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The Tokyo Promenade of History and Culture

Tokyo Walking Courses such as the Tokyo Promenade of History and Culture (aka 東京歴史と文化の散歩道) unveil the layers of Tokyo, from ancient echoes to vibrant modernity!

6.82 km in Total Length

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Walk around Shimane Rokugatsuji Temple

Daishimae Station – Takenotsuka Station

North of Daishimae Station, the last stop on the Tobu Railway Daishi Line, is the Sojiji Temple of Nishiarai Daishi, which has long been famous for warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck. It is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in 826, and is also famous for its peonies. From here, head east, crossing the Tobu Isesaki Line to reach the town of Shimane. Kokudo An’onji Temple is the dining place where the Tokugawa Shogun would stop by for falconry or on his pilgrimage to Nikko. The Old Nikko Highway runs just to the east. After passing through Washi Shrine, walk along the old road to Rokugatsu no Town. During the Heian period, Yawata Taro Yoshiie, who was on his way to conquer Oshu, fought against wild samurai in this area and won a battle after a tough battle. Because it was a hot June day, the name of the village was named Rokugatsu Village, and the Betto of Hachiman Shrine, which had been solicited, was named Entenji Temple. Entenji Temple is also famous for the monument with the haiku “Issa Kobayashi, don’t lose weight.” From here, head north to Takenotsuka Station.

Walk around Ikoji Town

Takenotsuka Station – Furujiya Bridge

Many ruins have been excavated from Iko, indicating that this was an area of land that was opened early in Adachi Ward. There are many ancient tombs, but Shirahatizuka is the only one that remains today. Shirahatizuka is a round tomb with a diameter of 12m and a height of 25m, estimated to date from the 5th or 6th century. On the other hand, the temple town of Iko is a new town that was created when many temples from Asakusa were relocated after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Togakuji Temple is home to the grave of Ando Hiroshige, the founder of the temple, which is included in the “100 Famous Views of Edo”. Along the Hokimabori moat (currently a culvert) are temples and shrines such as Hoju-ji Temple, where the grave of Keisho-in, the mother of the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi, is located, as well as Yoshi-in Temple and Toyo-ji Temple. The final stop is Furujiya 5-chome.

Photo thanks to Kst01, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons