The tombstone of Yūgao -- The Tale of Genji: Famous Places and Historic Sites in Kyoto
Yūgao is a popular heroine in "The Tale of Genji". Possessing an aura of beauty, gentleness, and fragility, she embodies a type that holds a special appeal for the Japanese people. She helps shape the "Genji universe" alongside other key figures—such as the primary heroine Murasaki, the passionate Oborozukiyo, the humble Akashi, and the domestic Hanachirusato.
A tombstone said to be Yūgao's exists in modern-day Kyoto. Because it is located in the garden of a private residence, it is not open to the public. However, there is a small memorial monument in front of the house. If you are visiting Kyoto, why not stop by and take a look?
Discerning readers have likely already realized the issue: "The Tale of Genji is a work of fiction written by Murasaki Shikibu a thousand years ago. So, how can a grave for Yugao exist in the real Kyoto?"
Of course, this is not a genuine grave; Yūgao was not actually buried here. This monument was erected by fans of "The Tale of Genji". Moreover, it is not a recent creation; it dates back more than four hundred years. Since it appears in a Kyoto guidebook published in 1780, it is likely that many fans visited the site even back then.
Kitamura Kigin(北村季吟), a scholar of "The Tale of Genji" who lived during that era, mentioned this grave in a 1686 essay—and expressed his bewilderment at its existence.
Since the fifty-four chapters of "The Tale of Genji" are fiction, there is no reason for Yūgao’s house or grave to exist in reality.
His point is entirely valid. It reminds me of "Don Quixote". For people in the seventeenth century to try to bring a fictional story from the eleventh century into reality seems like a ludicrous act of madness.
Yet, I also believe it is true that the people who built the grave—and those who visited it—loved "The Tale of Genji". Yūgao’s tombstone is not proof of a historical fact; it is proof of love for the work itself.
They say that the house and tombstone of Juliet are to be found in Verona. It seems the Japanese aren't the only ones prone to such obsessions. I hope you’ll pay a visit to the tombstone of Yugao as well.