Dedicated to the spirits of those who died in the Meireki Fire of 1657, the Ekôin was actually situated on a mass burial site for the dead near the east bank of the Sumida River. Ryôgoku Bridge spilled into the east plaza and from there the thoroughfare led straight to the temple. Kaichô and kanjinzumô (fund-raising sumo) were popular events in and around the Ekôin. Click on the temple grounds for a look at a kaichô.