Ueno Area
Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ueno Onshi Park, Taito City, Tokyo. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Originally built in 1627, the shrine’s current structure was reconstructed in 1651 under the orders of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. This shrine, also known as the “Golden Hall” (Kara-den), is renowned for its opulent decorations that showcase the architectural beauty of the early Edo period. The shrine also enshrines Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Yoshinobu, making it an important historical and cultural site.
🗺 Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo
🚶 Access
- JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) – 10-minute walk
- Keisei Ueno Station – 12-minute walk
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station – 10-minute walk
⏳ Recommended Visit Time
- Short visit: Around 15 minutes
- In-depth exploration: Around 40 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Golden Hall (Main Shrine): A splendid structure covered in gold leaf, preserving the Edo period’s architectural legacy.
- Kara-mon Gate: An intricately carved gate designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
- Bronze Lanterns: Around 50 bronze lanterns, donated by feudal lords from across Japan, line the shrine grounds.
- Peony Garden: A beautiful garden that blooms with peonies in spring and winter, attracting many visitors.
📌 Trivia
- Surprising Historical Fact: Ueno Toshogu Shrine has remarkably survived major disasters, including the Great Fire of Edo, the Boshin War, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and World War II air raids.
- Local Secret: A small shrine within the grounds, “Eiyo Gongen Shrine,” is believed to bring good luck in exams and career success.
- Famous Connections: The shrine is located within Kan’ei-ji Temple, the burial site of many Tokugawa shoguns, highlighting its deep connection to the Tokugawa family.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine blends historical architecture with natural beauty, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. A visit here offers a glimpse into the fusion of Edo traditions and modern-day Tokyo.
Kan’ei-ji Temple
Kan’ei-ji Temple, officially known as Toeizan Kan’ei-ji Endon-in, is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Uenosakuragi, Taito City, Tokyo. Established in 1625 by the high-ranking monk Tenkai under the patronage of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu, it was built to protect Edo Castle from northeastern threats. Its mountain name, “Toeizan,” was inspired by Kyoto’s Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, earning it the nickname “Hiei of the East.” Since its founding, Kan’ei-ji has served as the Tokugawa family’s official temple, with six shoguns buried within its grounds. Tenkai also sought to make the temple accessible to commoners by planting cherry trees, which continue to make it a beloved cherry blossom destination today.
🗺 Address: 1-14-11 Uenosakuragi, Taito City, Tokyo
🚶 Access
- JR Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku Line Uguisudani Station (North Exit) – 5-minute walk (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Recommended Visit Time
- Short visit: Around 10 minutes
- In-depth exploration: Around 40 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Main Hall (Konpon Chudo): A grand structure modeled after the main hall of Kyoto’s Enryaku-ji Temple.
- Kiyomizu Kannon-do: A temple modeled after Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, offering stunning views, especially in cherry blossom season.
- Tokugawa Mausoleum: The resting place of several Tokugawa shoguns, adding to its historical significance.
- Seasonal Attractions: Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage enhance the temple’s charm.
📌 Trivia
- Historical Significance: Kan’ei-ji was second in prestige only to Enryaku-ji Temple and served as Edo’s northern guardian.
- Local Secret: The temple’s “Toki no Kane” (Time Bell) once rang to mark the hours in Edo times and still holds historical value.
- Famous Connections: Following the Meiji Restoration, parts of Kan’ei-ji’s land were converted into Ueno Park, now home to the Tokyo National Museum and Tokyo University of the Arts.
Kan’ei-ji Temple is a place where history and nature intertwine, offering visitors a serene yet historically significant experience that bridges Edo-period traditions with present-day Tokyo.
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
Yushima Tenmangu (also known as Yushima Tenjin) was founded in the 2nd year of Emperor Yūryaku’s reign (458 AD) and originally enshrined the deity Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto. In 1355, during the Nanboku-chō period, Sugawara no Michizane—the deity of scholarship—was also enshrined, attracting countless worshippers praying for academic success. During the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu contributed land to the shrine, and it flourished under the protection of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine grounds feature historical monuments such as a bronze torii gate and the “Kien Hyōjin-seki” stone, known for reuniting lost individuals. Today, Yushima Tenmangu remains a significant destination for students and scholars.
🗺 Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyō City, Tokyo
🚶 Access
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station (Exit 3) – 2-minute walk (approx. 0.2km)
⏳ Recommended Visit Time
- Short visit: Around 30 minutes
- In-depth exploration: Around 1 hour
📍 Highlights
- Main Hall: Rebuilt in 1995 using traditional cypress wood, showcasing exquisite Japanese shrine architecture.
- Bronze Torii Gate: A Tokyo-designated cultural property, this torii is a rare and historically significant structure.
- Kien Hyōjin-seki: A stone monument believed to help people reunite with lost loved ones, designated as a cultural property of Bunkyō City.
- Seasonal Events: The shrine hosts a Plum Blossom Festival in spring and a Chrysanthemum Festival in autumn, offering beautiful seasonal scenery.
📌 Trivia
- Surprising Historical Fact: During the Edo period, Yushima Tenmangu was a lively cultural hub where lottery tickets were sold, drawing large crowds.
- Local Secret: The shrine has three unique stairways—”Otoko-zaka” (Men’s Slope), “Onna-zaka” (Women’s Slope), and “Meoto-zaka” (Married Couple’s Slope)—each with its own distinct character.
