About
Leaving behind the bustle of Tokyo and stepping into a corner of Takanawa in Minato Ward, there is a place where the flow of time quietly breathes. Sengakuji Temple—its name evokes the weight of history and tradition. Founded in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu to mourn the soul of Imagawa Yoshimoto, who cared for him in his childhood, the temple was originally located in Soto-Sakurada, but was destroyed in the Great Fire of Kan’ei in 1641 and relocated to its present site in Takanawa.
Passing through the temple gate, one finds a bronze statue of Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio. Grasping the written oath of the raid in his hand and gazing toward the eastern sky, his figure strikes the hearts of visitors as a symbol of loyalty and determination. Within the temple grounds, the graves of Asano Takuminokami Naganori and the forty-seven Akō rōnin stand quietly, with incense smoke rising without end. Every year on December 14th, the Gishi Festival is held in their memory, drawing many worshippers from all over the country.
To the right of the main hall is the Akō Gishi Memorial Hall, which displays valuable relics related to the raid. Also scattered throughout the grounds are items associated with the Akō rōnin, such as “Chikara’s Plum Tree” and the “Blood-Stained Stone,” allowing visitors to feel the breath of history.
The area surrounding Sengakuji is lined with modern buildings, yet the temple’s tranquility and history coexist, creating a unique atmosphere. Within walking distance from Takanawa Gateway Station and Shinagawa Station, this place where urban convenience and historical charm intersect leaves a deep impression on those who visit.
Sengakuji is not merely a tourist spot, but a place that conveys the spirit of loyalty and sincerity deeply rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people. Immersed in its serene space, one can feel stories transcending time resonate in the heart, and experience moments where the weight of history and the thoughts of people intersect.