“Great Gate” is more than just a name. It is the meaning of Daimon. Now we are standing before the modern Daimon, near the subway station.
Daimon Station is on the Toei Asakusa and Toei Oedo Subway Lines. It is named after the Shiba Daimon. This Great Gate of Shiba is west of the station. It leads to Zojo-ji Temple.
Did you know Daimon Station connects you to other important stations? Hamamatsucho Station is adjacent to Daimon. You can also transfer to the JR East lines and the Tokyo Monorail there.
The Oedo Line station was almost named Hamamatsucho. It sits between the Asakusa Line and the JR lines. But the planners chose to keep the name Daimon. This matched the existing Asakusa Line station.
Let’s talk about the history of Daimon Station. The station first opened on October 1, 1964. It was part of the Toei Subway Line No. 1. This line later became the Asakusa Line. The Oedo Line service started much later, on December 12, 2000.
Daimon Station sees a lot of traffic. In 2012, about 91,000 passengers used the Asakusa Line station each day. The Oedo Line station was even busier. It served around 114,000 passengers daily.
Just a short walk from Daimon Station, the Shiba Daimyojin Shrine awaits us. Emperor Meiji chose it as one of Tokyo’s ten guardian shrines. It is one of the most ancient shrines in Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to a branch deity of the Ise Shrine.
The shrine may be small but it has important features. Look for the Do-Toro copper lantern. Find the Chikara Ishi strength-testing stone. Don’t miss the Megumi-no-Hansho fire bell.
If you are here in September, experience the Dara-dara Matsuri. This Ginger Root Festival has been held since the Edo period. It lasts for 11 days. You will see open-air stalls selling ginger root. A parade of mikoshi portable shrines also occurs. Over 400 people participate in ancient court costumes.
Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden is near Daimon Station too. This Shiba Detached Palace Garden is from the Edo Period. It was built in 1678 as a residence. The garden has a large pond. It is said to be inspired by Lake Xi Hu in China. The garden offers beautiful scenery all year round.
The Daimon area blends modern transport with historical and cultural sites. From the bustling station to serene gardens, Daimon offers something for everyone.