Manshozan Kichijoji (Temple of the Loyal Samurai)
This is the family temple of the Asano clan in Osaka, and is home to the graves of Asano Takumi-no-kami, known for the Chushingura story, as well as the 47 Gishi. Commonly known as the Gishi Temple, the Osaka Gishi Festival is held every year on the second Sunday of December.
Founded in 1626, this Zen Soto Zen temple is known for its Buddhist sect. Takumi Asano bestowed the name "Manshozan" on Kichijoji, making it a spiritual haven and a place of refuge, reportedly visiting it whenever necessary. The existing tombstone, containing Takumi's hair and chain mail, was commissioned by the Asano family and built by Terasaka Kichiemon, who received secret orders from Oishi Kuranosuke to erect a memorial for the loyal retainers. While the temple buildings, pagodas, wooden statues, and writings were all reduced to ashes in a massive air raid near the end of the war, new stone statues of the 47 Loyal Retainers and Oishi Kuranosuke have been installed. The Osaka Loyal Retainers Festival is held on the second Sunday of December, featuring a lively day featuring a children's parade, martial arts votive offerings, taiko drumming, Tsugaru shamisen, rakugo, outdoor tea ceremonies, and soba noodle contests.
Basic information
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Holidays
- None
- Price
- Free of charge
- Languages
- None
- Access
- 3 minutes walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
- Address
- 1-20 Rokumantai-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0074
- Telephone
- 06-6771-4451
- Fax
- 06-6771-4417
- Average time
- timely
- Other
- Second Sunday of December: Osaka Gishi Festival
