Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with FacebookLatest Tokyo hotel reviews
Sengakuji Temple was originally built as one of the main temples of Edo, but over time has become known as the temple of the 47 Ronin. The current hondo dates back to the 1950s, as the original was destroyed in WWII. The Ronin are famous for avenging the death of their leader (Asano), which they believed was unjust and undignified. They killed the man responsible (Kira) and brought his head here, washed it in the well which is still here today, before presenting it to the grave of their lord to complete their mission.
The men, with the exception of one who was sent off as a messenger, were sentenced to seppuku and the graveyard here contains their graves, which are also the original graves from 300 years ago.
The Ako Gishi Memorial Hall contains artifacts related to the Ronin and the temple along with showing videos that tell the story of the Ronin. The temple grounds are free however, the Memorial Hall costs 500 yen to enter (and includes entrance to the adjacent building). If you have a genuine interest in the history, it's worth it to enter the hall. The videos have English versions, so you can learn a lot by watching them.
Written Apr 12, 2012
Address: 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku
Phone: 033-441-5560
Website: http://www.sengakuji.or.jp/
Helpfulness
Sengakuji is a small temple in Minato-ku, Tokyo, famous for its graveyard where the "47 Ronin" (also known as Akoroshi, the "masterless samurai from Ako") are buried.
The story of the 47 loyal ronin remains one of the most popular historical stories in Japan, and many people visit the temple in order to pay respect to the Akoroshi by burning incense sticks (senko) in the graveyard.
A small museum commemorating the 47 ronin can also be found at Sengakuji.
December 14 is the anniversary of the 47 ronin's avenge. A festival is held annually at Sengakuji to commemorate the event, attracting thousands of visitors.
Updated Aug 10, 2009
Address: 2 Takanawa, Minato-ku
Phone: 03-3441-5560
Website: http://www.sengakuji.or.jp/
Helpfulness
Sengakuji is a small temple in Minatu-ku which is of major importance. It is the final resting place of the 47 Ronin (masterless Samurai. The story of the 47 Ronin is an essential part of understanding the Samurai Culture in Japan. I will let you google that story for yourself. But the story aside, the temple is one of those places most western tourists miss, but is one that should not be.
The smoke from the incense which is constantly being burned in honor of the 47 Ronin fills the air at any given time, and a major festival is held on December 14th in honor of their revenge.
Besides the graves of the 47 Ronin, there is a temple there, which I believe is better than the temple at Asakusa. It is more revered by the Japanese too, at least to appearances.
Written May 22, 2004
1 - 3 of 3
Sponsored Links
Park Hyatt Tokyo Tokyo
7 Reviews and 328 Opinions Most memorable
Grand Hyatt Tokyo Tokyo
4 Reviews and 229 Opinions This is a Grand Hyatt and while conventionally 'dependable' for a certain level of service, this...
Imperial Hotel Tokyo Tokyo
10 Reviews and 172 Opinions Can't honestly recommend this hotel to penny-pinchers as it can be very costly indeed, but quality...
2 Takanawa, Minato-ku
Sengaku-ji Temple tips and photos posted by real travelers and Tokyo locals.
Write a ReviewSengakuji is a small temple in Minatu-ku which is of major importance. It is the final resting place of the 47 Ronin (masterless Samurai. The story of the 47...
749 members live in Tokyo
Q: Im quite confused on whether to get a 7 day JR pass or not. I'll be in Japan for 5 days 4 nights. 3 nights in Tokyo and 1...
A: The JR pass only covers JR trains (including commuter trains in Tokyo), but not the subway (there are two independent subway lines in Tokyo). You will likely use these...
Read 8 Replies
2
After a 10-hour journey....finally reach the 1st stop at Hakone. A nice scene forest area.A cloudy sky. Taking my 1st lunch at Japan about 11am and proceed to the field of Lavender. From here you can...
3
Tokyo is a wonderful city, but March 2011 is not an ideal time for a visit. The 9.0 earthquake on 3/11/11 has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks. Although the devastating tsunami primarily...
4
Tokyo - I love this place ! Old, New, & Happening
My first visit in August 2004 How do I even begin to describe Tokyo? Let me start with my first impressions: Screaming neon lights & skyscrapers, Crowded Train Stations (clean, tidy, no graffiti to...
5
I love Tokyo. I can't say it enough, I love the place. Yeah it has its bad side. Being a gaijin (a foreigner, and specifically a white western foreigner) in Tokyo can be rough. There is a bit of...
Build your own Tokyo page
Sponsored Links
