Ekoin Temple

Ekoin is a Buddhist temple of the Pure Land school (Jodo-shu) in the Tokyo district of Ryogoku, founded in 1657 after the great Meireki fire that killed more than 100,000 people. The temple was originally a place where unnamed dead were buried, and its name points to the mercy of Amida that reaches all living beings - including those without relatives. From the 18th century onwards Ekoin was for decades the most important venue for sumo tournaments before today's nearby arena was built. The grounds today hold many memorial stones and the grave of the thief Nezumi Kozo, which visitors rub for luck, alongside a quiet temple atmosphere in the middle of bustling Ryogoku.