Sakata Kintoki: The Legend of Japan’s Golden Boy Kintaro
If you have ever visited Japan around early May, you may have noticed distinct dolls displayed in homes and shops: a plump, healthy boy wearing a red bib, often holding a massive axe or wrestling a bear. This is Kintaro, the “Golden Boy,” a folk hero who symbolizes courage and strength.
However, Kintaro is not merely a fairy tale character. He is widely believed to be based on a real historical figure named Sakata Kintoki, a samurai from the Heian period who served one of Japan’s most famous warlords. For cultural travelers, understanding the bridge between the supernatural Golden Boy and the historical warrior adds a fascinating layer to exploring the Hakone and Ashigara regions.
The Origins: From Mountain Wildling to Samurai
Sakata Kintoki is thought to have lived during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Unlike the ancient gods described in the Kojiki, Kintoki belongs to the Heian period, an era of courtly elegance and rising warrior classes.
Historical consensus suggests he was a retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu (also known as Raiko), a legendary regent famous for slaying demons. Kintoki served as one of Yorimitsu’s Shitenno (Four Guardian Kings), a group of elite warriors renowned for their martial prowess. While records of his specific military exploits are sparse and often intertwined with folklore, his reputation as a warrior of Herculean strength was well-established enough to survive a millennium of storytelling.
The Legend of Kintaro
Before he was the samurai Sakata Kintoki, he was Kintaro. The folklore surrounding his childhood is far more famous than his adult life.
Raised by a Witch
According to the most popular versions of the legend, Kintaro was raised on Mount Ashigara (near modern-day Hakone). His mother was said to be a Yama-uba, a mountain witch or hag, though some stories depict her as a noblewoman fleeing court conflict.
Friends with Nature
Isolated from human civilization, Kintaro did not have normal playmates. Instead, he befriended the animals of the mountain. Legends depict him communicating with birds and beasts, riding deer, and engaging in Sumo wrestling matches with bears—matches he invariably won. He is almost always depicted carrying a masakari (a giant battle axe), which he wielded with ease despite his toddler-like appearance.
Discovery by Yorimitsu
The myth and history converge when Minamoto no Yorimitsu passes Mount Ashigara. Witnessing the boy’s impossible strength—often depicted as Kintaro chopping down a massive tree to build a bridge or shattering a rock—Yorimitsu recruited him. The wild boy was civilized, given the name Sakata Kintoki, and taken to Kyoto to train as a samurai.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
Today, Sakata Kintoki is a ubiquitous figure in Japanese pop culture and tradition.
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)
On May 5th, Japanese families display Kintaro dolls to pray that their sons grow up to be as strong, kind, and healthy as the Golden Boy. He represents the ideal innocent vigor.
Anime and Manga
The character has seen countless reimagining in modern media. He is the direct inspiration for the protagonist Sakata Gintoki in the hit series Gintama, and he appears as a powerful “Servant” (Golden Rider/Berserker) in the Fate franchise. In One Piece, the character Sentomaru bears a striking resemblance to the traditional Kintaro design.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking in Kintoki’s Footsteps
If you want to explore the land of the Golden Boy, head to the Hakone and Minami-Ashigara area in Kanagawa Prefecture, just a short trip from Tokyo.
1. Kintoki Shrine (Kintoki-jinja)
Located at the base of Mount Kintoki in Hakone, this shrine is dedicated to the hero. It is a popular spot for hikers and those praying for the health of children. You can see a large battle axe statue here, a perfect photo opportunity.
2. Hiking Mount Kintoki
For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking to the summit of Mt. Kintoki (1,212 meters) offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The trail is relatively beginner-friendly and takes about 3 hours round-trip. Along the path, you will find the “Yadori-ishi,” a massive split rock where Kintaro and his mother supposedly took shelter.
3. Kintaro-ame Candy
Look for traditional Kintaro-ame sweets. These are cylindrical candies formed in a way that, no matter where you slice the stick, Kintaro’s face appears in the cross-section. It is a classic souvenir representing the idea that Kintaro is the same (honest and strong) all the way through.
Sources & Further Reading
While Sakata Kintoki lived after the compilation of Japan’s creation myths, those interested in the transition from mythology to warrior folklore should consult:
- Konjaku Monogatarishu (Anthology of Tales from the Past): A Heian-period collection that contains early anecdotes of Minamoto no Yorimitsu and his retainers.
- Otogizoshi: A collection of Muromachi-period narratives where the specific