Temple · Takanawa

Sengaku-ji 泉岳寺

The resting place of the 47 Ronin, where the smoke of incense never stops drifting over the graves of Japan's most famous loyal retainers.

Hours7:00–18:00 (Oct–Mar to 17:00); museum 9:00–16:00

ClosedOpen daily

PriceIncense bundle: ¥100
Gishi Kinenkan museum (adult): ¥500

Getting thereSengakuji Station (Asakusa/Keikyu Line, exit A2), 1 min; Takanawa Gateway Station, 7 min

Time needed30–45 min

Best time14 December, or weekday mornings

Address2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo

Websitesengakuji.or.jp

About

In 1703 the 47 retainers of Lord Asano avenged their master and then took their own lives; they were buried beside him at Sengaku-ji, and the story (Chushingura) has been retold ever since in kabuki, film and TV. Japanese visitors come constantly to light bundles of incense at each grave, so the hillside cemetery is wreathed in fragrant smoke. The temple grounds include the well where the ronin washed Kira's head, a statue of leader Oishi Kuranosuke and a small museum of relics. Every 14 December the Gishi-sai festival draws crowds; on other days it is quiet and moving.

Highlights

Graves of the 47 Ronin wreathed in incense smoke
Statue of leader Oishi Kuranosuke at the gate
The 'head-washing well' from the revenge story
Gishi Kinenkan museum of relics and wooden statues
Gishi-sai festival every 14 December

Tips

Buy an incense bundle at the gate (small fee) to offer at the graves
The museum has separate admission and shorter hours
Go on 14 December for the festival, any other weekday for calm

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Sengaku-ji 泉岳寺

About

Highlights

Tips

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