On This Page
An ancient history predating Hiroshima with a connection to the legendary 47 Ronin story.
The temple of Shokoji has an ancient history - the original dates are not known, but it is known that the temple predates the city itself. In fact, the temple provided lodging to lord Mori Terumoto in 1589 while he was surveying the site that would eventually become Hiroshima Castle.
Although some stories suggest that the leader of the famous 47 Ronin - Oishi - is buried here, this is somewhat an exaggeration. In actual fact, one of the retainers took a lock of Oishi’s hair and bought it to Hiroshima for burial. It was first taken to the nearby Kokuzenji Temple - as that was the family temple of the Asano lord that the ronin had avenged - however it was turned away. Instead, the hair was buried at Shokoji.
The Shokoji Temple is one of the stops on the Futabanosato Historical Walking Trail.
Getting There the easiest way to reach Shokoji Temple
Around Shokoji Temple
Nearby in Hiroshima the best attractions close to Shokoji Temple
Anrakuji Temple
Survivor of Hiroshima’s darkest day, home to a centuries-old ginkgo sentinel
Fudoin Temple
Historic Shingon Buddhist temple in Hiroshima with deep cultural ties
Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine
Enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate
Ikari Shrine
A historical shrine dedicated to a notable Edo period lord and a sea deity, surrounded by Hiroshima’s cherry blossoms.
Kokuzenji Temple
A sanctuary with a rich past and cultural treasures
Myojoin Temple
A site of heritage, featuring the Akou gishi statues and a historic ginkgo tree.
Nigitsu Shrine
Honoring Hiroshima’s Founding Lords: The Asano Clan and Their Enduring Legacy
Onaga Tenmangu Shrine
A beacon of cultural devotion surviving since 1640.
Tsuruhane Shrine
A historic sanctuary dating back to 1190 with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Yatsurugi Shrine
17th-century shrine with a unique flood-prevention legend involving eight swords
Similar to Shokoji Temple if you like Shokoji Temple, you might also like
Orange Street
Experience the historic charm and contemporary flair of Osaka on Tachibana-dori
Chionin Temple
A central site for Pure Land Buddhism featuring Japan’s largest wooden gate.
Takeshita Dori Shopping Street
The heart of Japan’s “kawaii” culture and youth fashion
Yanaka Cemetery
A final resting place amidst Tokyo’s cherry blossoms, home to the legacy of the Tokugawa shoguns
Takosugi Octopus Cedar
Revered octopus root cedar celebrated for its unique, natural tentacle-like appearance
