Tucked away in Shinjuku at the tranquil Sainen-ji temple, this unassuming cemetery holds the 1597 funerary pagoda of Hattori Hanzō. Renowned across global pop culture as an iconic ninja master, the historical Hanzō was a fierce spearman and loyal vassal to Tokugawa Ieyasu who led shinobi troops from Iga and Kōka. The temple itself was originally founded by Hanzō and continues to enshrine his storied battle spear. Visiting this quiet corner offers a rare, evocative brush with the real warrior whose legacy shaped Edo-era lore and inspired Tokyo's famous Hanzōmon gate.
- Samurai
- Legends
- Graves
- Buddhist Temples
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- Historic Sites
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