Explore the history of Ako Roshi in Minato Ward, Tokyo! Sengakuji Temple
- Tokyo
- Sightseeing
What is Sengakuji Temple?
It has a long history and was founded by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612, more than 400 years ago, near the current Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
However, the temple was destroyed by fire about 30 years later in 1641, and was moved and rebuilt in its current location in Takanawa, thanks to the efforts of five feudal lords, Mori, Asano, Kutsuki, Niwa, and Mizunoya, who were ordered by the third shogun, Iemitsu.
The place associated with Ako Ronin⁉
During the reign of the 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi, Asano Naishokudo, who died a regretful death after slaying Kira Uenosuke in the Pine Hallway, is buried here at Sengakuji. This is because the Asano family of the Ako clan, which was in charge of rebuilding and restoring the area after the fire, had designated Sengakuji as their family temple in Edo.
Sengakuji Temple is home to the graves of Asano Naishokuto and his wife and other warriors who avenged their lord's death.
Especially on December 14, the anniversary of the death of Asano Naishokudo and the day the warriors made their revenge attack, the "Gishi Matsuri" is held to celebrate the 47 warriors, which attracts a large number of visitors every year.
Walking around Sengakuji Temple
Takanawa, where Sengakuji Temple is located, is known for its many quiet residential areas, including the Takanawa Imperial Family Residence, where the emperor and his wife lived for two years until last year as the Sengakuji temporary palace. The area is also home to many old-fashioned residences and famous shops that have long been beloved by locals.
The area around Sengakuji Temple is also home to many other interesting buildings, including Tozenji Temple, where the first British legation was located at the end of the Edo period; the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa Guest House, built as the Western-style residence of Prince Takeda; and the Nihonenoki Branch Office of the Takanawa Fire Department, with its eye-catching cylindrical tower built in the early Showa period (1926-1989).
Why not enjoy a stroll around Sengakuji while thinking about the history of the area?
Photo Contest is now underway!
Starting with Sengakuji Temple, Minato City is an area with many attractions, from historical sites to photogenic spots!
We are looking forward to seeing your wonderful photos!
For more information, please refer to the following link.
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Sengakuji Temple Location
2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074
Access
For those coming by train:
Toei Asakusa Line = Get off at Sengakuji Station (Exit A2). 3 minutes walk from Sengakuji Station, about 200m
JR Yamanote Line = 7 minutes walk from Takanawa Gateway StationBy bus:
Toei Bus = Get off at Sengakuji-mae bus stop [Shinan 97] bound for Shinagawa Shako-mae
Shinjuku Station West Exit - Shinanomachi Station South Exit - Shinagawa Station [Ant 96 A or B] Akabanebashi Station circulation
Gotanda Station - Shinagawa Station - Azabujuban Station - Shirokanetakanawa Station - GotandaReference: Sengakuji HP (https://sengakuji.or.jp/access/)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.