Culture

<p>Each of the 47 samurai stand, facing one another, along the entrance to the shrine.</p>

Each of the 47 samurai stand, facing one another, along the entrance to the shrine. (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Culture

Oishi Jinja: Honoring 47 Samurai

A shrine dedicated to the famous ronin of Ako

Sandra Isaka Jan 31, 2016 - 1 min read

<p>Each of the 47 samurai stand, facing one another, along the entrance to the shrine.</p>

<p>The shrine's main entrance, open from 8am to 5pm.</p>

<p>It is said that the statues have been carved in the attire they wore during the assassination of Yoshinaka Kira.</p>

<p>Looking out from the shrine's main gate</p>

<p>Just inside the main gate is this statue dedicated to Daikoku, the god of wealth, commerce and trade.  A large statue of Ebisu faces him.</p>

<p>The shrine stands on the site of the former Oishi residence, hence its name.</p>

<p>Purchase and write your wish on one of these ema - then leave it so that the gods may help make it come true.</p>

<p>For a small fee, visitors can enter a museum that displays items related to the 47 samurai.</p>

<p>Purchase a special (blank) water fortune, set it on top of the water in the basin, and watch the words miraculously appear.</p>

<p>The shrine is open 365 days a year.</p>

<p>Just behind the shrine sit the remains of Ako Castle.</p>

Oishi Jinja was officially established in 1912 and is dedicated to the 47 loyal retainers of the Asano feudal lord. Led by Kuranosuke Oishi, for which the shrine is named, their story of revenge is one of Japan's most famous. The shrine is located in the quiet town of Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, beside the remains of the castle where they all once served.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.