“Who were the 47 Ronin?” you might wonder. Here at Kisshoji, also known as Gishi Temple, we honor their memory. This Zen Soto sect temple is the Asano family temple in Osaka. It houses the tombs of Takumi Asano and the 47 Gishi. Takumi Asano is known for the Chushingura story.
Kisshoji was founded in the 7th year of Kanei. Takuminokami Asano cherished this temple. He gave it the mountain name “Matsuyama”. He often visited Kisshoji as his spiritual retreat.
The tombstone here has a story. It contains hair and chain mail. The Asano family requested a tombstone for Takumi no Kami. Kuranosuke Oishi secretly ordered Kichiemon Terasaka to erect a monument. This monument commemorates the spirits of the righteous warriors.
Sadly, much of Kisshoji burned down during an air raid near the war’s end. The hall, pagoda, wooden statues and mementos were all lost. But the 47 stone statues of gishi remain. The stone statue of Kuranosuke Oishi is also here. They have been newly enshrined.
Every year, the Osaka Gishi Festival happens on the second Sunday of December. The festival brings Kisshoji to life. There is a childhood procession and martial arts offerings. You can hear taiko drums and Tsugaru shamisen music. Rakugo storytelling and field performances entertain the crowds. You can even enjoy soba noodles.
Visiting Kisshoji is free. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take a three-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line. Take some time to remember the loyal 47 Ronin here at Kisshoji. Their story of honor and sacrifice continues to resonate today.