Tayasumon Gate is a precious structure that conveys the legacy of Edo Castle. Believed to have been built in 1636, this gate is the oldest of the existing Edo Castle gates and was designated as an important cultural property in 1961. The masugata gate structure, consisting of the Koraimon Gate and Yagura-mon Gate, vividly showcases the pinnacle of the architectural technology of that era.
The name of the gate originates from the area being called "Tayasudai," as it was once home to the Tayasujinja Shrine (currently built as Tsukudo Shrine). During the Edo period, this was the starting point of the road from the Edo Castle's Kitanomaru toward Joshu (now Gunma Prefecture). Even today, passing through the gate envelops you in a sense of tracing the footsteps of Edo samurai.
The allure of Tayasumon is not just in its historical value. The surroundings boast abundant nature, with cherry blossoms blooming beautifully, especially in spring. Located between Chidorigafuchi and Ushigafuchi, it once had the historic role of adjusting the water levels of both moats through the earthen bridge before the gate.
Through the gate, the Nippon Budokan immediately comes into view. It seems as though the spirit of Edo samurai and the spirit of modern martial arts are interconnected through this gate. History and modernity coexist, truly a "portal through time."
Tayasumon Gate is not just a tourist spot; it is a special place where the history of Edo and modern Tokyo intersect. Why not forget the time and pass through this historic portal?