“East” reads the inscription on the stele. This marks the site of the last Kyoto residence of the Shinsengumi. Here we stand before the \u65b0\u64b0\u7d44\u6700\u5f8c\u306e\u6d1b\u4e2d\u5c4b\u6577\u8de1\u306e\u7891 Stele.
This monument commemorates a significant location. It was the final headquarters of the Shinsengumi in Kyoto. This special stele was erected in 2009 by Hatoryo Ryokan. It stands 110 cm tall and 18 cm wide. The monument marks a spot with a rich past.
Let’s delve into the history. In ancient times, this area was part of Heian-kyo. Specifically, it was known as Sakyo Hachijo Nij坊 Jusancho. By the Middle Ages, the area transformed into Hachijo Incho. It became a hub for metal production. This made it a bustling industrial area. However, the tides of time turned. During the Warring States period, it became farmland.
By the Edo period, a village called Katsuranog郡不動堂村 was established. Despite this rural shift, it remained within the “Rakuchu” area. Rakuchu means “inside the capital”. This was due to its location within the Outer Moat. The Outer Moat was a defensive structure encircling Kyoto.
Now, the Shinsengumi enters our story. The Shinsengumi maintained a residence in this area during the late Edo period. Their activities ranged from the Ikedaya Incident to the Kinmon Incident. Their leader Kondo Isami was highly regarded for his political prowess. In June 1867, the Shinsengumi became a direct unit. They served under the Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
To align with their new status, a new residence was constructed. This marked the peak of their headquarters. According to letters, they moved into this residence on June 15, 1867. The location was described as “below Shichijo-dori”. Another account mentions “below Shichijo Horikawa”. This confirms that their headquarters was near this stele.
However, the exact details remain shrouded in mystery. Reliable historical materials are scarce. This makes it difficult to determine its precise location, scale, or structure.
The Shinsengumi’s stay was brief. By December of the same year, the Restoration occurred. The Shinsengumi had to leave their headquarters. They had been there for only half a year. Following their defeat in the Boshin War, they moved east. This eventually led to their disbandment. The residence was abandoned. It faded back into the quiet farmland.
With the Meiji era, the area transformed again. A railway station was built nearby which is now Kyoto Station. The area became a transportation hub. It evolved into a bustling center within Kyoto.
Today, the \u65b0\u64b0\u7d44\u6700\u5f8c\u306e\u6d1b\u4e2d\u5c4b\u6577\u8de1\u306e\u7891 Stele stands as a silent witness. It marks the spot. It connects us to the Shinsengumi’s final chapter in Kyoto. It is a reminder of their fleeting glory. A glory amidst a rapidly changing Japan.