- Famous Connections: The shrine appears in the famous Meiji-era novel Onna Keizu by Izumi Kyōka, further cementing its place in Japanese literary history.
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is not only a revered site for academic success but also a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. A visit here allows one to experience Japan’s traditions and seasonal charms up close.
Kanda Shrine
Kanda Myojin was founded in 730 AD (Tenpyo 2) by Makanda Omi, a member of the Izumo clan. During the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed for victory at Kanda Myojin and emerged victorious. Later, the shrine was relocated to protect the front demon gate of Edo Castle and was revered as the guardian shrine of Edo. The current shrine building, reconstructed after the Great Kanto Earthquake, was built with reinforced concrete and survived wartime destruction.
🏞 Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest stations:
- 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line) via Hijiribashi Exit
- 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- 7-minute walk from Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line) via Electric Town Exit
- 5-minute walk from Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
⏳ Recommended Visit Duration
- Quick tour: Approximately 20 minutes
- In-depth visit: Approximately 40 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Main Shrine: The current shrine building, constructed in 1934 after the Great Kanto Earthquake, is a rare reinforced concrete structure that survived wartime destruction.
- Zuishin Gate: A striking two-story vermilion gate rebuilt in 1995, serving as an iconic symbol of Kanda Myojin.
- Kanda Festival: One of the three great Edo festivals, held in mid-May of odd-numbered years, featuring grand processions.
- Cultural Exchange Hall “EDOCCO”: Opened in 2018, this facility hosts traditional cultural experiences and events.
📌 Trivia
- Unexpected Historical Significance: Kanda Shrine is also known for enshrining Taira no Masakado, whose spirit was venerated to bring peace.
- Local Secret: The shrine grounds feature ema (votive plaques) depicting Nozomi Tojo from the anime Love Live!, making it a pilgrimage site for fans.
- Famous Connections: Edo-era ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige depicted Kanda Myojin in their works, showcasing its historical value.
Kanda Shrine is a fascinating destination where history and modern culture intertwine, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich traditions and contemporary influences.
Kōrakuen
Denzuin Temple
Denzuin Temple, a distinguished Jodo sect temple in Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, was founded in 1415 (Oei 22) by the monk Ryo-e. Originally named Muryo-zan Jukyo-ji, it was later renamed Denzuin after becoming the family temple of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mother, Odai-no-kata (Denzuin-dono). The temple is also known as the burial site of several Tokugawa family women, including Ieyasu’s granddaughter, Senhime.
During the Edo period, Denzuin flourished under Tokugawa patronage, gaining prominence as a temple of high status. Today, it retains its dignified atmosphere, attracting history enthusiasts and temple visitors alike.
🏞 Address: 3-14-6 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station:
- Approximately 10-minute walk (0.8 km) from Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Namboku Line)
⏳ Recommended Visit Duration
- Quick tour: Approximately 15 minutes
- In-depth visit: Approximately 30 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Main Hall: A traditional Jodo sect-style building, offering a tranquil atmosphere for reflection.
- Odai-no-kata’s Tomb: The final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mother, an essential site for history lovers.
- Kasuga-no-Tsubone’s Tomb: The burial site of Kasuga-no-Tsubone, the influential wet nurse of Tokugawa Iemitsu, providing insight into Edo-period women’s history.
- Seasonal Beauty: The temple’s cherry blossoms bloom in spring, making it a picturesque hanami (flower-viewing) spot.
📌 Trivia
- Unexpected Historical Significance: In the Edo period, Denzuin was a major pilgrimage site, drawing devoted commoners from across the city.
- Local Secret: The temple grounds feature historical stone monuments and artifacts, providing a unique glimpse into Edo-period culture.
- Famous Connections: As the family temple of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mother, Denzuin maintains strong ties to the Tokugawa shogunate’s history.
Gessandō Koishikawa Zenkoji Temple
Gessandō Zenkoji is a temple that enshrines the personal Buddhist image deeply revered by O-Dai no Kata, the mother of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This temple traces its history back to 1602 (Keichō 7) and houses the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue, a sacred representation of Shinshu Zenkoji. Visitors can experience a serene and reverent atmosphere within its grounds.
🗺 Address:3-17-8 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access:
- Nearest Station: 7-minute walk (approx. 0.5 km) from Kasuga Station on the Toei Mita and Oedo Lines
⏳ Suggested Visit Duration:
- Quick Visit: Around 10 minutes
- In-Depth Exploration: Around 20 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Main Deity – O-Dai no Kata’s Personal Buddhist Image
The temple enshrines a triad of sacred statues: Amida Nyorai, Kannon Bosatsu, and Seishi Bosatsu, which O-Dai no Kata worshipped throughout her life. - Historic Gate and Tranquil Grounds
The temple’s gate and precincts exude a historic charm, offering visitors a peaceful retreat. - Seasonal Beauty
In spring, cherry blossoms grace the temple grounds, while autumn brings vibrant foliage.
📌 Trivia
- A Hidden Historical Gem
Originally known as Enjuin, a sub-temple of Denzuin, it was renamed “Gessandō Enjuin Zenkoji” during the Meiji era. - A Local Secret
The road in front of the temple is called “Zenkoji-zaka,” a name cherished by local residents. - Ties to Historical Figures
As the temple enshrines the personal Buddhist image of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mother, it holds deep historical connections to the Tokugawa family.
Gessandō Zenkoji is a culturally and historically significant temple that offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past.
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