A Jodo sect temple founded in 1657 to memorialize over 100,000 victims of the Great Meireki Fire. Later became the venue for Edo sumo tournaments for about 150 years until 1909. The grounds contain the Chikarazuka sumo monument and the grave of the famous thief Nezumi Kozo. Embodies the spirit of offering prayers for all beings.
Origins
Founded in 1657 by order of the 4th shogun Ietsuna to bury victims of the Great Meireki Fire. From 1768, it became the permanent venue for Edo sumo tournaments. Also enshrines victims of the 1855 Ansei Earthquake.
Divine Benefits
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "阿弥陀如来"
祭
Festivals & Events
— 3
4月
20
Eko-in Spring Memorial Service
Spring memorial service at Eko-in in Ryogoku, founded to memorialize victims of the Great Meireki Fire. The service honors all lives — human and animal alike. Known as the birthplace of sumo, wrestlers also visit after the spring tournament.