Ekō-in

Ekō-in is a Buddhist temple in Ryōgoku, part of the Sumida ward, built on land dedicated to commemorating victims of a major fire disaster. The grounds include several memorials such as the Banninzuka mound and a section for animal burials set within a bamboo grove.

After the Great Meireki Fire of 1657, which claimed around 100,000 lives in Edo, Shogun Ietsuna set aside this land to establish a memorial site for the unidentified dead. Between 1768 and 1909, the temple grounds became the main venue for sumo tournaments, an era remembered as the Ekō-in Sumo period.

From 1768 to 1909, the temple grounds served as the main venue for sumo wrestling tournaments, marking a period known as the Ekō-in Sumo era.

The temple is located around five minutes on foot from JR Ryogoku Station and is easy to reach for visitors. The site offers burial services and memorial ceremonies for both people and animals without living family members.

The grounds hold the Chikara-zuka stone monument erected in 1937, where sumo apprentices perform prayers for strength before their bouts. This stone connects the temple to the living tradition of sumo wrestling in the neighborhood.

Location: Ryōgoku

Inception: 1657

Part of: Edo Sanjūsankasho

Address: 東京都墨田区両国二丁目8番10号

Website: https://ekoin.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.69344,139.79203

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:06