Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

ϳԹ

Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

Once upon a time—or rather, in 1625—the 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—because branding was just as important back then. As for the land it stands on, it was a generous donation from the second Shogun, Hidetada—because when you’re the shogun, gifting prime Tokyo real estate is just “another Tuesday” for you.

Back in its heyday, this temple complex was the VIP lounge of Edo’s 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—a lone survivor of the Meiji Restoration’s cleanup.

Today, the pagoda has found an unexpected new home—inside 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’s not open to the public), you’d be treated to a stunning cityscape. Meanwhile, the four Buddha statues that once graced the pagoda now reside comfortably in the Tokyo National Museum—because 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—just 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 "ϳԹ: 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.

Download The ϳԹ App

Kanei ji Temple Pagoda on Map

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

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Authentic Japanese Dining in Tokyo

Authentic Japanese Dining in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to literally a million eating places, so finding a truly authentic Japanese style restaurant with an English language menu can be rather tricky. We have compiled a list of easy to find Japanese style restaurants covering a range of culinary specialties to make your taste-buds tingle...
Eclectic Bars of Tokyo

Eclectic Bars of Tokyo

Time to tap glasses and share laughs in Tokyo, a city of wondrous variety! In this app is an insider's guide to attractive drinking bars, and places nearby that are worthy experiences (theatres, shrines, shopping districts, etc). Each bar has been carefully chosen throughout this endless...
Tokyo Souvenirs: 18 Authentic Japanese Products to Buy in Tokyo

Tokyo Souvenirs: 18 Authentic Japanese Products to Buy in Tokyo

The list of the delights of Tokyo is long and being exposed to just some of them, at some point, can make one addicted (just as the Charles Winchester III character from the M.A.S.H. series). Still, you can always "prolong" the experience and enjoy the effects of it more, if bring home...
12 Must-Try Traditional Japanese Foods in Tokyo

12 Must-Try Traditional Japanese Foods in Tokyo

Cuisine is an integral part of any local culture, and no trip to Tokyo is complete without tasting the authentic, Tokyo-made Japanese food. This directory offers information about the traditional dishes and drinks available in Tokyo to help visitors better understand the local food culture and make...