Sengaku-ji
Sengaku-ji things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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This Sōtō buddhist temple, founded in 1612 by the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is famous as the final resting place of Asano Naganori and his ronin (aka the 47 ronin). I first want to clarify a bit of misinformation. According to the Japanese version of the Sengakuji website, only 46 of the 47 ronin committed seppuku. The 47th ronin, Terasaka Kichiemon, was pardoned and lived until he was 83 years old. Also, even though there are stone markers for all 47 ronin, only 45 are actual graves. Hazama Shinroku’s body was retrieved by his family but a memorial stone marker for him was placed at the same time as the others. Terasaka was interred at Sōkeiji Temple in Minamiazabu, just north of Sengakuji (grave not open to the public). His memorial marker at Sengakuji was not added until 1868. Today, the temple is nestled among office buildings and hotels and shares an entrance with a local middle/high school. To view the ronin’s tombs, the temple requests that you purchase burning incense sticks to place in front of the tombs for 300 yen (~$2). If you come to visit, I would highly recommend reading the story of the 47 ronin, so you understand the significance of the location. Otherwise, it’s just a bunch of tombs lined up next to each other. The tomb of Ōishi Chikara was especially poignant for me as he was only 16 when he died. There’s also a small museum (500 yen or ~$3.50) displaying some of the belongings of the ronin and wooden statues of the ronin.
VT A
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Sengakuji Temple is an exquisite gem nestled amidst the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. As I stepped through the temple's wooden gates, I was instantly enveloped in a serene aura that transcended the rush of modern life. The centuries-old temple exudes an undeniable charm, with its traditional architecture, elegant gardens, and a tranquil cemetery housing the legendary "Forty-Seven Ronin." The temple's historical significance resonates deeply, as it pays homage to the brave samurai warriors who avenged their master's death, embodying the essence of loyalty and honor. As I wandered through the moss-covered stone paths, I felt a profound sense of respect for the sacrifices made by these devoted men. The atmosphere at Sengakuji Temple is a harmonious blend of spirituality and peace. The subtle fragrance of incense lingering in the air adds to the sensory delight. Each step reveals captivating details, from intricate wooden carvings to delicate stone lanterns. Visiting Sengakuji Temple is an enchanting journey through time, an escape to a world where history, culture, and nature converge in a harmonious symphony. This hidden gem is a poignant reminder of Japan's rich heritage and a place where one can find solace amidst the clamor of the modern world.
Supradeep Badri
00
I have always been fascinated with the story of the 47 Samurai. I found the temple beautiful, very small, walking from the street you would never know there was anything there. It was very quiet, and many people came to sit quietly and others wandered through and viewed all the areas. It is free to wonder, but the cost of the two museums are very interesting and well worth the 500yen cost $5.00 CDN. There is a small theatre that has several languages to watch the story of the 47. I thought it was only in Japanese, so I just wandered through, and walked across to the upstairs statue exhibit. The lady who gave me my ticket came out to me and explained with the help of Google Translate that there was an English version of the movie and to come back and watch. It was so nice of her to do that! Nice to see people take such pride in their museum. If you have time while near Tokyo it is a great visit without the huge numbers of tourists.
Richard E
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This is a definite place to visit if you want to know about Japanese history and are interested in samurais. I've always liked the tale of the 47 Ronin so when I first went to Japan I had to visit here and pay my respects. When I went again to Japan this year I decided to go back again. It still gets a bit emotional if you know the story but this isn't just a fable or story, this actually happened (read up on it and make sure to see the well).I won't go into the whole story but if you decide to visit then please read up on it and you'll understand why this place is so special. They have a monk who sells incense to leave at each grave, you don't have to buy it but it pays towards the upkeep (I hope). The entrance is on a bit of a side street but if you've got Google maps or a real map you'll find it, some nice tourist shops on the approach to the place with friendly knowledgeable staff.
