[Difficult to read place names] How do you read it? Zenchidori is not read as "Zenchidorisaki"[Difficult to read place names] How do you read it? Zenchidori is not read as "Zenchidorisaki"

Experiences

Premium Calendar

Learn difficult-to-read place names

2026.2.9

[Difficult to read place names] How do you read them? Zenchidori in Aomori Prefecture is not pronounced "Zenchidorisaki"

Supervised by Premium Japan Editorial Department

Zenchidorizaki is a dangerous cliff located on the border between Asamushi and Kugurizaka in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.






The area around Zenchidorizaki, which bears this name, can be said to be the starting point of Aomori's history. At the end of the 12th century, Okawa Kanenori, who served Fujiwara Yasuhira of Hiraizumi in Oshu, is said to have barricaded himself here and confronted the punitive forces of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the place has been passed down as "Utoumainokakehashi."







The origins of Zenchidori Shrine date back to when Zenchidori Chunagon Yasukata, who ruled this area, enshrined the Three Munakata Goddesses, the children of Amaterasu Omikami. Originating from the name of a seabird, Zenchidori is a name that has been passed down along with the history of the land, with traditions and faith building up throughout the years.









Cape Utousaki

 

 

Zenchidorizaki means "Utosaki"The place name Utou is said to come from the seabird Utou that lived in the sea around this area. The name of this bird, which has been familiar to people since ancient times, has become established as the name of the place.












Learn about difficult-to-read place names in Japan
Difficult to read place names are engraved with the local language, culture, and history of coexistence with nature. Knowing the origin of the name can make the scenery of your travel destination look a little different. That is the mysterious charm of difficult to read place names. Unraveling place names is like tracing the memories of the place. Learning the hidden meaning behind the characters leads to learning the depth of the story the place name tells.

 

 






Experiences

Premium Calendar

Learn difficult-to-read place names

Premium Calendar

not_post_content_not_jascroll top