The roots of orange, Emperor Suinin's grave

I  went to Emperor Suinin’s grave called Houraiyama mound in Nara city.

 

Suinin was the 11 ^th emperor of Japan.

It is said that he had been emperor from 29 BC to 70 AD.

 

 

 

There is a small island floating in the moat surrounding.

This is his servant, Tajimamori’s grave.

 

I’ll tell you the story why the emperor’s servant’s grave is next to his.

 

Emperor Suinin heard that there were fruits of immortality (it’s orange as we know it today) in another country called Toyonokuni. And he ordered Tajimamori to find the fruits and bring them back to Japan.
 

Even though they didn’t know where was the exact location of Toyonokuni at that time, Tajimamori left Japan on behalf of the emperor.

Although there were lots of difficulties, finally Tajimamori found the fruits. When he came back to Japan, 10 years had elapsed and the emperor already had passed away.

Tajimamori felt very sorry that he couldn’t give the fruits to the emperor.He was very sad and died soon after.

 

Then Tajimamori was laid to rest beside Emperor Suinin’s grave. And also the fruits that Tajimamori brought back were planted in Suinin’s grave.

 

That’s why this place has been worshiped as the roots of orange and lots of orange farmers all over Japan visit here to pray for a full harvest.

 

Speaking of orange, everyone must imagine Wakayama, Ehime and Shizuoka. But now you know the roots of orange is in Nara.

 

FYI, there is nice cycling road along Akishino river near

this grave. This road leads to world heritage Toshodaiji temple and Yakushiji temple. I hope you enjoy cylcing and many historical places around here.

*Address
Amagatsuji Nishi Nara city, Nara Pref. 630-8023, Japan

*Access
Get off Amagatsuji station(Kintetsu Kashihara Line)
and walk aprox. 10 mins.