■ Edo Castle (Imperial Palace East Gardens area)
Ote-mon Gate
Built in 1607 (Keicho 12) by master castle builder Todo Takatora, Ote-mon Gate served as the main gate of Edo Castle and was used by the shogun and other feudal lords to enter and exit the castle. The construction in 1620 (Genna 6) was carried out by Sakai Tadayo, and the stone walls on either side were built by Date Masamune. In addition, a strict security system was in place, with 30 matchlock guns, 10 bows, and 20 spears protecting the gate.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick tour: about 15 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 30 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Koraimon Gate : This gate has existed since the Edo period, and its solid construction speaks to the high level of architectural technology at the time.
- Masugata Defensive Layout: A square plaza built to prevent enemy intrusions, and you can experience its structure by passing through the gate.
- The reconstructed Watari-Yagura Gate : Although it was destroyed by fire during the war, it was restored in 1963 using wood and still retains its original appearance.
- Stone walls: Around the gate, stone walls from the Edo period remain, allowing you to see up close the technology of the time.
- Best seasons to visit: In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Otemon Gate was the main gate of Edo Castle, and was used for the entrance and exit of the Shogun, for imperial envoys, and for feudal lords to enter the castle, and was heavily guarded.
- Historical connections: You can trace the legacy of warlords from the Sengoku period, such as Todo Takatora and Date Masamune, who were involved in the construction of the castle.
Sannomaru Shozokan (Museum of the Imperial Collections)
Sannomaru Shozokan is an art museum located in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and exhibits artworks related to the Imperial family. It opened in 1993 and has a collection of about 9,800 pieces, including national treasure-class works by Ito Jakuchu and Kano Eitoku. Special exhibitions are also held regularly, so you can enjoy different masterpieces every time you visit.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick tour: about 15 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 40 minutes
📍 Highlights
- National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties on Display : Masterpieces of Japanese art, such as Ito Jakuchu’s “A Colorful Picture Book of Animals and Plants” and Kano Eitoku’s “Chinese Lion Screen,” are on display.
- Seasonal exhibits : Special exhibitions and planned exhibitions are held regularly, so you’ll see something new every time you visit.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The museum was established after the death of Emperor Showa, when the Imperial Family donated art works to the nation.
- A secret only known to locals : Part of the museum is a storage area that is not normally open to the public and is only open to the public during special events.
- Relationship with famous people : The museum houses many works by Japan’s leading artists, including Yokoyama Taikan and Takamura Koun.
Doshin Bansho
The Doshin Bansho is one of three guard posts still remaining within Edo Castle, and was a guard post staffed mainly by low-ranking samurai called “doshin.” This guard post was located on the way from the Otemon Gate to the Honmaru, and was responsible for monitoring and guarding those entering the castle.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- The guardhouse building : It is believed to date back to the late Edo period and has been restored to its original form to this day.
- The hollyhock crest on the roof tiles : The hollyhock crest, the Tokugawa family crest, can be seen on the roof tiles, giving a sense of the authority of the time.
- Square-shaped stone walls : Square-shaped stone walls remain around the guardhouse, evoking the castle structure of the past.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The Doshin Bansho was manned by yoriki and doshin guarding the Ote-san no Gate (Shimojyo-mon), and daimyo other than the Gosanke were required to disembark from their vehicles here and walk to the Honmaru.
- A secret only locals know : The highest roof tile of the Constable’s office has a gable tile bearing the Tokugawa family’s hollyhock crest, while the eaves have a standard three-common crest.
Hyakunin Bansho
The Hyakunin Bansho is the largest of the three guardhouses still remaining within Edo Castle, and was a guardhouse that was mainly manned by a rifle unit known as the “Hyakuningumi.” This guardhouse was located on the way from the Otemon Gate to the Honmaru, and was responsible for monitoring and guarding daimyo and important people entering the castle.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- The Hyakuninbansho building : This is a valuable building that still preserves the architectural style of the early Edo period, and the construction techniques of the time can be seen in the structure of the interior pillars and beams.
- Tenement-style structure : The tenement-style structure is about 50 meters long and has many rooms lined up, giving an idea of the scale of the security system at the time.
- Surrounding stone walls : The impressive stone walls surrounding the guardhouse remain, testifying to the strength of Edo Castle’s defensive capabilities.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The Hyakuninbansho was where an elite unit called the Hyakunin Gumi Rifle Squad was stationed and played an important role as the backbone of Edo Castle’s defense.
- A secret only locals know : inside the guardhouse you’ll find replicas of the tools and weapons used for security at the time, making it a must-see for history buffs.
