Ryukoin Temple
The Ryukoin Temple stands behind this fence. It was the residence of Iemitsu’s personal servant Kaji Sadayoshi. In Iemitsu’s time, it was customary for a lord’s servants to follow him to the grave, committing a form of ritual suicide known as junshi. Kaji, however, was not permitted to do so and instead was made protector of Iemitsu’s grave. Thereafter, he resided in this building and until the day he himself died he continued to prepare Iemitsu’s meals daily as though the shogun were still alive. Today the hall houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and serves as a place of prayer. It is maintained by people connected with the temple, and visitors are not permitted.