Graves of Murasaki Shikibu and Ono-no Takamura is located in the former precincts of Unrin-in Temple. Today, Unrin-in is only a small hall and is one of the sub-temples of Daitokuji Temple. But it was a large and important temple in the Heian period.
There are records that Murasaki Shikibu lived in Unrin-in, so it is not surprising that her tomb is located in the former Unrin-in site.
Ono-no Takamura, on the other hand, was a bureaucrat and poet of the early 9th century Heian period. He is said to have served the imperial court by day and descended to hell by night to help King Enma judge the dead. The entrance and exit to hell is believed to be Rokudo-Chinnoji Temple near Kenninji Temple.
Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, was active in the early 11th century. Therefore, these two people, whose tombs are side by side, never met during their lifetime.
So why the graves of Murasaki Shikibu and Ono-no Takamura lie side by side?
No one knows the reason. But a record from around the 14th century mentions two tombs side by side. The general consensus is written here.
Nearby spots from the graves of Murasaki Shikibu and Ono-no Takamura
Unrin-in Temple, now a very small temple, exists nearby.
The Daitokuji Temple is located on the opposite side of the road from Unrin-in temple.