Sen, The Japanese Princess

Do you want to travel in Japan one day to view the beautiful places like rivers, lakes, the cherry blossom trees every summer or perhaps eat good food? Most people want to travel to experience these things, but what you do not know is that there is a place in Kyoto that tourists like to visit apart from all mentioned. It is the grave of the late Princess Sen. She played a big role in her family’s success back then. In this article, we will travel back in time to learn more about why her grave is a tourist spot in Kyoto. Princess Sen’s grandfather is Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate which were Jodo sector believers. Her remains lie in Kyoto in the Chionin temple. Chionin temple is known as the leader of the Pure Land or what others call “Jodo”.

Perhaps one day, if you really decide to make a list of nice places in Japan for you to visit, we have compiled some of the interesting stories about the late princess. If you have more ideas on who she is, you will likely become more interested to see her sleeping place.

The Life of Princess Sen

She was the first daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada and was born beautifully in the year 1597. Princess Sen or “Senhime” lived her life for the succession of her family. She grew up to be a very obedient girl, even if it led to a marriage at the age of 7 years old only. Even if it was hard for her, or perhaps for everyone her age to be wed, she did everything she can to help her family. The marriage was a part of political arrangement. She was then sent to Osaka Castle which is very far away from her hometown Edo. Everything about her marriage was arrange by her father. For the sake of peace between Tokugawa and Toyotami families, she sacrificed herself. Though apparently, she wasn’t uncomfortable, she had to endure everything for the sake of the nation. Her situation was not easy because she lived a life like of a hostage.

Princess Sen’s Escape and Marriage

Time passed by for princess Sen. She was 18 years old back then in the year 1615 when families started clashing again. It was summer when another war broke out in Osaka when the Tokugawas won the war. During those difficult times, the princess still stayed with her husband. It was not long when Shogun Ieyasu finally rescued her to live with them again. She tried her best to convince Ieyasu to forgive her husband, but to no avail. The princess’ saviour, Sakazaki Naomori has asked her to marry him. She did not love him, and finally had the chance to decide for herself for the first time. She married Honda Tadatoki and lived in Himeji Castle with him. Her happiness was unlimited during their bond. Their happy marriage led to having two children: princess Katsu and prince Kochiyo. Unfortunately, her luck didn’t seem to last. At the age of 25 years old, her son died followed by the death of her husband from tuberculosis.

source http://kyotocollection.com/blog/sen-the-japanese-princess/