What other travelers are saying about Sengakuji Temple
A nice place, with very welcoming monks. I recommend reading up on its history before visiting to better understand what’s happening there.
If you plan to make offerings at the graves and altars, I suggest wearing old clothes or being ready to take them to the dry cleaner, as they will get completely soaked in smoke.
It's a small temple, but an all-in-one cultural experience. It is the site of a famous event from the Edo period involving the 47 samurai buried there, explained on multilingual plaques and in the free audio guide. There is a museum on site (worth a visit) and they sell omamori amulets. It takes just about an hour in and out and is close to a metro station, so it's easy to fit into a busy Tokyo tour schedule.
Nestled in the booming metropolitan, it is almost magical to find this serene environment still preserved.
We bought tickets to the museum but were a little disappointed that not all elements are translated to English so you miss a part of the story.
In the main area there is an incense machine for you to lite but when you go to the actual cemetery for the ronin they sell incense (for much more Yen) and you cannot use the one from the machine. Feels more like a money making opportunity. We all bought incense thinking it was required but l saw sometimes one person buys in a group.
It was still a special trip & l loved learning the facts about the story as opposed to the western versions we've been accustomed to.
Sengakuji Temple and the graves of the 47 ronin hold deep historical and cultural significance. The atmosphere felt very serene and respectful, perfect for reflecting on one of Japan’s most famous samurai legends. The site was well-maintained, and it was clear that great care is taken in preserving the graves. Visiting Sengakuji was a powerful experience, allowing me to connect with a significant part of Japanese history. I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in Japanese culture and history
Moving and special. The graves of the 47 Ronin. You have to buy incense to enter and lay it on the graves. The smoke makes your eyes water and sets a mood unlike any other shrine we visited. Recommend the museums as well!
