Hakusan Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto which previously housed the "Holy Sword" Sakabatō Shinuchi. Shortly before his death, Arai Shakkū crafted the holy sword for Hakusan Shrine, where it was displayed undisturbed for roughly ten years. However, in the Summer of 1878, "Sword Hunter" Sawagejō Chō sought to steal the blade for his own collection, taking Shakkū's grandson Iori as a hostage. Chō was stopped by Himura Kenshin, who battled against the Sword Hunter in the shrine's yard before being granted the use of the sword by Shakkū's son, Seikū. Though the shrine's yard was lightly damaged by the fierce duel, the shrine itself was not harmed.