Sengakuji Shrine

 

A short bus ride from our hotel in Tokyo is Sengakuji Shrine. This shrine is famous for the graves of 47 ronin or 47 samurai buried there.

As the story goes, in 1701, lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako attacked lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle after being provoked. Since it is a crime to use your sword in Edo castle, lord Asano was sentanced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). lord Kira was not punished at all.

lord Asano left behind his 47 loyal samurai who wanted to avenge his death. After planning for over 18 months, the samurai finally had their chance. They killed lord Kira and took his severed head to their master's grave at Sengakuji.

As a punshiment for their revenge, the 47 samurai were sentanced to commit seppuku as well. They are buried along side their master at the shrine.

This story is well known in Japan and is the basis for a famous kabuki play. It is said that it exemplifies the traits of loyalty, endurance and will power.

Here is the main shrine.

 

Possibly the severed head washing well

 

One of the many graves

 

Have a great weekend,

4Vs