Tayasu-mon Gate and Shimizu-mon Gate

VISIT

Tayasu-mon Gate and Shimizu-mon Gate

Photo: Tayasu-mon Gate and Shimizu-mon Gate

Tayasu-mon Gate was situated at the northern part of the old Edo Castle. Before Edo Castle was constructed, this area was a rural district, called "Tayasudai". This is a typical Masugata-mon style of gate. The exact data of construction is unknown, although according to some historic literature, this gate was already in existence in 1607. The present gate was re-constructed in 1636, and is the oldest remaining gate in Kokyogaien National Gardens.
Shimizu-mon Gate is the East gate of the Kitanomaru Garden, and it was rebuilt in 1658. Tayasu-mon Gate and Shimizu-mon Gate were designated as the Important Cultural Assets to Japan in June 1961, and because they are remnants of Edo Castle they are of great historical importance.
Both gates are managed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.