind for the ritual, and you can factor it into your travel dates in advance. The Time Remembrance Day festival adds the school’s participation to the picture, offering a different perspective on the tradition at the shrine. This lets you weigh history, connection to the landscape, and festival tradition as distinct reasons for choosing your destination.

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