Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

The Kanei Ji Temple pagoda used to be part of one of the two burial temples in Tokyo. However, during the battle of Ueno, Tokugawa was defeated by the imperial forces, which led to the Meiji restoration. As a result, the temple was destroyed, and only the pagoda remains standing.

This temple, along with its pagoda, was constructed in 1625 by the monk Tenkai. Its name comes from the Kan’ei era when it was built, and the land for the temple was donated by the second Shogun, Hidetada. The primary purpose of the five-story pagoda was to protect Edo Castle from malevolent spirits. At its zenith, the temple complex was quite prosperous and influential, comprising more than 30 buildings. It served as the main place of worship and was the final resting place for the Tokugawa family members, starting from the fourth shogun, with six of the 15 shoguns buried in its cemetery.

Today, the five-story pagoda stands within Ueno Zoo, serving as a reminder of the once-thriving temple. From its top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The four Buddha statues that were housed in the pagoda have been relocated to the Tokyo National Museum. While the nearby Tokugawa cemetery is not accessible to the public, it can still be observed from the street.