About Komachi-do

Komachi-do is a historic temple located in the Ono district of Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, and is said to be the birthplace of Ono no Komachi, one of the three most beautiful women in Japan. Ono no Komachi was a poetess of the Heian period, known for her beauty and talent, and her waka poems are included in the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems). Komachi-do is a sightseeing spot visited by many people as a place to remember the life and legend of Ono no Komachi.

The main attraction of Komachi-do is its historical background and quiet atmosphere. The temple grounds are alive with numerous legends about Ono no Komachi, and there are shrines and monuments built on the site where Ono no Komachi is said to have spent her childhood. In particular, the spring water called “Komachi Shimizu” is said to be the pure water that she used to maintain her youth and beauty, and visitors still come here to drink it. The spring water is reputed to be cool and tasty, and many visitors come to pray for health and beauty by drinking it.

Komachi-do also hosts the “Komachi Festival” every June. At this festival, local people celebrate the beauty and wit of Ono no Komachi, with a variety of programs including poetry readings, stage plays, and sales of local specialties. One of the highlights for visitors is the performance by the women chosen as “Komachi-musume,” who wear traditional costumes and symbolize beauty and propriety. Through this festival, visitors can rediscover the charm of Ono Komachi and experience the local culture.

Furthermore, the area surrounding Komachi-do is rich in nature, offering beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in fall, the grounds are decorated with autumn leaves. This natural environment, which presents a different face each time one visits, is a pleasant and healing place for worshippers. In addition, there are historical buildings and old streets in the vicinity of Komachi-do, and a walk around the area will give visitors a deeper sense of the history and culture of the area.

Komachi-do is a place where one can not only experience the legend and beauty of Ono no Komachi, but also heal one's soul with its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. For history buffs and literature lovers, this tourist destination also offers a rare opportunity to experience the culture of the Heian period. Visitors will be reminded of Ono no Komachi's charms here and feel as if they have stepped back in time to her era.