temple (Buddhist)Ryogoku/Kameido

part of the palace where important ceremonies were held(Ekoin)

sumo wrestling

This temple of the Jodo sect was built in 1657 to mourn the victims of the Great Mereki Fire that burned down Edo. From the late Edo period, the temple became a regular venue for sumo tournaments, and for 76 years until the completion of the old Ryogoku Kokugikan in 1909, sumo tournaments were held here at Kaikyoin Temple. The temple has also been holding animal memorial services since its founding, which is rare in Japan, and is still famous among animal lovers as a temple where pet memorial services can be held. In the precincts of the temple, the grave of Jirokichi the Rat Boy, a well-known character in period dramas and Kabuki plays, also remains.

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