Remains of Nakanomon Gate
The remains of the Nakanomon Gate in Edo Castle are the remains of a gate that once served as the main entrance to the Honmaru (main citadel). This gate was used by the shogun and feudal lords when entering the castle throughout the Edo period, and due to its importance it was heavily guarded. Today, only the stone walls remain, allowing us to recall the magnificent structure of that time.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (approx. 0.4km)
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Stone wall technique : The stone walls of the Nakanomon Gate ruins are a testament to the advanced stone masonry techniques of the Edo period.
- Nearby historical buildings : There are guard facilities from the Edo period, such as the Hyakuninbansho and Obansho, in the vicinity, and by visiting them you can gain a deeper understanding of the castle structure of the time.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Nakanomon Gate was a key defensive point for Edo Castle and was under particularly strict security measures.
- A secret only locals know : The stone walls are sometimes engraved with the date of restoration and the family crest of the feudal lord who was in charge, so if you pay close attention to the details, you may discover something new.
Remains of the Matsunooo-ka
Matsunooo-ka was a tatami-floored corridor located within the Honmaru Palace of Edo Castle, measuring approximately 50 meters in length and 4 meters in width, with pictures of pine trees and plovers painted on the sliding doors. This place is known as the scene of the Matsunooo-ka incident that occurred on March 14, 1701 (Genroku 14), when Ako Domain lord Asano Takumi-no-kami Naganori slashed at the head of the high-ranking family, Kira Kozukenosuke Yoshinaka. This incident marked the beginning of the later raid by the Ako Roshi, known as the Chushingura.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Monument to the site of the Pine Corridor : Currently, a monument marking the location of the Pine Corridor has been erected on the site of the former Honmaru citadel in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. By visiting this monument, you can get a real feel for the site of this historical event.
- Strolling around the former Honmaru site : While strolling around the vast lawns of the former Honmaru site, you can get a feel for the scale and structure of the castle from the Edo period.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The sword attack in the Pine Corridor caused a great shock in the Edo period, when sword attacks in the presence of the Shogun were strictly prohibited. This incident later led to the Ako Roshi raid and became widely known as Chushingura.
- A secret only locals know : The sliding doors of the Pine Corridor feature a row of pine trees, and the beauty of the corridor has earned it the nickname “Pine Corridor.” The area around the current site is planted with trees that evoke the atmosphere of the time.
- Relationships with famous people : The stories of Asano Takumi-no-kami, Kira Kozukenosuke, and the Ako Roshi have been featured in many works, including Kabuki and film, and have had a profound influence on Japanese historical culture.
Fujimi Tower
The Fujimi Tower of Edo Castle is a three-story, three-storey tower built in the early Edo period, and is one of the few remaining buildings from Edo Castle. As its name suggests, it is said that Mount Fuji could once be viewed from this tower. Constructed by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, this tower played an important role as a key element in the defense and surveillance of Edo Castle.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 10 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 20 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Fujimi Tower exterior : The three-story, three-storey structure features a beautiful contrast between the white walls and black roof tiles, conveying the architectural beauty of the Edo period to the present day.
- Surrounding stone walls : The sturdy stone walls supporting the turret give a sense of the advanced castle-building techniques of the time.
- Seasonal ways to enjoy the area : In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast with the tower.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Fujimi Tower was used as a substitute for the castle tower after it was destroyed in the Great Fire of Meireki (1657).
- A secret only locals know : The name of the tower comes from the fact that Mount Fuji was once visible from here, but it is now difficult to see due to the surrounding buildings.
- Connection with famous people : Built by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, this turret played a vital role in the defense and surveillance of Edo Castle.
Fujimi Tower is a precious spot where you can feel the architectural techniques and history of the Edo period. Why not take a stroll around the surrounding East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and experience the atmosphere of that time?
Remains of the castle tower
The remains of Edo Castle’s castle tower base were once the site of a magnificent castle tower, but today only the stone walls remain. The castle tower was built as part of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s expansion of Edo Castle, and was rebuilt three times throughout the Edo period. However, it was destroyed in the Meireki fire of 1657, and has never been rebuilt since. The remains of the castle tower base are currently located within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and convey to visitors the grandeur of the Edo period.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 10 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 20 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Stone wall of the castle tower base : The huge stone wall, about 11 meters high and 41 meters wide, demonstrates the high level of castle-building technology at the time.
- View from the top of the castle tower : If you stand on top of the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the city center, where history and modernity intersect.
- Seasonal ways to enjoy the castle : In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast between the castle tower and the cherry blossoms.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : After the castle tower burned down, there were plans to rebuild it, but this was not realized due to the shogunate’s financial difficulties and political decisions.
