The graves of the 47 Rōnin are situated in a secluded area known as the Gishi-bo.
The temple features a well where the severed head of the enemy official Kira Yoshinaka was washed before being offered at the grave of the departed lord.
A major memorial festival occurs annually in December to commemorate the date of the historic raid.
The grave of Kayano Sampei, a member who committed suicide before the final raid, is also located here.
The temple bell, cast in 1692, is designated as a protected cultural property.
The original wooden statue of the 47 Rōnin is housed within the Gishido memorial hall.
The site receives high volumes of visitors on December 14th, the anniversary of the revenge attack.
Despite being a historical site, the temple continues to serve as an active place of Buddhist worship for local residents.
Sengaku-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple famously known as the final resting place of the 47 Rōnin, the masterless samurai of the Akō Domain. The temple grounds house the graves of these warriors and their lord, Asano Naganori, who was forced to commit ritual suicide in 1701. The historical incident, known as the Akō incident, is celebrated in the traditional bunraku and kabuki play Chūshingura. Visitors enter through the Sanmon Gate and walk past the bronze statue of Ōishi Yoshio, the leader of the Rōnin. The graveyard, located behind the main hall, contains the memorial stones where incense is still burned by visitors daily. A small memorial hall on-site exhibits artifacts related to the samurai, including personal belongings and armor pieces. The temple was originally established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 near Edo Castle but was moved to its current location after a fire in 1641. It remains an active site of pilgrimage for those interested in the code of bushido.
The central courtyard facing the main temple hall and the stone entrance gate.
Purchase an incense stick at the kiosk to offer at the gravesites.
Visit the small museum on the premises to view original documents and belongings related to the Akō incident.
Walk the entire perimeter of the graveyard to see the stone markers of all 47 individuals.
Do not take flash photography inside the memorial halls or near the gravesites.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone as this is an active burial ground and place of worship; remove hats when approaching the graves.
