Kanei ji Temple Pagoda, Tokyo

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.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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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Kanei ji Temple Pagoda on Map

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

Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo

Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ueno Park Walking Tour

Ueno Park Walking Tour

Ueno Park, found next to the Ueno subway station in Tokyo, is a sprawling urban oasis. Home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, each year during the cherry blossom season (between late March and early April) it becomes a site of pilgrimage equally popular with locals and tourists.

One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary...  view more

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

Shinjuku Walking Tour

Known as the best entertainment district in Tokyo, Shinjuku abounds in venues where visitors can play, eat, and shop to their hearts' content all day long. Besides the endless list of fun, shopping, and dining options available, the district also offers some truly amazing sightseeing opportunities which are often underrated.

One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Yanaka Walking Tour

Yanaka Walking Tour

A bit away from Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka is a hidden spot with a lot to offer. This neighborhood is known for its narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, and old-style shops. Having largely escaped the damage of World War II, Yanaka exudes the last-century charm of Tokyo's old town ambiance.

With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here...  view more

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

Asakusa District Walking Tour

The Asakusa district is one of the few places in Tokyo that retains the old world's charm. Known as Tokyo's oldest geisha district, this neighborhood houses narrow streets, temple markets, traditional shops and restaurants that collectively create the air of old Tokyo.

At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour

Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour

The Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Emperor, is a vast expanse of green in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats. The palace stands on the site previously occupied by the Edo Castle, in the 17th–19th centuries. While the royal residential compound is closed for visitors (except for two days a year – January 1st and December 23rd), a big part of the palace grounds, including...  view more

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

Ginza Shopping Tour

Often compared with New York's Fifth Avenue, Ginza is the most luxurious shopping district in Tokyo. Its two main avenues running through the area, Chuo-dori Street and Harumi-dori Street, are lined with high-end boutiques, enormous department stores, and flagship stores of renowned international brands carrying a wealth of merchandise, from fashion and jewelry to electronics and cosmetics.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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