Behind-the-Scenes of the Akō Gishi
Akō was home to the central figures of the Akō Incident, the 47 Gishi. Akō Castle and the former castle town are filled with many landmarks tied to the Gishi, such as Kagakuji Temple, the family temple of the Asano clan and the resting place of the Akō Gishi, Akō Ōishi Shrine, where the Akō Gishi are enshrined, and the Remains of the Gishi Residences, which are in various spots across the castle town. Check them out for yourself while listening to this guide.
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- Exploring Akō Castle
- Behind-the-Scenes of the Akō Gishi
Akō was home to the central figures of the Akō Incident, the 47 Gishi. Akō Castle and the former castle town are filled with many landmarks tied to the Gishi, such as Kagakuji Temple, the family temple of the Asano clan and the resting place of the Akō Gishi, Akō Ōishi Shrine, where the Akō Gishi are enshrined, and the Remains of the Gishi Residences, which are in various spots across the castle town. Check them out for yourself while listening to this guide.
Statue of Ōishi Kuranosuke
This statue of Ōishi Kuranosuke signaling an attack can be found in front of Banshū-Akō Station.
View Location on Google MapsGishi Andon in Ikitsugi Square
A mechanical clock that tells the story of the Akō Gishi. You can watch the stories play out every day at noon.
View Location on Google MapsKagakuji Temple: Gravesite of the Gishi
This family temple of the Asano clan, and the resting place of the Akō Gishi. The hair of the Gishi are enshrined in the graves at this temple. You can also see various items related to the Gishi on display at the Treasure Chamber.
View Location on Google MapsKoukouji Temple
A Nichiren-shū temple moved to this location in 1640. This temple became the family temple of Naganao's wife in 1662. Koukouji Temple is home to transcriptions of the Lotus Sutra created by Hara Souemon, Daikokuten illustrated by Ōishi Kuranosuke, 30 Guardian Deities and Kishimonji and the Ten Rasetsunyo contributed by the Asano clan, and Asano Naganori's favorite tsukubai basin.
View Location on Google MapsAkō Ōishi Shrine
During the Meiji period, when the facilities within Akō Castle were being demolished, Senkei Oshō of Kagakuji Temple purchased and preserved the Nagaya gate of the former residence of Ōishi Kuranosuke. This led to the establishment of this shrine, where the Gishi are enshrined.
View Location on Google MapsŌishi Yoshitaka Residence Gate
The Ōishi clan served the Asano clan for many generations as their chamberlains. These remnants of the Nagaya gate stand atop the site of Ōishi Kuranosuke's residence, however, the gate currently looks as it did in 1856 after major repairs had been done.
View Location on Google MapsAkō City Museum of History
This museum has permanent displays that cover 4 themes: Akō Castle and the castle town, the Akō Gishi, Akō salt, and Old Akō Waterworks.
View Location on Google MapsRestored Floorplan of the Feudal Lord's Palace
The floorplan has been restored at full scale based on materials from the Histographical Institute, University of Tokyo. The floorplan includes details such as individual tatami mats and wood flooring.
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