See the site of the famed duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, Ganryujima!

In the calm waters of the Kanmon Straights, just off the coast of Shimonoseki, is a small boat-shaped island, formerly known as Funashima, or Boat Island. For over 400 years its name has gone down in history as Ganryujima, named not after the victor, but the vanquished warrior of a duel that took place here in 1612 . A little over 300 meters long, and just over 100 meters wide, the small island with virtually no attractions as such, is world famous as the site of the most celebrated duel of the samurai period, the fight between Sasaki Kojiro , also known as Ganryu, and Miyamoto Musashi.

The Duel

The great duel took place on the morning of April 13, 1612. The two rival swordsmen, Musashi and Kojiro had agreed to meet on the island at 8am, however Musashi failed to arrive until a little after 10.

As he was being rowed to the small island, Musashi is said to have fashioned a wooden sword from an oar, with the intention of fighting with that, instead of a real sword. This is probably a story, as it would have been rare to keep old oars in boats, and because the oar wood would have proven difficult to carve. This would probably have been done a day or two in advance. As his boat approached the beach, Musashi nimbly jumped out into the knee deep water and faced Kojiro.

“You’re late!” snarled Kojiro, drawing his oversized sword and angrily casting the scabbard into the water. “You’ve lost,…” answered Musashi. “What makes you think that?” spat Kojiro moving menacingly forward. “If you were going to win, you’d need your scabbard again later,” answered Musashi calmly striding out of the water and onto the beach, holding his carved oar behind him.

With a roar, Kojiro is said to have made the first move, and in an instant Musashi struck him down. Rumor has it, that as Kojiro slumped to the ground dead, Musashi’s headband fell away, sliced by Kojiro’s near fatal cut. Musashi then bowed to the official witnesses, returned to his boat, and was rowed away.

Again, while the basic premise is correct, there is more of a story created here. There is no proof that Kojiro ever cast away his scabbard, or that his sword ever cut Musashi. In fact, despite there being detailed records to the incident, there is no mention of the two having said much to one another.

See Ganryujima

Ganryujima is accessible by a ten minute ferry from Shimonoseki Harbor. Regular services mean you won’t have to wait long. Give yourself at least an hour to wander the island, see the site of the duel, and the impressive statue depicting the single combat. Bask in the historical ambience, and watch the ships go by….
Apart from the fine statue of the two warriors in battle, there is a sign post and boat shaped marker pointing out the site of the duel, (although this is historically inaccurate, and our Samurai History and Culture specialty guides will show you the actual spot) and a small memorial to Sasaki Kojiro. A large portion of the island, which is larger now than it was at the time of the duel, is now taken over by a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipbuilding facility. Besides that, there really isn’t much to see on Ganryujima. While there are some free for use BBQ and toilet facilities available, there are no shops, or eateries, no souvenir stands, nothing. Nothing but the atmosphere of just being there! And for a fan of the great Miyamoto Musashi, that is more than enough!

Visit Ganryujima, guided by 30 plus year resident of Japan, recognized samurai history and culture researcher, author and broadcaster Chris Glenn . Contact Samurai History & Culture Tours for details and bookings now.