Bentenjima is a scenic spot extending into the Sea of Japan in the Nezugaseki district of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. According to local tradition, Minamoto no Yoshitsune landed here while fleeing north toward Oshu after coming into conflict with his older brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo.
The site is therefore associated with Yoshitsune and his famous companion, Musashibo Benkei. Bentenjima was once said to have been a small offshore island that became connected to the mainland only at low tide. Today, it is connected to the mainland by a road and is easily accessible.
At the tip of the cape stands the Nezugaseki Lighthouse, surrounded by small shrines dedicated to Itsukushima Shrine and Konpira-sama. A walking trail leads around the cape, offering expansive views of the Sea of Japan. In the evening, the area is particularly beautiful as the sun sets over the sea.
Bentenjima is traditionally regarded as one of the places where Minamoto no Yoshitsune landed during his escape toward Oshu.
After becoming a fugitive following his conflict with his brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Yoshitsune is said to have traveled north with his followers, including the legendary warrior monk Musashibo Benkei.
Stories connected with their journey have been passed down in the Nezugaseki area, and Bentenjima is still known as a place associated with Yoshitsune and Benkei.
For visitors interested in Japan’s medieval history and legendary figures, the site provides an opportunity to connect the surrounding landscape with these traditional stories. Looking out across the sea while imagining the travelers who are said to have passed through this area is one of the unique experiences Bentenjima offers.
At the cape are Itsukushima Shrine and a small shrine dedicated to Konpira-sama. These places of worship reflect the close relationship between the people of Nezugaseki and the sea.
From the shrine area, the walking trail gradually opens onto broad views of the Sea of Japan. The sound of the waves and the expansive horizon create a peaceful coastal atmosphere where visitors can enjoy both the area’s history and its natural beauty.
A walking trail approximately 15 minutes long circles Bentenjima. The trail leads to the tip of the cape where the lighthouse stands, making it possible to enjoy the coastal scenery even during a relatively short visit.
The scenery changes as you move around the island, offering different views of the Sea of Japan. On clear days, the vast horizon stretching toward the distance is particularly impressive.
Because the trail allows visitors to experience the sea at close range, Bentenjima is also a convenient stop when exploring the Nezugaseki area.
The Nezugaseki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Bentenjima and is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. It was established on April 1, 1925, and is now a navigation aid managed by the Sakata Coast Guard Office.
Located on the Sea of Japan coast near the border between Yamagata and Niigata prefectures, the lighthouse has long been associated with Nezugaseki, a fishing town known for its rich maritime traditions.
The contrast between the bright white lighthouse, vermilion torii gate, and blue waters of the Sea of Japan creates one of Bentenjima’s most distinctive coastal scenes.
Bentenjima is also known as a place where visitors can enjoy sunsets over the Sea of Japan. From around the lighthouse, the setting sun gradually sinks toward the horizon, casting warm colors across the surface of the sea and creating a tranquil atmosphere.
The area is also popular with anglers, and around sunset the lighthouse and sea form an especially picturesque combination.
On August 29, 2016, Nezugaseki Lighthouse was recognized as a “Lighthouse for Lovers” as part of the “Lighthouse for Lovers Project,” jointly organized by the Japan Romanticist Association and the Nippon Foundation.
The designation reflects the romantic coastal scenery, especially the views of the Sea of Japan and the beauty of the sunset. The area is enjoyed by couples as well as families and other visitors.
Although Bentenjima is now connected to the mainland by a road, it was traditionally said to have once been a small island that became connected to land only at low tide.
Today, a paved two-lane road and a wide pedestrian walkway provide easy access by car or on foot. A walking trail also runs around the island, allowing visitors to take their time enjoying the surrounding coastal scenery.
A visit to Bentenjima can easily be combined with an exploration of Nezugaseki’s local seafood. Along the street in front of Itsukushima Shrine are souvenir shops offering fresh fish and processed seafood products made from catches landed at Nezugaseki Port.
This street is known as “Hanasaki-michi,” a name inspired by its location. When the shape of Yamagata Prefecture is imagined as a human face, this area corresponds roughly to the “nose.”
Events are held along Hanasaki-michi on the first Sunday of every month. Local residents and visitors gather to enjoy Nezugaseki’s seafood and discover the atmosphere and character of this traditional port town.
Bentenjima in Nezugaseki offers an appealing combination of the traditional legends of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Musashibo Benkei with the dramatic natural scenery of the Sea of Japan.
The white Nezugaseki Lighthouse, vermilion torii gate, blue sea, and spectacular sunsets create a landscape that changes throughout the day and across the seasons.
Visitors can stroll along the coastal trail, enjoy views from around the lighthouse, learn about the area’s historical traditions, and sample local seafood along Hanasaki-michi. Together, these experiences make Bentenjima a memorable place to discover the history, nature, and maritime culture of Nezugaseki.