The Heike refugee legend
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The Heike refugee legend

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A legendary site of the Heike clan's flight from defeat, where members of the Heike family are said to have hidden themselves along with the young Emperor Antoku's sister, Princess Chitsuru, in the massive rocks of this valley.

Since ancient times, this valley has been called "Heike Valley," and the massive rock located beyond the bridge in front of the waterfall is known as "Heike Rock" — named after a legend that a fleeing member of the Heike clan hid and lived there.

In 1185, the Heike clan was defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-Ura and perished. Emperor Antoku, who was only eight years old, is said to have drowned himself in the sea.

However, Emperor Antoku had a younger sister, Princess Chizuru, three years his junior, and legend tells that she fled into hiding at Heike Rock along with her family's retainers.

Afterwards, Princess Chizuru was raised by the Yamaga clan, who ruled what is now Ashiya Town in Onga District, Fukuoka Prefecture, and married their eldest son.

After her marriage, she became known as Princess Senjutsu or Princess Koubai, and it is said that she spent her entire life in this region, beloved by the people for her beauty and grace.

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