Ekoin

This temple in the Ryogoku district was founded in the seventeenth century to hold memorial services for the victims of a catastrophic fire that killed tens of thousands and reshaped the layout of old Edo. It became a place to pray for the repose of the nameless dead, later extending its compassion to animals and even to prisoners, and its grounds hold monuments to fire victims, a famous cat, and other creatures. Long associated with the early history of professional sumo, which staged bouts here, it carries a poignant sense of resilience.