Yukinogosho Park

Yukigosho Park is a small triangular park in Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, located near where the Ishii River and Tenno-dani River meet. “Yukigosho” refers to a residence of Taira no Kiyomori in Fukuhara and is also called Yukino-gosho or Yukimi-gosho. It is believed that the Yukigosho once stood around this area. Note that a stone monument reading “Former Site of Yukimi-gosho” stands not inside the park, but on the former schoolyard of Minatoyama Elementary School. Access to Yukigosho Park is about a 12-minute walk from Kobe Electric Railway Minatogawa Station or Kobe Municipal Subway Minatogawa Park Station. In 1168 (Ninan 3), after resigning as Chancellor of the Realm and taking Buddhist vows, Taira no Kiyomori began living in Fukuhara as his base, and it is said that the Yukigosho was built at that time. In 1180 (Jisho 4), he forced the relocation of the capital to Fukuhara, but after only about half a year, the court returned to Kyoto. Later, Fukuhara was reportedly burned to the ground by Kiso Yoshinaka. Spending a quiet moment in the park while reflecting on this long history can be a meaningful experience. The park is also praised for its beautiful cherry blossoms.