Michael C
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Nestled in the booming metropolitan, it is almost magical to find this serene environment still preserved. We bought tickets to the museum but were a little disappointed that not all elements are translated to English so you miss a part of the story. In the main area there is an incense machine for you to lite but when you go to the actual cemetery for the ronin they sell incense (for much more Yen) and you cannot use the one from the machine. Feels more like a money making opportunity. We all bought incense thinking it was required but l saw sometimes one person buys in a group. It was still a special trip & l loved learning the facts about the story as opposed to the western versions we've been accustomed to.
Melanie N-P
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山号 萬松山(松は松平から、松萬代に栄えるという意味) 寺号 泉岳寺(泉の源泉、海岳に溢るる(あふ)=徳川・源氏長者) ・歴史 慶長17年(1617年)江戸幕府初代将軍徳川家康公が外桜田の地に門庵宗関を招いて創建した寺院。寛永18年(1641年)の寛永の大火で焼失した時に江戸幕府第3代将軍徳川家光公の命で、萩藩主の毛利家(36.9万石)、福知山藩主の朽木家(3.2万石)、二本松藩主の丹羽家(10万石)、水谷家と当時赤穂ではなく笠間にいた浅野家(内匠頭長矩の実家・5万石)の5大名に、外桜田から現在の高輪に再建されました。当時の寺院の規模は現在の泉岳寺の3倍の規模を誇り、学寮だけでも9棟あり、200人の学僧が修行していた。 元禄14年(1701年)江戸城本丸御殿の松の廊下での浅野内匠頭長矩が吉良上野介に行なった刃傷(にんじょう)事件により、長矩は切腹し、元禄16年(1703年)、赤穂47士討ち入りした47士の赤穂義士、浅野内匠頭長矩、正室阿久里こと瑤泉院(ようぜいいん)、長矩の弟の浅野長広(大学)、長広の代々の子孫、大石家の墓所がある。 毎年12月14日に義士際を行なっている。 ・赤穂藩浅野家は大名火消しとして有名? 浅野家は大名火消しとして有名で、赤穂義士達が討ち入りの時に着ていた衣装は。元々は大名火消しで実際に消火活動を行う時の装備品で、水で放水も行なってはいましたが、当時の消火方式は基本的に破壊消火でした。江戸時代の家々は紙、木、藁で作られていましたので、破壊したほうが早く消火出来るんです。だから、吉良家が討ち入りを警戒して屋敷を要塞化しても、簡単に赤穂義士達が吉良邸を破壊出来た訳です。 また、時代劇でも見られるように、火事の度に材木商が凄い儲かる仕組みが出来ていたし、大工さんの画がいつも映っていますが、つまり江戸のどこかで火事があり、その度に家を作る大工さん達が忙しく仕事を行っていたということですね。 ・裏話 討ち入り後に、浅野内匠頭長矩保有の脇差(村正)、赤穂義士の遺品を、当時の泉岳寺住職が勝手に売り払うということがあった。しかし世間から批判され、慌てて泉岳寺住職は買い戻しを行うも、現在に至るまで大半の遺品が世に出廻ってしまい行方不明の品々がある。 江戸中期第8代将軍徳川吉宗公の治世になるまで寺の手入れが疎かになり、雑草だらけの幽霊寺になってしまう。しかし、その頃から歌舞伎の江戸三座と言われる中村座、市村座、森田座もしくは山村座の仮名手本忠臣蔵の上演もあり、泉岳寺に人々が来るようになり金銭が入るようになり、寺が復興しました。 ・火消し 江戸時代の火消しには、大きく分けて3つの火消しがありました。大名火消し、定火消し、町火消し ・町火消しは、徳川吉宗公がつくった江戸48組の町民による消防組織で、現在でいうところの消防団。 ・定火消し 明暦の大火の後に創設された江戸幕府の直参旗本4000石以上の旗本で構成された火消しで、有名なのは秋山政房、近藤用将(もちまさ)、内藤政吉、町野幸宣で、旗本に与力6人、同心30人、足軽多数で、江戸に赤坂溜池、幸坂御門、飯野町、四谷、小川町、御茶ノ水、半蔵門、駿河台等に10組あり、十人屋敷と呼ばれる3000坪の駐屯施設がありました。現在の消防署。 ・大名火消し 寛永の大火の後の寛永20年(1643年)に創設された1万石以上の大名30家、6万石以上の大名16家からなる大規模消防組織で、必ず420人を1組として10日間交代で4組が必ず待機し消火活動を行なった。 明暦の大火の後に方角火消と改名され、桜田筋、山手筋、下谷筋の3方角からスタートし、元禄年間に東西南北の4方角、正徳年間に5方角へエリアが細分化します。大名火消しのことを通称、防大名(ふせ・だいみょう)として正徳年間から参勤交代で滞在中の大名家から大中小問わずランダムに選任された。1万石以上で騎馬3〜4、足軽20人、中間・人足30人、10万石以上で騎馬10、足軽80人、中間・人足140人〜150人、20万石以上で騎馬15〜20、足軽130人〜150人、中間・人足250人〜300人になる。派手で奇抜な衣装を着て消防活動を行なった。 現在でいうところの消防方面本部。東京消防庁さんだとハイパーレスキュー、横浜市消防局さんでいうSRことスーパーレンジャーかな? ・現在の泉岳寺について 意外と小さいお寺なのでびっくりされると思います。江戸時代は現在の3倍の広さがあったと言われている泉岳寺には、忠臣蔵、浅野内匠長矩さんと夫人の阿久里さん、そして大石内蔵助良雄、大石主税含め47の義士が眠る由緒正しいお寺さんです。境内には皆さんが眠るお墓があり、線香の束300円で皆さんに線香をあげることが出来ます。いよいよ12月14日が近づいて来ました。主君に忠義を尽くした47士に会いに来てはいかがですか? アクセス JR山手線、京浜東北線・高輪ゲートウェイ駅より徒歩6分 都営浅草線・泉岳寺駅A1出口より徒歩1分です。
