Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOKYO, JAPAN
Temple of the 47 Ronin:
In March of 1701, Lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako attacked
Lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle after a long period of being treated poorly and dis-
respected at Kira's hand. Asano was able to leave a mark on Kira's head but failed in his
attempt to kill him. Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) and his title
was confiscated with all of his lands. Kira wasn't punished for his provocation of Asano's
attack, even though similar disputes had seen both parties sentenced to seppuku in the past.
Asano's samurai were returned to ronin and they seemed to assimilate back into society, of-
ten taking menial jobs to support themselves. On December 14, 1702, 47 of them, under the
command of Oishi Kuranosuke, attacked Kira's estate and beheaded Kira. One of the ronin
was sent to tell the tale of what they had done while the remaining 46 returned to their mas-
ter's grave, washed the bloody head in a well, and presented it before Lord Asano's grave.
The 46 were sentenced to seppuku and their gravesite is with their master's (close to Shin-
agawa.) Following the suicide of the ronin, Asano's title and part of his lands were returned
to his family. The following pictures include: the temple, the gravesite marker, statues of
Oishi Kuranosuke (leader of the 47 ronin) and Lord Asano, the well where the bloody head
of Lord Kira was cleaned, and the gravesites of the 47 ronin.
