“Sengakuji Temple” to stop by at on the way to Takanawa Gateway Sta.

Tokyo’s latest station “Takanawa Gateway Station” was born in March 2020. Located between Shinagawa Station and Tamachi Station, it is designed by Kengo Kuma with the theme of “Japanese”. Including “TOUCH TO GO”, an unmanned AI payment store, there are also futuristic elements that you want to visit and experiences, such as robots playing the role of cleaning and guiding stations. If you visit Takanawa Gateway Station, be sure to take a walk around the area. This time, we will introduce “Sengakuji” which can be visited within a 7-minute walk from the station.

Here is “Sengakuji Temple(泉岳寺)” built in 1612 by Ieyasu Tokunaga who ruled Japan in the 1600s. After being destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt at the current location. Stepping into the precinct, you can see the ‘Sanmon Gate’ that has been remained here since 1832. It seems that the seasoned wood is like telling the long history from its foundation. You can also feel the strong power that enabled it to escape from the fire of WWⅡ.

When you walk on the approach, the imposing main hall jumps into your eyes. It has a signboard saying ‘Shishiku (獅子吼).’ This word compares preach of Buddha to a lion’s roaring. Namely, the word means Buddha teaches people verities with immovable hearts. The lions hide in pillars and tiles, please try to find them.

After praying, you should head to the ‘Ako Gishi Graves’ designated as a national historic site. Here lies 48 Samurai called Ako Roshi, who made a raid on a residence of an official of Edo Shogunate. It might also be a good idea to visit ‘Ako Roshi Memorial Hall.’