Who Was Xu Fu?
A Legendary Explorer Sent in Search of Immortality
Xu Fu, known as Xu Fu in Chinese historical tradition, is said to have lived approximately 2,200 years ago during the Qin dynasty. He was a fangshi, a specialist in ancient Chinese traditions, who is traditionally described as serving Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of Qin.
According to the Chinese historical work Records of the Grand Historian, Xu Fu told the emperor that an elixir of immortality could be found somewhere beyond the eastern sea. He was then ordered to search for this legendary medicine.
Xu Fu is said to have departed with a large fleet accompanied by numerous young people, skilled craftsmen, precious goods, and seeds of important crops. According to Japanese tradition, the expedition eventually reached Kumano, where Xu Fu and his followers settled in the area around present-day Shingu.
Traditions of Xu Fu’s Contributions to Japan
Local legends say that Xu Fu and his followers introduced various technologies and skills from the Asian continent to the people of Kumano. These are traditionally said to have included agriculture, fishing, whaling, shipbuilding, textile production, and papermaking.
Whether viewed as historical fact or as a fascinating legend, the story has remained an important part of Shingu’s cultural identity. Numerous places and traditions connected with Xu Fu can still be found throughout the city, with Xu Fu Park serving as their central memorial site.
A Chinese-Style Gateway in the Heart of Shingu
A Colorful Entrance to an Ancient Legend
The present Xu Fu Park was developed on a large scale in 1994. A stone monument traditionally regarded as Xu Fu’s tomb had existed at the site, and the surrounding area was transformed into a park featuring a Chinese-style gateway and landscaped garden.
The vivid red gateway at the entrance is one of the park’s most recognizable features. Its bright colors and elegant roof immediately create a distinctly Chinese atmosphere.
For international visitors, the park offers a fascinating cultural contrast: a Chinese-inspired architectural landscape stands within a historic Japanese city surrounded by the natural beauty of Kumano. This blend of cultures is one of the unique attractions of Shingu.
Xu Fu’s Tomb and Memorial Monument
A Memorial Dating Back to the Edo Period
At the center of the park stands a stone monument traditionally regarded as Xu Fu’s tomb. The monument was erected in 1736, during Japan’s Edo period, and is said to have been developed under the direction of Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first lord of the Kishu domain.
The inscription on the monument reads “Tomb of Qin Xu Fu”. The characters are traditionally attributed to Li Baixi, a Confucian scholar associated with the Kishu domain.
The tomb is now designated as a cultural property of Shingu City and remains one of the most important physical symbols of the Xu Fu legend in the region.
The Xu Fu Memorial Stele
The park also contains a memorial stele dedicated to Xu Fu. It was erected to preserve the memory of his legendary achievements for future generations.
The monument provides a reminder of the long-standing cultural connections between Kumano and the traditions of ancient China, which continue to influence the identity of Shingu today.
The Legendary Elixir of Immortality
Tendai Uyaku – A Plant Connected with Xu Fu
One plant closely associated with the Xu Fu legend is Tendai Uyaku, an evergreen shrub belonging to the laurel family. It has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant in China.
According to local tradition, Xu Fu discovered Tendai Uyaku after arriving in Kumano and believed that it could be connected with the elixir of immortality he had been searching for.
A Tendai Uyaku plant grows within Xu Fu Park, allowing visitors to see one of the natural elements associated with the ancient legend.
Today, products made using Tendai Uyaku, including tea, soap, and bath products, are available in Shingu. Xu Fu tea is also sold at the park and has become a popular souvenir for visitors exploring the Kumano region.
The Pool of Immortality and the Seven Mounds Monument
The Pool of Immortality
Another feature of the park is a small pond known as the Pool of Immortality. Seven stone pillars stand around the pond and are said to represent seven important followers who accompanied Xu Fu on his journey from China.
Seven colorful carp swim in the pond, adding a peaceful atmosphere to this symbolic part of the park. The quiet setting provides a pleasant place to pause and reflect on the centuries-old story.
The Seven Mounds Monument
The park is also home to the Seven Mounds Monument, which commemorates important followers of Xu Fu. According to local tradition, seven burial mounds once stood nearby in a formation resembling the Big Dipper.
Walking through the park while imagining Xu Fu and his companions crossing the vast sea from ancient China to the distant shores of Kumano adds a strong sense of historical romance and adventure to the experience.
Chinese Costume Experiences and Bicycle Rentals
Fun Ways to Enjoy the Park
Xu Fu Park is more than a place for historical sightseeing. It also offers experiences that make the visit enjoyable for modern travelers.
Visitors can rent Chinese-style costumes at the park shop and take photographs in front of the colorful Chinese-style gateway. The distinctive setting makes it a popular spot for memorable travel photos.
Bicycle rentals are also available, making the park a convenient starting point for exploring Shingu City. Visitors can cycle to nearby historic attractions such as Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, Asuka Shrine, and Shingu Castle Ruins.
Following the Xu Fu Legend Around Kumano
Other Sites Connected with Xu Fu
The story of Xu Fu extends beyond Xu Fu Park. Shingu City contains several other places associated with the legend, including Horaisan Mountain near the mouth of the Kumano River and Asuka Shrine.
Horaisan is traditionally associated with Mount Penglai, the legendary sacred mountain of Chinese mythology. According to local tradition, Xu Fu’s expedition saw the mountain and decided to land in the Kumano area.
At Asuka Shrine, visitors can also find a shrine dedicated to Xu Fu. These locations demonstrate how the Xu Fu legend has become intertwined with the religious traditions and cultural landscape of Kumano.
Festivals Celebrating the Xu Fu Tradition
The legend continues to live on through local festivals and cultural events. Every August, Shingu hosts the Mantō Festival, an event held in memory of Xu Fu.
The Shingu Fireworks Festival is also associated with traditions commemorating Xu Fu. Through these events, the ancient story remains an active part of the city’s cultural heritage rather than simply a tale preserved in historical records.
An Excellent Starting Point for Exploring Kumano
A Convenient Stop Near Shingu Station
With its location only about two minutes from JR Shingu Station, Xu Fu Park is an excellent first stop when exploring the Kumano area.
Visiting the park before setting out to explore the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and the Kumano Sanzan can provide valuable cultural background and help visitors better understand the legends and history that have shaped the region.
Discover the Legend of Xu Fu in Shingu
With its colorful Chinese-style architecture, peaceful garden, historic monuments, and fascinating story of a legendary voyage across the sea, Xu Fu Park offers an unusual meeting point between Japanese and Chinese cultural traditions.
The story of a man who is said to have crossed the sea more than 2,000 years ago in search of immortality gives the park a remarkable sense of historical romance. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Japanese culture, Chinese traditions, or the legends of Kumano, Xu Fu Park offers a memorable experience in the heart of Shingu.
When visiting the Kumano region, take some time to explore this unique park and imagine the ancient journey that, according to legend, brought Xu Fu and his followers from China to the shores of Shingu.