Konpiragu Shrine and delicious rice-cake sweet called Daifuku in Toranomon
1. Today's Walking Course
I came to Toranomon, the business district in Tokyo. Today, I will try to find Japanese traditional scenery in this area.
2. Today's Photographies
Now I am in an intersection called Toranomon.
Toranomon literally means Tiger Gate. According to Chinese mythology, there are four divine beasts which protect each direction in city. North side is Genbu (black warrior); south part with Suzaku (a red phoenix); east part with Seiryu (a blue dragon); west part is Byakko (a white tiger).
Since Tranomon used to be west gate of Tokyo, people believed a white tiger protected the gate.
Look! There is a statue of Tiger!
First, I will go to see preserved moat of Edo Castle. There used to be outer moat of Edo Castle around here and a part of moat has been preserved.
As you can see, there are a lot of small stones between big rocks. This is because it left no space for enemies to step their foot.
Next, I will go to Konpiragu Shrine. This shrine is very unique because the approach to the shrine is just below the office building.
Now, I am just below the building.
The main hall is just next the building. How close it is!
Trii gate is also very unique in this shrine.
You can see four divine beasts in Chinese mythology.
There are trees in the site of the shrine. It is so refreshing!
Now, I leave the shrine and go to the sweet shop. There are high-rising buildings. This area is one of the most developing areas in Tokyo.
On the other hand, some traditional shops are still remaining. This shop is for Japanese sword.
Now, I arrived at the sweet shop called “Okano Eisen”. Daifuku, rice-cake with Azuki bean’s paste is a speciality in this shop.
This is Daifuku. It is very delicious!
I didn’t know there are so many historical sites in Toranomon.
3. History
There used to be the west gate and outer moat of Edo Castle in Tranomon as the old map in Edo era (17th century - 19th century ) shows.
Kotohiragu Shrine was built in the latter half of the 17th century and very popular in local people. You can see Trii gate of the shrine on the left side of the following painting for Tranomon depicted in the 19th century,
After the modernization in the latter half of the 19th century, many government offices were built in the next area and Toranomon has also become business area where many special corporations which have strong relationship with the government are located.
4. Information
・Closest station to Toranomon is Toranomon Station, Ginza Line.
・Okano Eisen sweet shop is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday; from 9am to noon in Saturday; closed in Sunday and holidays. Daifuku is 260yen.
