Exploring the History of Shakotan Peninsula.

A mythological account of the history of the Japanese islands records that the deities Izanagi and Izanami stood on the floating bridge of heaven and dipped a jeweled spear into the ocean that covered the world below. Sea water dripping from the spear created an island (Honshu) to which the gods descended and made love, the offspring of this union became the other major islands.
The geological account is somewhat less romantic, although just as interesting, it is generally surmised that the islands at one time formed a mountain range on the eastern edge of the Asian continent. Up-thrusting of the mountains and subsidence in the Sea of Japan separated this range, creating the individual islands as recently as about 20,000 years ago.
What better way to explore some of the interesting, complex and unique factors that have shaped both the geological formation of Hokkaido and the evolution of it`s people, than to visit Shakotan`s history.
It is appropriate to begin your journey to the Shakotan Peninsula from the historic port city of Otaru. This city was once the economic centre of Hokkaido, principally from the 18th to the early 20th century. It`s wealth derived primarily from the thriving herring fishing industry that existed at the time.
As we follow the scenic National Highway 229 (locally known as the ``The Soran Line Forked Road``) carved around the spectacular coast of the Shakotan Peninsula, some remains of this once thriving industry may still be seen.
Many historic legends and anecdotes form part of the local folklore of Shakotan Peninsula`s settlement, these are recalled in festivals and songs such as the ``Soran Melody``, a much celebrated Hokkaido lyric.

Shakotan Peninsula – the first Golden Era.

The settlement of Japanese people in Hokkaido began during the early Edo Period (1600 – 1868). Exclusive rights to trade with the native Ainu peoples was granted to the Matsumae Clan by the ruling Tokugawa Clan. (Who controlled the government in Japan during this period). However many financial problems beset their trading businesses.
Locally established residents could see the opportunities offered to them in the fabulously rich fishing grounds that existed in the coastal waters of Hokkaido. Many Samuri, forced to retire from their trade as warriors (due to the long period of internal peace that existed in Japan at the time) moved to Hokkaido with their families to establish new lives.
It was primarily these families who became Hokkaido`s new pioneers, farming the land and developing a huge fishing industry that soon extended around the coastal regions of southern Hokkaido.

By the end of the Edo period (Bakumatsu Era) fishermen were utilizing large nets which facilitated the harvesting of huge numbers of the then abundant herring. Due to the wealth heralded by the herring trade, the population of Shakotan expanded, and the fishing fleet of Shakotan rivalled other larger centres such as Otaru. For many years the principal trade routes remained by sea, the roads having to follow torturous paths over the mountains. With the arrival of the Taisho Era (1912 – 1926) the construction of a proper road network, with many tunnels, finally provided the Shakotan Peninsula convenient access to the outside world.
At the outset of the early Taisho Era the numbers of herring were in serious decline, overfishing had bought about this dramatic change, and with this a corresponding decrease in the population of Shakotan. For many years the economy of the Shakotan Peninsula suffered from this decline.
It was in the 1950`s that an environmentally conscious population saw the creation of the Otaru Region National Park (in Niseko and Shakotan) and later the all important Shakotan Peninsula Marine Park.

The New Golden Era.

Thus began a new Golden Age for Shakotan Peninsula, one based on the natural and historic beauties of the region.
This natural wealth of the Shakotan Peninsula forms part of the consciousness of the people of Hokkaido and it has fast become one of the most popular of tourist destinations.
Recently Shakotan Peninsula`s Kamui Cape was recognized as a Hokkaido Historic Site, a special classification that shall ensure its preservation for future generations.
Come and experience this special place, Shakotan Peninsula has something to offer everyone.

THE LEGENDS OF SHAKOTAN
Legend of TakaraJima (Island).

Local legend has it that the chief of the area`s Ainu people objected to his daughters relationship with a servant, and to keep the young couple apart had them both locked up.
At the same time, a giant serpent suddenly appeared in the sea, seriously disrupting the fishing for herring. The chief, being concerned that continued disruption to the fishing would cause food shortages in the coming winter, proposed his daughters hand in marriage to whoever could defeat the monster. Many brave men stepped forward to attempt to win the beautiful bride, however so powerful was the serpent that all died in the ensuing battles. The chief was so worried by this turn of events that he agreed to allow his daughter`s lover his freedom to fight the monster. The young servant had received a sword and helmet from a goddess who came to him in a dream, and with these powerful weapons he managed to defeat the giant serpent. The chief`s daughter, thinking that her lover stood no chance in the ensuing fight, had jumped into the sea in despair. On returning victorious the young man saw what had happened, and followed his beloved, jumping to his death in the sea.
The next morning, rocks with the shape of a helmet and sword appeared, and for every year after the event, large schools of herring reappeared off the coast. The rock resembling the helmet was then given the name of Treasure Island, and the rock resembling the sword, Standing Rock.

Legend of Jorouko Rock.

This sad legend of lost love concerns the formation of the lone sentinel Jorouko Rock.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune was escaping to the north of Hokkaido to avoid determined pursuers. As he reached the place now known as Iraka Town, he met and fell in love with the chief`s daughter Shirara. With the approach of his pursuers Yoshitsune was forced to flee further north. On a moonlight night he departed with his servants by boat, leaving Shirara alone on the beach. In despair for her lost lover she jumped into the sea. Legend has it that her body was changed into the form of Jorouko Rock.

Legend of Kamui Rock.

Kamui Rock, which stands in the sea off Kamui Cape is the subject of this legend. It is said that Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who had cleverly escaped his pursuers, arrived to shelter under the protection of the local chief Hidaka. The chief`s daughter Charenka secretly admired Yoshitsune.
Yoshitsune on leaving the area to travel further north, was followed by Charenka as far as Kamui Cape. On her arrival, she found that Yoshitsune`s party had already set sail, and no matter how hard she shouted her voice could not be heard above the wind. Saddened by this and overcome with jealousy, Charenka madly shouted a curse, ``any ship which tries to pass this place with a woman on board will sink``; and then she jumped into the sea.
It is said that her body was transformed into Kamui Rock, and that any ship, which has women on board, will sink if it tries to sail past. Because of the legend, Kamui Rock in early times became a place which prohibited the presence of women.