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瑞光院

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Did you know that Zuiko-in was once located in a different part of Kyoto? Originally situated in the Kamigyo district, Zuiko-in moved to its current location in Yamashina in 1962.

Zuiko-in is a temple. It belongs to the Obaku sect of the Rinzai school. More precisely it belongs to the Daitokuji school.

Let me tell you about its origins. Zuiko-in was founded in 1613 by Yamazaki Iemori. He was the lord of Wakasa Castle. Takuho Sorin Osho of Daitoku-ji helped him. It was built on the former site of Asano Nagamasa’s mansion.

After the Yamazaki clan died out in 1657, Zuiko-in became associated with the Asano family. This family came from Ako in Harima province. Asano Naganori attacked Kira Yoshinaka in 1701. This event led to the Asano family’s downfall. Oishi Kuranosuke buried Naganori’s court headdress at Zuiko-in. He erected a stone in honor of his lord.

Before their deaths in 1703, the 47 Ronin did something special. Sogai, the abbot of Zuiko-in, received their severed topknots. The Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Mizuno, and Mori families had been entrusted with them. Sogai enshrined their hair in a pot. He buried it next to Asano Naganori’s grave. A stone tower was placed there with the names of 46 Ronin inscribed.

Today, Zuiko-in stands as a testament to history. It is a place where you can reflect. It is a place where loyalty and sacrifice resonate. Visiting Zuiko-in offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s rich past.

The story of 瑞光院 in Kyoto is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Kyoto and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Kyoto in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Kyoto with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Kyoto – only with Explory.

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