“Kuichigae Mitsuke” is more than just a historical site. It’s a whisper from Tokyo’s past.
Step back in time with me to the Edo period. This is Kuichigae Mitsuke. It once served as a crucial gateway into the city. Imagine this area bustling with samurai and merchants.
Kuichigae Mitsuke was not just any gate. Its name “Kuichigae” hints at its unique design. The roads here were intentionally made to zigzag. This was to thwart any swift enemy invasions. “Kuichigae” meant that enemies could not easily charge straight into Edo.
This strategic design was common for castle gates that didn’t have the usual turret-style entrances. It was a clever defensive measure.
The story of Kuichigae Mitsuke dates back to 1612. A military scholar named Kobata Kagemi is credited with its initial design. Later in 1636, Takatoshi Ikeda reconstructed it. He was the lord of the Obata domain.
What stands before us was once a vital checkpoint. It controlled access to Edo now Tokyo.
Picture a simple wooden gate. It had posts on either side connected by a horizontal beam. This modest structure was the “korobuki” gate.
The surrounding area played a role in its defense. To the north lay the “Makita Embankment”. To the south was the “Benten Embankment”. These embankments created a difference in water levels. This made approaching Kuichigae Mitsuke more difficult.
Today parts of the original earthworks remain. Though some have been削り取ら削り取ら removed, the layout is still recognizable.
The nearby Sotobori, or outer moat, also played a key role. From Kuichigae Mitsuke, one could see the “Makita Embankment”. It also offered a view towards Benten Ditch.
The area around Kuichigae Mitsuke has seen many changes. The outer moat has mostly disappeared. It has been replaced by modern structures such as the Sophia University grounds. However, the trace of the outer moat can still be felt.
Nearby is a path that was once part of the outer moat’s earthworks. Walking from Yotsuya Station toward Kuichigae. This gives one a sense of the past.
The names of places around Kuichigae Mitsuke tell stories. The “Kioizaka” slope got its name from the residences of the Kii and Owari clans. Also, the Shimizu Valley was named after the spring water.
The trail of Kuichigae leads to the former site of the Ii family’s residence. A monument marks the spot. The New Otani Hotel’s Japanese garden sits on the site.
The area’s connection to water is still apparent. During the Edo period, the 玉川上水 Tamagawa Aqueduct supplied water. The 玉川上水 Tamagawa Aqueduct stone pipes are on display.
The story of Kuichigae Mitsuke is woven into the area. It reflects Tokyo’s evolution through the ages. Though the landscape has changed, its past lingers. The area’s strategic importance is palpable. The echoes of its history remain strong. Kuichigae Mitsuke is a reminder of Tokyo’s fascinating past.