Sengaku-ji

Sengaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in the Takanawa district of Tokyo, Japan, known as the resting place of the 47 Ronin. The grounds include several wooden prayer halls, a quiet courtyard with pine trees, and a cemetery with simple stone markers arranged in rows beneath shady trees.

Tokugawa Ieyasu founded this place in 1612 before it moved here after a fire in 1641. In 1703 the 47 samurai were buried here after avenging their lord.

This place carries a strong connection to Bushido ethics and draws people who reflect on loyalty and duty. Visitors light incense at the graves and bow before the stone markers of the warriors.

The nearest station Sengakuji sits a short walk away on the Toei Asakusa Line. A small museum next to the main gate displays swords and personal items of the samurai.

An old well called Kubiarai-no-Ido still stands on the grounds and marks where the samurai performed ritual washing. There they cleaned the severed head of their enemy before offering it at their lord's grave.

Location: Takanawa

Inception: 1612

Part of: Three Temples in Edo

Address: 東京都港区高輪二丁目11番1号

Website: https://sengakuji.or.jp/about_sengakuji_en

GPS coordinates: 35.63773,139.73628

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:44