The Six Coins Offering: Japan’s Toll for the Afterlife
When exploring the profound depths of Japanese history and folklore, few symbols are as evocative as the Rokumonsen (六文銭), or the “Six Coins.” While travelers today may recognize this emblem as the fierce family crest of the legendary Sanada samurai clan, its origins lie in a somber, spiritual necessity. In traditional Japanese funeral rites, these six coins are not merely currency; they are the essential toll required for a soul’s final journey.
Origins of the Tradition
The practice of placing coins with the deceased is a custom that spans various cultures, but in Japan, the specific number six is deeply rooted in Buddhist eschatology. The term Rokumonsen translates literally to “six-mon coins,” referring to the currency used during the Edo period and earlier.
The number six corresponds to the Six Realms of Existence (Rokudo) in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that upon death, a soul reincarnates into one of these realms based on their accumulated karma:
- Jigoku-do: The Realm of Hell
- Gaki-do: The Realm of Hungry Ghosts
- Chiku-sho-do: The Realm of Beasts
- Shura-do: The Realm of Asuras (Demigods/Warriors)
- Jin-do: The Realm of Humans
- Ten-do: The Realm of Heavenly Beings
Originally, the offering was meant as a donation to the Jizo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha), the guardian of souls, asking him to guide the deceased safely through whichever of the six realms they were destined for. Over time, however, folklore simplified this concept into a singular, tangible toll fee required to cross a specific river.
The Legend of the Sanzu River
Central to the concept of the Six Coins is the Sanzu-no-Kawa (River of Three Crossings). Much like the River Styx in Greek mythology, the Sanzu River separates the world of the living (Shigan) from the world of the dead (Higan).
According to legend, the deceased arrive at the riverbank on the seventh day after death. There are three points of crossing, determined by the weight of one’s sins:
- The Bridge: The virtuous cross safely over a bridge adorned with seven treasures.
- The Ford: Those with minor sins wade through a shallow, rocky ford.
- The Deep Waters: The wicked must swim through dragon-infested, treacherous deep waters.
Regardless of the crossing point, a toll was historically required. The standard fee for a ferry or passage was set at six mon. If the soul arrived without the coins, they faced the wrath of Datsue-ba and Kene-o, two terrifying hags who guard the riverbank. If the toll could not be paid, Datsue-ba would strip the soul of their clothes, and Kene-o would hang them on a tree to weigh their sins, forcing them into a much harder journey.
Modern Culture & The Samurai Spirit
In contemporary Japan, the literal placement of metal coins in coffins is often prohibited due to cremation regulations (metal does not burn and can damage the furnace). Instead, funeral homes provide paper printed with images of the six coins, or small wooden replicas, placed inside a pouch known as a zita.
Beyond funerals, the Rokumonsen is immortalized as the Kamon (family crest) of the Sanada clan, most notably the warrior Sanada Yukimura. By emblazoning their armor and banners with the funeral coins, the Sanada warriors signaled to their enemies—and themselves—that they were ready to die at any moment. They carried their toll to the afterlife into every battle, symbolizing a fearlessness that has captivated Japanese history buffs for centuries.
Traveler’s Tips: Where to See Rokumonsen
For travelers interested in the intersection of samurai history and spiritual folklore, the Nagano Prefecture offers the best experiences.
- Ueda Castle (Nagano): This was the stronghold of the Sanada clan. You will see the Rokumonsen symbol everywhere, from the gates to souvenir shops. It is a fantastic spot to understand how a symbol of death became a symbol of unyielding courage.
- Zenko-ji Temple (Nagano): As one of the most important temples in Japan, the iconography of the afterlife, including Jizo statues and depictions of the Sanzu River, can be explored here.
- Mount Osore (Aomori): Known as the entrance to hell in Japanese folklore, this volcanic landscape features the Sanzu River (a physical stream) and statues of Datsue-ba. It is a hauntingly beautiful place to reflect on these legends.
Etiquette Note: If you see Jizo statues wearing red bibs with coins placed near them at temples, look but do not touch. These are offerings for the spirits of children and the deceased.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the Japanese afterlife and mythology, the following texts are essential:
- Ojo Yoshu (The Essentials of Rebirth): Written by the monk Genshin in 985, this text provided the vivid imagery of Buddhist hells and the pure land that influenced the concept of the Sanzu River.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): While the Sanzu River is Buddhist, the Kojiki (dating to 712) describes Yomi-no-kuni, the Shinto land of the dead. Reading this helps contrast the indigenous view of the afterlife with the imported Buddhist tolls.
- Jizo Bosatsu Hongan Kyo: The sutra detailing the vows of Jizo Bosatsu, explaining the theological basis for the six realms and the protection of souls.