ZEUS GOD WORLD
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Nearby Attractions Of Sengaku-ji
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji-Ekimae
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Shinagawa Season Terrace
Takanawa Gateway Station
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa International Convention Center Pamir
Villa Fontaine Grand Tamachi
Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
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Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
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APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji-Ekimae
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Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
4.2
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Nearby Restaurants Of Sengaku-ji
48 Fishing Grounds Shinagawa
Outback Steakhouse Shinagawa Takanawa Branch
Royal Host Takanawa
Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki Shinagawa
Devi Corner Shinagawa
Slope Side Diner Zakuro Buffet & Café
Tarantella da Luigi
Mujinzo Shinagawa-ya
ジョナサン 白金台店
Los Angeles Balcony

48 Fishing Grounds Shinagawa
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Outback Steakhouse Shinagawa Takanawa Branch
4.2
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Royal Host Takanawa
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Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki Shinagawa
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Basic Info
Address
2 Chome-11-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan
Map
Phone
+81 3-3441-5560
Call
Website
sengakuji.or.jp
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.3
(1.7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
Sengaku-ji is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Sōtō school of Japanese Zen located in the Takanawa neighborhood of Minato-ku, near Sengakuji Station and Shinagawa Station, Tokyo, Japan.
attractions: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji-Ekimae, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection, Shinagawa Season Terrace, Takanawa Gateway Station, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa International Convention Center Pamir, Villa Fontaine Grand Tamachi, Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin, restaurants: 48 Fishing Grounds Shinagawa, Outback Steakhouse Shinagawa Takanawa Branch, Royal Host Takanawa, Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki Shinagawa, Devi Corner Shinagawa, Slope Side Diner Zakuro Buffet & Café, Tarantella da Luigi, Mujinzo Shinagawa-ya, ジョナサン 白金台店, Los Angeles Balcony