- A secret only locals know : The stone walls of the castle tower base still bear the markings of the feudal lords who brought the stones, and if you look carefully you can find them.
- Relationships with famous people : When plans were being made to rebuild the castle tower, Masayuki Hoshina, a senior official in the shogunate, is said to have suggested that the castle tower was not necessarily necessary, and the reconstruction was called off.
Honmaru citadel
The site of the Honmaru citadel of Edo Castle was once the political center and residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and is now open to the public as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. This vast site was home to the Honmaru Palace and castle tower of the time, and was a symbol of authority and culture during the Edo period. Today, it is dotted with beautiful gardens and historical remains, making it a popular tourist spot.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 10 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 25 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Honmaru Ruins Grass Square : This spacious lawn area is where the Honmaru Palace once stood. You can enjoy different views depending on the season.
- Ninomaru Garden : A spot where you can enjoy the beauty of a Japanese garden, with ponds, stone bridges, and seasonal plants that fascinate visitors.
- Old Fruit Variety Garden : Here you can experience the history of Japanese agriculture through the planting of old varieties of fruit trees.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The Honmaru Palace of Edo Castle was burned down by several fires, including the Great Fire of Meireki (1657), and was subsequently rebuilt, but was finally destroyed by fire in 1863 (Bunkyu 3) and was never rebuilt after that.
- A secret only locals know : The remains of the former stone walls and building foundations are buried underground at the site of the main citadel, and archaeological research is currently underway.
- Relationship with famous people : Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns and the site of many historical events. In particular, during the reign of the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the current castle tower base was completed and Edo Castle reached its peak.
Shiomizaka
Shiomizaka is a slope located within the East Gardens of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), and was an important passageway connecting the Honmaru and Ninomaru. This slope was once the site of the Shiomizaka Gate, and it is said that the slope was named after the fact that during the Edo period, Hibiya Bay could be seen from this slope. Today, you can look down on the Shiratori Moat from the top of the slope, recalling the atmosphere of those days.
🗺 Address:
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Shiomizaka Stone Walls : Stone walls from the Edo period remain on both sides of the slope, giving it a historic feel.
- View of the Shiratori Moat : The view overlooking the Shiratori Moat from the top of the hill is beautiful and is a popular photo spot.
- Seasonal ways to enjoy : In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom, making the scenery of the slopes and moat even more beautiful.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The hill was named “Shiomizaka” (Shiomi Hill) because the ocean could once be seen from there.
- A secret only locals know : A waka poem was written about the name of the slope, which goes, “Far away, yet near, the sea plovers of Narumi. Their cries tell the tides.”
Ninomaru Garden
Ninomaru Garden is a stroll-style garden with a pond located within the East Gardens of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), and was created in the early Edo period. The garden was designed by Kobori Enshu, and was used for the shogun’s entertainment and for official events. Today, it is loved by many visitors as a spot where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 10 minutes walk (about 0.8km) from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick tour: about 15 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 30 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Stroll around a pond : This is a shoin-style garden with Horai Island in the center of the pond and crane and turtle islands on either side, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Edo period gardens.
- Seasonal Flowers : Different flowers decorate the gardens with each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.
- Historical Buildings : Stone lanterns and teahouses that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period are scattered throughout the garden.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Ninomaru Garden fell into disrepair after the Meiji period, but was restored in 1968 to its current appearance.
- A local secret : the garden’s pond is filled with Nishikigoi carp, a delight for visitors.
- Relationship with famous people : Kobori Enshu, who designed the garden, was known as a tea master and garden designer, and his works remain throughout the country.
Ninomaru Garden is a place of tranquility and beauty that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Why not spend some relaxing time in this garden where history and nature coexist in harmony?
Hirakawa Gate
Hirakawamon Gate was one of the gates inside Edo Castle, and served as the exit from Sannomaru to the outside of the castle. This gate was used as an entrance to the castle for ladies-in-waiting and the three branches of the Gosanke (Tayasu, Hitotsubashi, and Shimizu families), and was also called “Otsukasa Gomon” due to its historical background. In terms of its structure, it is the only square-shaped gate with a distinctive design that has two Korean gates.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 5 minutes walk (about 200m) from Exit 1a of Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Structure of Hirakawamon Gate : The two Korean gates and the arrangement of the square gate are characteristic of castle architecture from the Edo period.
- Obikuruwa : A long and narrow site that stretches to the Hirakawa moat and continues all the way to Takebashi Gate.
