By ando 
Kato Jinja, enshrined within the grounds of Kumamoto Castle, is affectionately known by locals as “Seishoko-san.” This jinja, with the fierce Sengoku period warlord Kato Kiyomasa-ko as its main kami, is more than just a historical spot; it’s a place rich with numerous legends and intriguing episodes.
Basic Information
Location: 2-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (within Kumamoto Castle)
Main kami: Kato Kiyomasa-ko
Enshrined companion kami: Loyal retainers who died with him (Ōki Kaneyoshi, Kingan)
Divine Blessings: Luck in competitions, academic success, civil engineering and construction, recovery from illness (especially protection from epidemics)
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Legends and Episodes related to the Fierce Warlord Kato Kiyomasa
1. The Unexpected Connection Between “Tiger Hunting” and Protection from Epidemics
When one thinks of Kato Kiyomasa, his “tiger hunting” during the Korean campaigns is famous. In fact, this legend gained unexpected religious significance during the Edo period. The cholera that spread at the time was given the kanji “korori” (虎狼痢), reflecting its terrifying nature. From the wish that “if Kiyomasa-ko could defeat tigers, he must surely defeat cholera too,” his worship as a kami for protection against epidemics spread explosively.
2. The Tragedy of Yokote Goro, the Assassin of Peerless Strength
A legend passed down as a mystery surrounding the construction of Kumamoto Castle is that of Yokote Goro. He was the orphaned son of Kiyama Danjo, whom Kiyomasa had defeated, and infiltrated the construction site as a laborer to avenge his father.
Goro possessed such peerless strength that he could carry a massive stone that usually required several people, suspended from his neck. However, his true identity was discovered, and while digging a well within the castle, he was buried alive by a large amount of gravel poured from above. Within the grounds of Kato Jinja, “Yokote Goro’s Neck-Carrying Stone,” said to have been carried by him, still remains today, exuding a mysterious presence, perhaps due to his lingering resentment, or perhaps as a mark of respect for Kiyomasa-ko.
3. The “Miraculous View” That Endured the Earthquake
Kumamoto Castle suffered extensive damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, but Kato Jinja is known as a prime viewpoint offering close-up views of the castle keep and the important cultural property, Uto Yagura. In particular, the magnificent appearance of Uto Yagura, which escaped collapse, became a symbol of recovery, proving the robustness of the stone walls built by Kiyomasa-ko.
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An Untold Story Known to Few: The Jinja’s “Relocation”
In fact, Kato Jinja was not always in its current location. When it was first established as Kinzan Jinja in Meiji 4 (1871), it was located near the current Kumamoto Prefectural Office or in another area within the castle grounds. Due to the influence of military facilities and road planning, it was finally relocated (senza) to its current “Honmaru” (main bailey) site in 1962 (Showa 37). This current location, where it can watch over the castle Kiyomasa-ko himself built from the closest proximity, might truly have been his “promised land.”
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Anime Pilgrimage Information
Kato Jinja and its surroundings are also unmissable spots for anime fans.
High School Fleet (Haifuri)
In the movie version, the grounds and torii of Kato Jinja are depicted. There are scenes where characters visit to worship, making it a classic spot for fans’ “seichi junrei” (pilgrimage to sacred anime sites).
Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunsou)
Since Mine Yoshizaki, the original author, is a manga artist associated with Kumamoto, life-size figures and manhole covers featuring “Sgt. Frog dressed as Kato Kiyomasa” are installed near Kato Jinja (such as in Ninomaru Square). This figure of Keroro in warlord attire is a rare sight found only here.
Touken Ranbu
As a place associated with “Dotanuki Masakuni,” known as Kato Kiyomasa’s beloved sword, many sword fans visit to pay their respects to Kiyomasa-ko.
Kato Jinja is where the weight of history intersects with modern pop culture. When you visit Kumamoto Castle, why not take some time not only for the castle keep but also for this place where Kiyomasa-ko’s spirit resides, and reflect on his tumultuous life and episodes?
Related Links / References