Ekoin Temple: The Birthplace of Public Sumo and Nezumi Kozo
Why is it significant?
Pass through the modern black gates of Ekoin Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary with a profound historical legacy.
Key Facts
| Place | Ekoin Temple: The Birthplace of Public Sumo and Nezumi Kozo |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-8-10 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan |
| Geo Coordinates | 35.69300, 139.79250 |
| Part of Walk | Tokyo: Ryogoku & Fukagawa, Sumo Legends and Hokusai's River |
| Generated | Generated |
Pass through the modern black gates of Ekoin Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary with a profound historical legacy. Founded in sixteen fifty-seven by the fourth shogun, Tokugawa Ietsuna, following the catastrophic Great Fire of Meireki, Ekoin was established as a sacred memorial hall to offer Buddhist prayers for the souls of over one hundred thousand unidentified commoners who perished in the inferno. Because it was founded to pray for all beings regardless of social rank, it welcomed beggars, samurai, and animals alike.
Ekoin is celebrated as the historical birthplace of modern tournament sumo: in seventeen sixty-eight, the shogunate granted permission to hold kanjin-sumo charity tournaments in the temple courtyard to raise funds for temple repairs. For over seventy years until nineteen zero-nine, when the first permanent Kokugikan arena was built, all major Tokyo sumo tournaments were held outdoors right here in these sandy grounds. The temple continues to welcome all wanderers and pilgrims, offering compassionate solace through centuries of Tokyo's trials and triumphs.
In the rear cemetery stands the famous grave of Nezumi Kozo, the 'Rat Boy', a legendary nineteenth-century folk hero who stole gold coins from corrupt samurai mansions and distributed them to impoverished townspeople. Visitors use small stones provided at the graveside to chip off flakes from a soft stone replica pillar in front of his tomb, keeping the dust in their wallets as an amulet for good luck in gambling, business, and exams. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds stands as a timeless testament to community resilience and spiritual rebirth.
Near the entrance sits the Chikushotai, a historic stone memorial dedicated to the souls of domestic horses, dogs, cats, and birds, reflecting Ekoin's ancient compassion for all living creatures.
Walk west toward the riverbank to visit the charming miniature exhibits of the Ryogoku Fireworks Museum.