The graveyard of the Ako Gishi. Buried here after their seppuku on February 4th, 1703. (Photo: Louise Archer)

Tokyo Tale of Loyalty & Courage

Senkakuji and the famous samurai story of the 47 Ronin

Louise Archer   - 1 min read

Senkakuji is a small Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple in the Minato-ku district in Tokyo. It is famous for the graves of the 47 Ronin, one of Japan's most famous tales and definately the most famous story of the Samurai code of “Bushido” – courage, loyalty and honor.

The story began in March 1701 with the death of Lord Asano and culminated in the avenging of his death in December 1702 by his then masterless Samurai, called Ronin. The 47 Ronin story is the subject of many plays and movies including the recent one with Keanu Reeves.

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Find out more about Sengakuji Temple.

Louise Archer

Louise Archer @louise.archer

I am an Aussie expat (ex Sydney, Perth, ex UK) living in rural Japan. Im very passionate about people seeing more of Japan than the big cities, which are wonderful places, but there are so many hidden treasures in the countryside and lesser known regions. For the three years I have been living he...