A short walk from Tokyo Station, a monument quietly commemorates Miura Anjin (William Adams). This page explores the story behind this historic site. If you have a bit of spare time—perhaps while waiting for a Shinkansen—it’s well worth a brief visit.
Site of Miura Anjin’s Residence (Nihonbashi, Tokyo)
⭐ Recommended Rating
Historical Significance: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★
Experiential Value: ★★
In the early Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the English navigator William Adams (Miura Anjin) a residence in Muromachi, Nihonbashi, appointing him as a hatamoto (direct retainer). Today, a modest monument marks the site, and the street name “Anjin-dori” preserves its legacy. As introduced in Anjin’s main profile, this site offers a glimpse into his influence on Tokugawa governance—tucked within the modern urban landscape.
| Year Erected | 1930 (Designated as a historic site by Tokyo Metropolitan Government) |
|---|---|
| Rebuilt | 1951 (Reconstructed after wartime damage by local volunteers) |
| Structure & Features | Stone monument with bilingual (Japanese and English) inscription |
| Current Condition | Well-maintained, quietly located between buildings |
| Cultural Designation | Historic Site of Tokyo |
| Notes | Reflects the early Edo period ambiance amidst the surrounding cityscape |
🗺 Address: 1-10-8 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo
🚶 Access:
15-minute walk (approx. 1 km) from Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station
⏳ Suggested Visit Time
Approx. 2–10 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Historic Monument: Site of Miura Anjin’s Residence: Bilingual inscription quietly honors Anjin’s contributions. The current stone was reconstructed after WWII by local volunteers.
- Anjin-dori Street: Even utility poles are marked with the name “Anjin-dori,” evoking the former town name “Anjin-cho.” The Edo era lives on through this modest street.
- A Pocket of History Amid the City: Nestled between office buildings, this small yet significant site surprises visitors with its contrast to the modern surroundings.
📌 Trivia
- Former Town Name: Anjin-cho: The area was officially known as “Anjin-cho” until 1932, which inspired the name “Anjin-dori.”
- Monument’s History: Destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1951 with English text. It was officially designated a historic site by Tokyo in 1955.
- Connection to “Shōgun”: The protagonist John Blackthorne (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) was modeled in part on Anjin. The residence site has drawn renewed attention thanks to the series’ popularity.
Anjin’s presence—symbolic of Edo’s early global connections—quietly endures within modern Tokyo. This spot is a perfect addition to any walk exploring the city’s layered history.
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