Sengakuji Temple

Sengakuji Temple was built in 1612 by TOKUGAWA Ieyasu (1543 - 1616) , the first Shogun in the Edo Age (1603 - 1868) , in order to pray to the Buddha for the repose of the soul of IMAGAWA Yoshimoto (1519 - 1560) .

IMAGAWA Yoshimoto was the one of major warlords at the end of the Muromachi Age (1336 - 1573) and lost his life at the battle of Okehazama, when he made invasion to the territory of ODA Nobunaga (1534 - 1582) .

Sengakuji Temple is a historical temple and it became extremely well-known after the raid by lordless "Samurais" of Ako Domain, happened in 1703. ASANO Naganori (1667 - 1701) and his fourty seven surviving retainers, who made the raid into the residence of KIRA Yoshihisa (1641 - 1703) , were buried in Sengakuji Temple.

CLICK HERE for the detailed explanation of the raid by lordless "Samurais" of Ako Domain in 1703

On March 14, 1701 (lunar calendar), ASANO Naganori (1667 - 1701) suddenly attacked KIRA Yoshihisa (1641 - 1703) to kill by his sword in Edo Castle, where the central government of Japan and the palace of the Shogun were located. On the day, the Edo Bakufu, the central government of Japan during the Edo Age, welcomed the Imperial messengers from Kyoto. Both ASANO NAganori and KIRA Yoshihisa were in the role to invite and serve the imperial messengers. There was no evidence nor record why ASANO Naganori attacked Kira Yoshihisa.

His attack was failed, and the Shogun, TOKUGAWA Tsunayoshi (1646 - 1709) , was getting upset the matter and ordered ASANO Naganori to commit seppuku (suicide by disembowelment). ASANO Nagamori died on the day he attacked KIRA Yoshihisa. His death means approximately one thausand of his retainers became lordless.

On the other hand, KIRA Yoshihisa did not recieve any blames by the Shogun, because he was judged just a victem of the matter. The surviving retainers of Akashi feudal domain complained this decision, because the law of both parties to blame in a quarrel, "Kenka Ryoseibai", was the common sense in the Edo Age and the judgement to ASANO Naganori and KIRA Yoshihisa was not consistent with the law of "Kenka Ryoseibai".

Finally,fourty seven surviving retainers of ASANO Naganori made the raid into the residence of KIRA Yoshihisa and killed KIRA Yoshihisa in 1703. They were ordered to commit seppuku by TOKUGAWA Tsunayoshi.

Sengakuji temple is located in Takanawa, Tokyo. If you walk to the west from Sengakuji Station, you will see the "Chumon" gate of Sengakuji Temple, shown in the below-left picture. The "Chumon" Gate was rebuilt in 1836.

"Chumon" Gate, the Middle Gate

"Sanmon" Gate, the Main Gate

After passing through the "Chumon" gate, you will see the Main gate, shown in the above-right picture. Behind the Main Gate, the Main Hall is located. The Main Hall was destroyed at World War II and was rebuilt in 1953.

On the left side of the Main Hall, the graves of ASANO Naganori and his forty-seven retainers are located. On the way to the graves, you will see the "Chikara-no Ume", the Japanese ascot tree.

It is said Ouchi Kuranosuke (1659 - 1703) , who was the head of the retainers of AKO feudal domain, made seppuku under the tree.

Near the "Chikara-no Ume" tree, "Chizome no Ishi", the bloodstained stone, and "Kubiarai no Ido", the well where the head of KIRA Yoshihisa was washed, were located. The head of KIRA Yoshihisa was offered on the grave of ASANO Naganori.

"Chizome no Ishi"

"Kubiarai no Ido"

Finally, you will arrive at the graves of ASANO Naganori and his fourty seven retainers. The below picture shows the grave of ASANO Naganori, who was the feudal lord of retainers.

The graves of fourty seven retainers are located in front of the grave of ASANO Naganori.

The raid to the KIRA Residence was became very popular for the public. The incident has been played in "Kabuki" Play, as a title of "Chushingura".

However, it was not approved as an official avenge by Edo Bakufu. Obviously, it was an illegal lynch even in the Edo Age. The KIRA Clan became put to an end, due to the death of KIRA Yoshihisa, who was the family head. KIRA Yoshihisa had a high reputation from the people in his territory, Kira in present-day Aichi Prefecture, as a good lord during his lifetime.

How to get there
Sengakuji Temple is located to the west of Sengakuji Station on the Keikyu Line or Takanawa-Gateway on the Yamanote Line. It is just a few minute walk.

Official English Website:
Sengakuji Temple

Other Historical Sites near by:
Edo Castle
Hibiya Park
"Hama-Rikyu" Garden
Zoujyoji Temple
"Shiba-Rikyu" Garden