About
Sainen-ji, nestled in a quiet residential area of Wakaba, Shinjuku Ward, is a place that still conveys the remnants of the Warring States period. This temple is said to have been founded by Hattori Hanzo Masanari, a loyal retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu and famed leader of the Iga ninja, to mourn the soul of his lord’s eldest son, Nobuyasu.
Upon stepping into the temple grounds, the first thing that catches the eye is Hanzo’s own gravestone. Beside it stands the memorial tower for Nobuyasu, quietly watching over the site. These stone monuments, transcending the passage of time, still evoke deep emotions in those who visit.
In the main hall, a spear said to have been bestowed upon Hanzo by Ieyasu is carefully preserved. This spear, which tells of the martial prowess of “Spear Hanzo,” is a precious relic that conveys the turbulence of the Warring States period to the present day.
The history of Sainen-ji is engraved with Hanzo’s deep feelings for Nobuyasu and his loyalty to his lord, Ieyasu. In 1579 (Tensho 7), when Nobuyasu was ordered to commit seppuku, Hanzo, who was ordered to act as second, is said to have been unable to raise his sword against his lord’s child and shed tears. Afterwards, he entered the Buddhist priesthood, taking the name Sainen, and continued to pray for Nobuyasu’s happiness in the afterlife.
Around the temple, flowers bloom in every season, soothing the hearts of visitors. This tranquil space, which makes one forget the bustle of the city, is truly an oasis for the soul where history and nature are in harmony.
Sainen-ji is not just a temple, but a place where the thoughts of those who lived through the Warring States period are still alive. By visiting here, one can feel the weight of history and the depth of human bonds.