Sengakuji temple
|
TEL : 03-3441-5560 Address : 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo Access : Toei Asakusa Line Sengakuji Station (Exit2) > 3 minutes walk Hours : Opning 7:00 – Closing 16:00 Entrance fee : free / Museam 500 yen / cemetery 300 yen |
Photos and reviews of Sengakuji Temple
This temple was founded in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. It flourished as one of the three major Soto Zen temples in Edo (the old name for Tokyo).
It was a short walk from Sengakuji Station to the temple. There was a small gate at the entrance, and beyond it, another larger gate.
The large gate was closed, so one had to enter the temple grounds from the side. (This gate was open for passage on the day of the festival.)
Upon entering the temple grounds, I saw the main hall directly ahead. It was a charming wooden building.
What is Chushingura?
Sengaku-ji Temple is famous for the story of Chushingura. This is a story of revenge based on historical fact.
In 1701, Asano Takumi-no-Kami, the lord of the Ako Domain, was ordered to commit “seppuku (ritual suicide)” for the crime of attacking Kira Kozuke-no-Suke with a sword. Dissatisfied with this, 47 retainers killed Kira Kozuke-no-Suke in 1703.
The person who became the leader at that time was Oishi Kuranosuke. A statue of him has been erected at Sengakuji Temple.
That scene is reenacted during a festival held every year on December 14th.
They subsequently committed seppuku. The act of avenging their master without regard for their own lives has been praised across the ages.
Their graves are located within the temple grounds, and many people still visit to pay their respects.
Personal belongings and historical materials are on display at the museum.
Seasonal Scenery
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in the spring. For about a week in early April each year, the temple’s treasures are exhibited inside the main hall.
The autumn leaves is also beautiful.
