The Oldest Things to See in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide

While the historic aspects of Tokyo aren’t as immediately obvious as in some other Japanese cities, there’s plenty to see if you do a bit of digging. From old town areas (also known as Shitamachi) such as the Yanesen District to historic breweries, and ancient temples and shrines, Tokyo rewards the explorer who’s ready to go beyond the high-rises and neon centre.

While there are many old buildings in Tokyo that have been restored or rebuilt (like the three-hundred-year-old Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse which was restored recently, or the famous Sensoji Temple which was originally built in the seventh century), here we are focusing on those places that have withstood the test of time.

Historic Places in Tokyo

Here are some of the oldest things to see in Tokyo to get you started on your heritage trip through Japan’s capital.

Fujimi-Yagura Watchtower in Edo Castle (Imperial Palace)

There’s so much to see in and around the Imperial Palace so a visit to one of the most important historical places in Tokyo should be firmly on your list. While most of the areas in the palace have been restored or recreated, one of the oldest locations is the Fujimi-Yagura Watchtower in the Edo Castle area. The three-storey watchtower remained after the great fire in 1657 which destroyed the castle and stands as a testament to the Edo Castle and other watchtowers which were not rebuilt. The watchtower sits on a fifteen metre high stone wall and is a truly impressive sight. The watchtower gained its name from the fact you could once see Mount Fuji from within.

(You can read the rest of the article at this link. This article was first published by Team JJ on November 11, 2021. Check here for deeper and unique insights into visiting Japan, including wellness, travel, cuisine and more. Find us on Instagram and on Facebook.)

Author: Team JJ

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