The town of Ako is located in the southernmost part of Hyogo Prefecture. In the middle of the city flows the Chikusa River, whose water has been ranked one of Japan’s top 100 natural waters. The southern part of the city faces the Harima Sea and the coast line is part of Setonaikai National Park (Seto Inner Sea). The city of Ako consists of four characteristic areas, which are the northern part where many ancient ruins of the prefecture remain, the central part where the fortified old town flourished on the estuary delta, the southern part famous for its salt farm, and the Sakoshi region with fishing ports.
Castle of Ako
The castle of Ako built on the order of Asano Naganao in 1648, is a rarity in the history of modern castles. It was designed by Kondo Masazumi, a clan servant and master of military tactics. Even today, its zigzag stone wall and its doors facing different angles leave a strong impression of military power.
A Koukokan
Ako city A Koukokan offers exhibitions and interactive installations that allow you to discover history and folklore, mainly centered on the former county of Ako (Ako, Aioi and Kamigori), Jomon eras in Muromachi. Temporary exhibitions are also held regularly.
Ako Jiken
The revenge of the forty-seven rōnin, also known as the Akō incident (Akō jiken) or Akō vendetta, is a historical event of the eighteenth century in which a band of rōnin (samurai without leader) avenged the death of their master. The incident has since become legendary as the revenge of the Soga brothers and the Igagoe vendetta.
The story tells that a group of samurai who ended up without a leader after their daimyō (feudal Lord) Asano Naganori was forced to perform a seppuku ( ritual suicide) for assaulting a powerful court official named Kira Yoshinaka. After waiting and planning for a year, the rōnin avenged the honor of their master by killing Kira. They were then forced to commit a seppuku for murder. This true story has been popularized in Japanese culture as emblematic of the loyalty, sacrifice, perseverance and honour that people should display in their daily lives. The popularity of the tale increased during the Meiji era, during which Japan underwent rapid modernization, and the legend became rooted in speeches about heritage and national identity.
Sanctuary Ako Oishi
Ako Oishi is the sanctuary that consecrated the forty-seven Ronin, led by the divinity Oishi Kuranosuke, who had managed to avenge their lord, enduring a difficult period of one year and ten months. The faithful throughout the country visit the sanctuary to pay tribute and pray for the realization of great ambitions and sincere wishes. The main building and enclosure of the sanctuary were completely renovated in 2002, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Gishi raid.
The objects used to direct the raid are displayed at the paying museum inside.
Gishi Andon
Gishi Andon is a clock four meters high, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the municipal government, made with automatons. Every hour from 9am to 8pm, the doors open on the musical theme of the gishi, and the automatons replay famous scenes of Chushingura (term used to designate all fictions based on the legend of the 47 rōnin). The attraction consists of four scenes that last about three minutes, with narration. Three sides of the clock are decorated with copies from the museum of history of the city of Ako.
To Ako
The town of Ako is easily accessible from the Himeji train station on the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen line.
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