Noma Daibo (Omidomiya Temple) — Minamoto no Yoshitomo Memorial Site

The temple's history begins with its founding as 'Amida-ji' during the reign of Emperor Tenmu (673–686). It is also said that the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) performed one thousand rounds of goma fire rituals here. In the Shōryaku era (1077–1081), it was renamed 'Ōmidō-ji' as a chokuganji (a temple built for imperial prayer) for Emperor Shirakawa. In Heiji 1 (1159), after being defeated in the Heiji Rebellion, Minamoto no Yoshitomo took shelter at the estate of Nagata Tadamune (near present-day Noma) but was treacherously killed during a bath arranged at the New Year — supposedly crying out at the end, 'If only I had a single wooden sword.' Yoshitomo's grave fell into neglect, but Taira no Yasuyori — who also appears in the Tale of the Heike — built a small hall and donated thirty chō of rice fields during his time as governor of Owari Province. In Kenkyū 1 (1190), Yoritomo visited his father's grave while traveling to the capital and, grateful for its preservation, built out the temple's seven-hall complex. The temple subsequently received the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Noma Daibo Official 'About Noma Daibo', Wikipedia 'Noma Daibo'.

The practice of offering wooden swords is a quintessential example of Japanese votive culture as 'proxy expression of resentment.' The act of offering a symbolic weapon — empathizing with a warrior who died unarmed — and thus 'lending assistance to Yoshitomo' continues to this day. This votive custom can be interpreted not simply as 'making an offering' but as a form of folk belief that makes visible the mourning for and empathy with a historical loser. Adjacent to Yoshitomo's grave stand the memorial pagoda of his retainer Kamata Masakiyo and his wife, the pagoda of Taira no Yasuyori who tended the grave, and the grave of Oda Nobutaka who took his own life here after his defeat by Toyotomi Hideyoshi — a site forming a unique 'sacred place of the defeated' where multiple historical losers are gathered.

The Mihama Town Tourism Association actively presents Noma Daibo as the most important tourism asset of Mihama Town. January 3 — designated as the anniversary of Yoshitomo's death (as observed by the temple) — is marked by a Buddhist memorial service, attended by local residents and visitors. The main hall offers an 'etoki' (illustrated explanation of Yoshitomo's final moments), available by prior reservation for a fee. Aichi Now 'Noma Daibo (Ōmidō-ji)', Mihama Town Tourism Association 'Noma Daibo'.

January 3 (the anniversary of Yoshitomo's death, with a memorial service) or, for a quiet visit, a weekday morning. The precinct brightens with plum and cherry blossoms in season.

The countless wooden swords piled before Yoshitomo's grave are the primary subject. A vertical composition with the grave marker at center and the wooden swords in the foreground and surrounding area is recommended. The 'Blood Pond' is a small body of water; pair it with the surrounding greenery. A ¥500 fee is required to enter the main hall; confirm at reception.

The precinct can be entered freely at any hour, but the main hall requires a ¥500 entrance fee. During the New Year period (December 25 – 31), the temple operates by reservation only. Parking is free (approx. 300 spaces, including bus parking). Approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the Mihama or Minami-chita IC on the Minami-chita Expressway.