Sengaku-ji — Attraction in Tokyo

Visited Sengakuji Temple aka Spring Hill, to see burial site  of the 47 Ronin ( Samurai without a leader ).

The story began when Oishi Kuranosuke, the leader of the 47 ronin on Tue 30 Jan 1703 and Lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako (today's Hyogo Prefecture) attacked Lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle. Asano lost patience after repeatedly being provoked and treated arrogantly by Kira, but failed to kill him in the attack. On the same day, Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide - hara kiri ) , while Kira was not punished at all, despite the contemporary custom of punishing both parties in similar incidents. In addition, the whole Asano family was removed from power, leaving Asano's samurai without a job and a strong will to avenge their unfairly punished master.

For over one and a half years, the samurai prepared to  avenge under difficult circumstances. On Tue 20 Mar  1703, the remaining group of 47 ronin under their leader Oishi Kuranosuke finally succeeded to avenge their master by killing L ord Kita in his mansion. Afterwards, they carried Kira's head to Sengakuji Temple and were later sentenced to be beheaded. The 47 Ronin chose to  commit seppuku ( hara kiri ), including Oishi`s 16 year old son, Chikara, who was to be spared due to his age, but chose to die with his father. It was very poignant to see rows of the 47 grave sites with the statutes of  Lord Asano and his wife at the entrance to the grave sites. It was an...

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...

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...