Drawn by the whispers of Edo’s past, here we stand before the stone enclosure of the well. This is the legendary Kashi no I, or “Cedar Well” one of Edo’s famous sources of fresh water.
The Kashi no I whispers tales from the Edo period. This well served countless travelers. It quenched their thirst near Edo Castle. Today, it stands as a silent witness. It has seen the city transform around it.
Back in the Edo era, finding good drinking water wasn’t easy. Much of the city’s water was too salty to drink. The Cedar Well was different. It offered a reliable source of clean water. It became well-known throughout the city.
Kato Kiyomasa is credited with discovering Kashi no I. He was a powerful feudal lord. His residence was once located here. The well provided water for his household and his many visitors.
The well is featured in Hiroshige’s art. It was depicted as “Outer Kasumigaseki, Kashi Well”. This shows its importance in Edo society. People knew of the well.
The Cedar Well has moved twice. Originally, it was not exactly in this location. It was relocated to preserve it. The well’s current location is within the park of the Diet Memorial House in Nagatacho, Tokyo.
In 1860, a significant event occurred near the well. The assassination of Ii Naosuke happened not far from here. Ii Naosuke was a high-ranking official. He was attacked en route from his residence to Edo Castle.
Though the well itself is no longer in use, the stone structure remains. It serves as a reminder. It recalls Edo’s history. It stands as a Tokyo Metropolitan Designated Historic Site.
Imagine travelers in Edo. They stop to refresh themselves at the Kashi no I. They drink deeply from its cool water. They continue their journeys. They were invigorated by this precious resource. Today, let’s appreciate the legacy of Kashi no I. It symbolizes resilience. It connects us to old Tokyo.