- Hirakawa Bridge : This wooden bridge spans in front of Hirakawa Gate and is said to have been first built in 1614. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1988 and is a beautiful wooden bridge measuring 29.7m in length and 7.82m in width.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : There used to be villages called Kamihirakawamura and Shimohirakawamura around Hirakawamon Gate, which is said to be the origin of the name Hirakawamon Gate.
- A secret only locals know : inside the gate there is another gate called the “Fujomon” (Immortal Gate), which is said to have been used to let out those who died within the grounds, or sinners.
- Connections with notable figures : Hirakawamon Gate was used as the entrance to the castle for the Tokugawa Gosanke (three branches of the Tokugawa family), members of which were eligible to succeed the shogun in the event that the shogunate had no heirs (the Tayasu, Hitotsubashi, and Shimizu families).
Edo Castle Outer Area
Hirakawa Bridge
Hirakawa Bridge is located in the northeastern part of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and is a wooden bridge that spans the moat inside Edo Castle. The bridge was first built in 1614 (Keicho 19) at the beginning of the Edo period, and after undergoing numerous renovations, was reconstructed into its current form on March 31, 1988 (Showa 63). The current bridge is made using cypress wood from Taiwan, with stone piers and abutments and steel beams. It is a beautiful wooden bridge with a total length of 29.7 meters and a width of 7.82 meters, forming a gentle arch like a drum bridge.
🗺 Address:
Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward, Hitotsubashi 1-chome
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 2 minutes (approximately 200 meters) on foot from Exit 1a of Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- The beauty of the bridge’s structure : The gently arched wooden bridge evokes the beauty of traditional Japanese bridges.
- Surrounding scenery : From the bridge, you can enjoy the view of the inner moat and the surrounding greenery.
- Best seasons to visit : In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom, making the view of the bridge and moat even more beautiful.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : The gables on the railings of Hirakawa Bridge were originally attached to Nijubashi Bridge, and were repurposed for Hirakawa Bridge when the bridge was rebuilt in 1887. There are 10 gables in total, all of which date back to the Edo period, and are inscribed with the years 1614 (Keicho 19) and 1624 (Kan’ei 1).
- A secret only locals know : Hirakawa Bridge is the last wooden bridge over the inner moat of the Imperial Palace and is beloved by many for its historical value.
Hirakawa Tenmangu Shrine
Hirakawa Tenmangu Shrine is a historic shrine located in Hirakawacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The main deity enshrined here is Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, and the co-shrines enshrine Komudawake no Mikoto (Hachiman Shrine) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (Toshogu Shrine).
🗺 Address:
1-7-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 3 minutes walk (approximately 240 meters) from Exit 1 of Hanzomon Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Copper Torii : This copper torii gate is said to have been donated by the shrine’s parishioners in 1844 and is designated as a cultural property of Chiyoda Ward.
- Stroking Cow : There are five stone cows enshrined within the shrine grounds, one of which is known as the “Stroking Cow.” It is said that you will receive good fortune if you stroke the same part of your body that bothers you.
- Plum of Matchmaking : There is a plum tree in the precincts called the “Plum of Matchmaking,” and it is said to bring good luck in finding love because the two fruits grow close together.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Hirakawa Tenmangu Shrine is considered one of the three great Tenjin shrines of Edo, and was also a place of prayer for the Tokugawa family of the Kishu domain and the Ii family of the Hikone domain.
- A secret only locals know : The grounds are dotted with stone structures designated as cultural properties of Chiyoda Ward, such as “chikaraishi” (power stones) and “komainu” (guardian lion dogs).
- Relationship with famous people : It is known that the blind Japanese scholar Hanawa Hokei and the Dutch scholar Takano Choei were devout believers in this temple.
Kitahanebashimon Gate
Kitahanebashimon Gate is an important castle gate located at the northern end of the Honmaru (main enclosure) of Edo Castle, on the border with the Kitanomaru (northern enclosure). Its name, “Hanebashi,” comes from the fact that the bridge in front of the gate was designed to be raised in the event of an emergency. As you enter this gate, you will see the castle tower directly in front of you, and it served as a key point in the defense of the northern side of Edo Castle.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 5 minutes walk (about 400 meters) from Exit 1a of Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Remains of the wooden gate and bridge : Currently, the wooden gate and bridge of the Kita-Hokkebashi Gate remain, giving a glimpse of the structure of the castle gate at that time.
- View of Hirakawa Moat and Inui Moat : You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hirakawa Moat and Inui Moat, the inner moats that spread out in front of the gate.
- Remains of Edo Castle’s castle tower : Once you enter the gate, you can feel the weight of history as the remains of the castle tower base spread out before you.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : It is said that during the time of Ota Dokan, this area was the main gate (front) of the castle.
