Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

Once upon a time鈥攐r rather, in 1625鈥攖he Kanei-ji Temple and its grand five-story pagoda stood as the spiritual guardian of Edo, constructed by the ever-industrious monk Tenkai. Its name derives from the Kanei era it was built in鈥攂ecause branding was just as important back then. As for the land it stands on, it was a generous donation from the second Shogun, Hidetada鈥攂ecause when you鈥檙e the shogun, gifting prime Tokyo real estate is just 鈥渁nother Tuesday鈥� for you.

Back in its heyday, this temple complex was the VIP lounge of Edo鈥檚 religious scene, boasting over 30 buildings and serving as the final resting place for six Tokugawa shoguns, starting with the fourth. The pagoda itself? More than just a fancy tower, it was a supernatural security system built to keep those pesky malevolent spirits away from Edo Castle.

But all good things come to an end, especially when imperial forces crash the party. The 19th-century Battle of Ueno saw the Tokugawa defeated, the temple razed, and only the resilient pagoda left standing鈥攁 lone survivor of the Meiji Restoration鈥檚 cleanup.

Today, the pagoda has found an unexpected new home鈥攊nside Ueno Zoo, standing tall among the giraffes and primates, a relic of an era when samurai still roamed. If you climb to the top (hypothetically, because it鈥檚 not open to the public), you鈥檇 be treated to a stunning cityscape. Meanwhile, the four Buddha statues that once graced the pagoda now reside comfortably in the Tokyo National Museum鈥攂ecause even sacred figures need a change of scenery.

And as for the Tokugawa cemetery? It remains off-limits, shrouded in mystery, but you can still sneak a peek from the street鈥攋ust enough to let your imagination fill in the rest. Because some history is best left with a little intrigue...

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Kanei ji Temple Pagoda
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Ueno Park Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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