A Noble Lineage Tied to Takeda Shingen’s Legendary Four Generals

The Higashibaba family proudly traces its roots to Baba Minonokami Nobuharu, one of Takeda Shingen’s famed “Four Generals” and a key pillar of the legendary warlord’s legacy.

As oshi (hereditary priests who guide and host pilgrims) and tononoshi (harmony guides who help bring balance to mind and body), this remarkable lineage has flourished for over 400 years, serving as a cherished custodian of Japan’s history and culture and seamlessly bridging the past and present.

Today, the roles of oshi and tononoshi are carried out by the 14th- and 15th-generation couples, while three young 16th-generation successors continue to grow healthily into their heritage.

Timeless History and Value in a Cultural Treasure

Located 816 meters above sea level on Mt. Mitake in Tokyo, the Higashibaba residence was completed on June 16, 1866. Remarkably preserved in its original form, this historically significant structure is designated as a tangible cultural property of Tokyo under the name “Oshi House of the Baba Family.”

Passing through its gates feels like embarking on a journey through time, transporting visitors instantly to the late Edo period. The aged beams and pillars speak of the weight of centuries, while the creaking floorboards whisper echoes of lives once lived. The air here resonates with the distant rhythm of shrine drums and the rustling of wind through the trees, offering a tranquil charm that washes away the noise of daily life and soothes the soul.

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