Emperor Go-Daigo
後醍醐天皇
The 96th emperor (1288–1339); leader of the Kenmu Restoration; died in exile at Yoshino
About
Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇, 1288–1339) was the ninety-sixth emperor, famous for leading the Kenmu Restoration (1333–1336) that briefly overthrew the Kamakura shogunate and restored direct imperial rule. When Ashikaga Takauji's revolt ended the Kenmu government, Go-Daigo established the Southern Court at Yoshino in Yamato Province, creating the fifty-year era of the Northern and Southern Courts (Nanbokucho).
He died at Yoshino in 1339, reportedly gazing north toward Kyoto and vowing never to rest until his dynasty's restoration. He is enshrined at Yoshino Jingu (Nara) and other sites associated with his Southern Court. His loyal retainers—Kusunoki Masashige, Nawa Nagatoshi, Kitabatake Akiie—are also venerated at related shrines.
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Yoshino Shrine 吉野神宮 | Nara |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Emperor Go-Daigo in Japanese mythology?
Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇) is The 96th emperor (1288–1339); leader of the Kenmu Restoration; died in exile at Yoshino. This deity appears in Historical and is enshrined at 1 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo?
There are 1 shrines in our database dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, including Yoshino Shrine.
What myths involve Emperor Go-Daigo?
Emperor Go-Daigo appears in myths from Historical. The deity is known as The 96th emperor (1288–1339); leader of the Kenmu Restoration; died in exile at Yoshino.