Ekoin Temple in Ryogoku, Tokyo | Discover Edo History, Sumo Culture, and Japanese Traditions

If you are exploring Ryogoku, one place you should definitely visit is Ekoin Temple.

Located just a short walk from Ryogoku Station and the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena, Ekoin is one of the most historically significant temples in the area.

The temple was founded in 1657 following the Great Fire of Meireki, one of the largest disasters in Edo-period Japan. It was established to memorialize the many victims who lost their lives in the fire.

At the time, many of the deceased could not be identified or had no relatives to claim them. Ekoin became known as a place that prayed for all people equally, regardless of social status or background. For this reason, it is often remembered as a temple built for everyone.

Although it stands in the heart of a busy city, stepping through its gates feels like entering a different world. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and experience a more reflective side of Tokyo.

Ekoin also has a deep connection to the history of sumo.

The temple grounds are also home to the Chikara-zuka, a memorial stone erected in 1936 to commemorate deceased sumo wrestlers.

It remains an important place of prayer for the sumo community, where stable masters come to ask that their young apprentices inherit the strength and spirit of the wrestlers who came before them.

During the Edo period, charity sumo tournaments known as Kanjin Sumo were held within the temple grounds. These events helped shape the development of modern professional sumo, making Ekoin an important part of Ryogoku's sumo heritage.

The temple is also famous for the grave of Nezumi Kozo Jirokichi, the legendary Edo-period thief who became a folk hero.

According to local tradition, carrying a small piece of stone from his grave is said to bring financial good fortune. For many years, visitors have treated it as a lucky charm.

Visitors are allowed to scrape a small piece from this stone.

As you walk through the temple grounds, you will also discover memorial monuments dedicated to figures who contributed to Edo culture, including artists, writers, and poets. It feels almost as if you are walking through the history of old Edo itself.

One notable grave belongs to Santo Kyoden, a celebrated writer, artist, and cultural figure of the Edo period. Known for his witty illustrated books and popular literature, he played an important role in the publishing culture of his time. Recently, he has attracted renewed attention through the NHK historical drama Berabou.

The temple is also home to the Kiyonaga Monument, which honors Torii Kiyonaga, one of the Six Great Ukiyo-e Masters. Kiyonaga is best known for his elegant portraits of women and works related to kabuki theater, and he made a significant contribution to the development of ukiyo-e art.

According to the official Ekoin Temple website, Torii Kiyonaga passed away in 1815 and was buried at Ekoin.

Walking through the grounds, visitors can experience not only the history of sumo but also the flourishing world of Edo publishing, ukiyo-e, and popular culture.

After visiting the Sumida Hokusai Museum, a stop at Ekoin offers an opportunity to connect with the broader cultural world that produced artists and cultural figures such as Hokusai, Utamaro, Sharaku, and the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo.

Another unique aspect of Ekoin is its long tradition of animal memorial services.

Since the Edo period, the temple has offered prayers not only for people but also for animals. Even today, many visitors come to hold memorial services for beloved pets.

Within the temple grounds are monuments dedicated to dogs, cats, birds, and other animals, creating a gentle atmosphere that reflects the Japanese respect for all living things.

Ekoin is not a flashy tourist attraction.

Instead, it is a place where history, culture, memory, and compassion quietly remain.

If you are visiting MERI, exploring the Sumida Hokusai Museum, or simply walking around Ryogoku, I highly recommend stopping by Ekoin Temple.

It is one of the best places to experience the deeper history and culture of this fascinating neighborhood.