- A secret only locals know : The pillars of the gate still have metal fittings that are said to have once been used to hang a pulley to raise the bridge, providing a glimpse of the defense system at the time.
Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi is a beautiful body of water in the northwest of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and was named after the shape of the pool, which resembles a plover. It is said to have started as an artificial reservoir created by damming the surrounding rivers in the early Edo period, at the command of Tokugawa Ieyasu, for the purpose of defending Edo Castle and securing drinking water.
🗺 Address:
2-chome Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: About 5 minutes walk (about 400 meters) from Exit 5 of Hanzomon Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick tour: about 15 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 30 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Chidorigafuchi Greenway : A 700-meter-long promenade where about 260 Somei-Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees bloom in spring, creating a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
- Chidorigafuchi Boating Area : Take a boat ride on the moat and enjoy the cherry blossoms and surrounding scenery from the water.
- Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery : This cemetery is where the remains of Japanese soldiers who died overseas during World War II are buried, and is a place of quiet prayer.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Chidorigafuchi was originally an artificial reservoir built to defend Edo Castle and secure drinking water.
- A secret only locals know : Along the Chidorigafuchi Greenway, snowbell trees are planted, and in early summer you can enjoy the sight of their downward-facing white flowers.
Chidorigafuchi is a spot where historical background and natural beauty come together, and is especially popular in spring during the cherry blossom season. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quiet time.
Hanzomon
Hanzomon is a castle gate located on the west side of Edo Castle (current Imperial Palace), and its name comes from Hattori Hanzo Masanari, a vassal of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was known as the leader of the Iga ninja, and after Ieyasu entered Edo, he was in charge of guarding this gate and had a mansion in the surrounding area.
🗺 Address:
1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: Hanzomon Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, 1 minute walk (approximately 100 meters) from Exit 5
⏳ Estimated tour time
- Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
- If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 10 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Koraimon Gate : The Koraimon Gate that remains today was relocated from the Wadakuramon Gate that was destroyed in the war, and has a historic feel to it.
- Hanzo Moat : A beautiful moat surrounds the gate, allowing you to enjoy the scenery throughout the seasons.
- Nearby historical sites : The area around Hanzomon is dotted with historical sites and buildings that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period.
📌 Trivia
- Lesser-known history : Hanzomon is said to have served as the rear gate of Edo Castle, and also as an exit for the shogun to evacuate to Kofu via the Koshu Kaido in case of emergency.
- A secret only locals know : There is an alternative theory about the name of the gate: it says that the elephant float used in the Sanno Festival was too large to fit through the gate, so it had to be cut in half to let the float through, hence the name “Hanzomon” (Elephant Gate).
- Relationship with famous people : Hattori Hanzo served as the leader of the ninjas as a retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and achieved so much that his name was given to this gate.
Sakuradamon Gate
Sakuradamon is a castle gate deeply connected to Japanese history and culture. When Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo Shogunate, Edo Castle was built as its political center, and Sakuradamon was established as one of its main gates. This gate was located on the outer perimeter of Edo Castle, and played an important role in strengthening the southwest defenses.
Sakuradamon’s architecture is a solid wooden structure that reflects the dignity and aesthetic sense of samurai society. The beautiful contrast between the white walls and the black tiled roof speaks to the high level of architectural technology in the Edo period. It was also a place that marked a turning point in history, as an incident known as the Sakuradamon Incident occurred here in 1860 during the final years of the Edo period, leading to the assassination of Ii Naosuke, the Shogunate’s chief advisor.
Due to its historical background and beautiful appearance, it is a popular tourist spot, especially in spring when the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom, attracting many visitors. The value of visiting is that you can experience the history firsthand and enjoy the silence and beauty in the city.
🗺 Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 2 minutes walk (approx. 0.2km) from Sakuradamon Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
⏳ Estimated tour time
Quick highlights: about 5 minutes
If you want to take your time sightseeing: About 15 minutes
📍 Highlights
🔹 Sakuradamon Gate: You can feel the architectural beauty and history of the Edo period.
🔹 Sakurada Moat: A beautiful moat surrounding the gate, where you can enjoy the scenery of every season.
🔹 Seasonal ways to enjoy: Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn leaves add a beautiful color to the scenery.
📌 Trivia
Lesser-known history: It is known as the place where Ii Naosuke was assassinated during the Sakuradamon Incident.
A local secret: near the gate, there is a secluded lane that offers a peaceful walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Relationship with famous people: Many patriots during the end of the Edo period passed through this gate, making it a historic stage.
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