Writer of this article Junpei Takeya (sole trader )

Have you heard of the term 'mito kyo'?

Mito Kyo is defined as "a boat watchtower near the mouth of a river, manned by mito kyo boats and boatmen who, in addition to pilotage, measured the depth of waterways, towed boats, supplied water, dredged and even rescued ships in distress from marine accidents." (Based on research in Marine News Aikaze No. 194, published by the Ninth Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, Marine Advisory Office).

I see.

In other words, the term refers to people who comprehensively fulfilled the roles of 'pilot', 'harbour master' and 'coast guard'. It's kind of cool..!

To begin with, the word 'mito' itself originally referred to a waterway or harbour through which ships passed.

According to Kojien,

'Mizuido means (i) the entrance and exit of seawater. Also, a place where a large river enters the sea. ii) Weir, suimon."

It says. I didn't know that. I was only aware that it was the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture (laughs).

He said that the name "Mito Kyo", which gives this information, is a very rare name in the country.

I heard that its birthplace is in Niigata, so I researched and went there.

One of these was apparently the Hiyoriyama Sumiyoshi Shrine.

And while we're at it, let's look up 'Hiyoriyama'.

Hiyori-yama [Hiyoriyama] The name of a mountain from which boatmen predicted the sky conditions at sea because of its good vantage point. There are many of them throughout Japan" (Kojien).

Oh. It's really starting to 'look' like that (laughs).

Hiyoriyama Observatory, which can be seen when driving along the coastline. The birthplace of Mito Kyo is located near there.

Niwakayama Observatory.

There was a cycle path right next to the observatory. They say it leads to the Minato Tunnel.

Just beside it, walking downhill towards the residential area... there it was!

A monument "Cradle of Niigata Port Pilotage Mito Kyo" stands perfectly on the hillside.

Mmm... how easy to understand! There is no way to make a mistake.

Kanji is amazing! LOL!

This is the entrance to the shrine.

The shrine is located immediately after the stairs.

It is said to have been built by the Nitaro Ito family, who had served the Mito Kyōkai for generations.

We asked a neighbour (a nice old gentleman), who we assume is on a walk, about this, and it appears that it is usually closed.

It is held during the Hiyoriyama Sumiyoshi Festival in summer and is said to be very busy.

"Square Cornerstone".

It has been much chipped away, but I wonder if the direction was indicated by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac: "Child, Ox, Tiger...". You can feel the history.

Oh, it's firmly written in the instructions.

On the way back, I took the opportunity to go up to the observatory and take some photos.

It is almost entirely buried in residential areas, but it is barely visible (centre of photo).

[Subjective impression].

My impression of the view from the top was honest: "I don't think you can see much of the harbour, even if you subtract the residential areas around it...". The harbour is far away.

That is also true. I found out later that "the topography of the mouth of the Shinano River has become more distant over time". I see. It is not possible to look at things with only the modern measuring stick.

Yes. The Port of Niigata at the time when Mito Kyo was active was a prosperous port of call for Kitamae ships. Later, it was opened as one of the five ports opened at the end of the Edo period, but it was not a good port at the time and was struggling to be improved. The Port of Niigata then became the fate of the Shogunate's side in the Hokuetsu War...

We have been witnessing such a historical trend for nearly 200 years, until the beginning of the Showa period.

Today it is part of a very quiet residential area, but it was a bit of fun for me as a history buff to think about how this place has watched over the safety and history of that port all these years...

I also realised that place names, if properly researched, still have their origins.

Spotlight.

Niwakayama Sumiyoshi Shrine

• Address: 13, Higashiboridori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.