Tenshudai (Remains of the main tower)

Tenshudai is the stone base of Edo Castle’s former main tower, in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at 1 Chiyoda, Tokyo. The tower was a symbol of shogun power, but the structure you see today is its base: after the tower burned in the Great Fire of Meireki, it was never rebuilt. Signs in Japanese and English along the ramp explain its history. Climb to the top for a view toward the office buildings near Tokyo Station, then take a break on a nearby bench.

A tower that was never rebuilt

Edo Castle’s main tower, known as the Tenshu or donjon, was a symbol of the reigning shogun’s power. The original tower was built by Ieyasu in 1606. It was reconstructed by Hidetada in 1622 and again by Iemitsu in 1638.

The tower burned in the Great Fire of Meireki. A base was built for a reconstruction, but the tower itself was never rebuilt. Tenshudai is the surviving base, not a standing castle tower.

Reading the signs on the ramp

Signs near the base and along the ramp explain the site’s history in Japanese and English. Take time to read them as you climb; the information gives context to the stone structure and the tower that once stood above it.

At the top, the view is limited by the position of the railings. You can see tall office buildings toward Tokyo Station, but the summit is not the main reason to stop. The East Gardens also include historic remains and buildings such as Otemon Gate, along with garden paths and places to sit.