One of the most memorable scenes in the movie KOKUHO is when Kikuo vows revenge after the death of his father. The filming location, Yoshihara Irie in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a tranquil place surrounded by mountains and water.
The stone steps of the shrine and the area beneath the bridge, which supported the film’s tense scenes, still retain their atmosphere. This article explores the symbolic significance of this location beyond the story, as well as the background during filming.
What is Yoshihara Irie (Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture)?
Yoshihara Irie is a natural inlet area located in the northern part of Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and water, it is locally known as “The Village of Silence.” Scattered with old stone bridges and shrines, the landscape has remained largely untouched by human hands, exuding a sense that time has stood still.
In KOKUHO, this stillness was chosen to reflect the solitude and anger of the protagonist, Kikuo. This site symbolizes the turning point in the young boy’s life as he grows into adulthood after losing his father.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Yoshihara Irie area, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Nearest Station | About 25 minutes by car from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station |
| Main Filming Locations | Minazuki Shrine, riverbank under Irie Bridge |
| Characteristics | A quiet village where nature and faith coexist |
This place is not a tourist destination and retains its original form. Fans say simply visiting allows them to feel immersed in the film’s world.
The Role of Yoshihara Irie in KOKUHO
Yoshihara Irie serves as a symbolic turning point in the story. The scene where Kikuo’s father is killed in a gang conflict, and Kikuo swears revenge, was filmed here.
At Minazuki Shrine, under dappled sunlight, Kikuo gazes at his father’s portrait and murmurs, “I will atone with my own hands.” The scene beneath the bridge, where he clenches his fists, is equally memorable—the flowing river reflects his sorrow and anger.
| Scene | Description |
|---|---|
| Oath at the Shrine | Symbolizes the moment he decides to face his father’s death and take revenge. |
| Monologue under the Bridge | His solitude and resolve are projected onto the tranquil landscape. |
| Walking Along the River | Suggests the beginning of a journey to face his past. |
Highlights of the Filming Scenes
The Oath at Minazuki Shrine
The weathered torii gate and moss-covered stone steps of the shrine mirror the heaviness in Kikuo’s heart. The scene blends the opposing emotions of “prayer” and “revenge,” vividly expressing his internal conflict. As the wind dies down and the shrine bell rings, his silent determination becomes palpable.
Monologue under Irie Bridge
One of the most striking scenes in the film is Kikuo’s silent monologue as he stares into the water. The shadows cast by the bridge and the sound of the flowing river echo the depth of his grief and resolve. The silence speaks more powerfully than words, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
| Element | Visual Style | Emotional Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Emphasizes emotions through natural light and shadow contrasts | Stillness and tension |
| Sound | Only ambient sounds like wind and water | Loneliness and resolve |
| Camera Work | Focused on long shots | Emphasizes human vulnerability and fate |
Why Yoshihara Irie Was Chosen
The production team was reportedly seeking a “place where silence speaks.” After scouting several locations in Kyoto City, they ultimately selected Yoshihara Irie.
| Reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Natural Shadows | Interplay of mountains and water enhances emotional depth through light variations |
| Minimal Noise | An environment with only wind and river sounds is ideal for psychological expression |
| Historical Context | Long believed to be inhabited by gods, adding a sense of fate to the story |
The director described the location as “a mirror reflecting the quiet rage buried deep within.” There was no better stage for portraying human emotions in nature.
Access and Local Highlights
Yoshihara Irie remains quiet and undisturbed due to the low number of visitors. Please be mindful of the shrine grounds and bridge areas when visiting. For filming purposes, it’s essential to obtain permission in advance.
| Access Method | Detail |
|---|---|
| Train + Car | About 25 minutes by taxi from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station |
| Bus | No nearby public bus stops; travel by car is most realistic |
| Parking | Basic parking available near Minazuki Shrine |
| Visiting Hours | Daytime only (night visits are prohibited) |
Nearby, you can find remnants like the old pilgrimage path and ancient well, which didn’t appear in the movie. Exploring these sites allows visitors to experience the “Japanese beauty and tranquility” behind the film.
Pilgrimage Appeal
Among fans of KOKUHO, visiting Yoshihara Irie as a “sacred filming site” has gained popularity. Visitors recall scenes from the movie and quietly pay their respects at the exact locations.
| Season | Feature |
|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry blossoms bathe the inlet in soft light |
| Summer | Reflective water and vibrant green foliage |
| Autumn | Autumn leaves dye the river in mystical tones |
| Winter | Mist recreates the film’s serene atmosphere |
Local teahouses offer “KOKUHO Gozen,” a meal themed after the film, which also serves as a gathering spot for fans. This area has become a space where people share memories from beyond the screen.
Conclusion
Yoshihara Irie serves as the emotional core of KOKUHO, representing the protagonist’s inner struggles. The quiet of Minazuki Shrine, the flow of Irie Bridge’s river, and the shadows of the surrounding mountains support a tale of revenge and prayer.
Visiting this site merges the “silent rage” and “deep sorrow” depicted in the film with the real-life scenery. Though not flashy, it is a sacred place that resonates deeply with the heart.
Yoshihara Irie remains unchanged, continuing to offer visitors a moving experience. In its peaceful setting, you too can relive a scene from the movie.
