Sengaku-ji

Sengaku-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple in Takanawa, Minato City, known for its connection to the Forty-Seven Rōnin. Plaques, statues and graves tell the story of the samurai who avenged their lord’s death and were later buried here. You can pay to visit the graves and place incense as an act of remembrance. Take time to notice the temple’s traditional wooden buildings and quiet grounds, too. The annual Gishi-sai on December 14 adds a memorial service and lantern procession.

The story remembered at Sengaku-ji

Sengaku-ji is associated with the Ako incident and the Forty-Seven Rōnin, samurai who avenged the death of their lord, Asano Takumi-no-Kami. In 1701, Asano attacked and seriously wounded the courtier Yoshinaka Kira. The account of what followed is tied to the temple and to the graves of the rōnin buried here.

The graves are a place of remembrance. Plaques and statues around the temple help visitors follow the story, while incense can be placed at the graves as part of a respectful visit.

The annual Gishi-sai

Sengaku-ji holds its Gishi-sai each December 14 in honour of the Forty-Seven Rōnin. The observance includes a memorial service and a lantern procession. It draws people who come to pay their respects and learn about the historical episode.

Outside the annual event, the temple grounds also invite a quieter visit. Notice the traditional wooden beams and buildings, and take time to look beyond the graves. The grounds are in Takanawa, Minato City, at 2 Chome-11-1 Takanawa.