The 47 Ronin Story (25 page)

The forty-seven ronin were buried at Sengaku-ji temple in a special plot adjacent to the tomb of their beloved master. Lady Asano's tomb is also here, facing the markers of the loyal followers' graves. One can also view the well where Kira's head was washed and nearby there is a museum containing

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relics of the armor and weapons actually used by the men of Ako.

Sengaku-ji is only a short ride by bus or electric train from the bustling center of Tokyo but inside the temple grounds it is surprisingly easy to go back in spirit to feudal times. The scent of antiquity hangs over Sengaku-ji, as well as the odor of the incense burning before the graves in what has become a national shrine.

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