Hear that hum? It is not just the traffic but the whispers of history that permeate Hongocho.
Welcome to Hongocho, a district in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward. It sits just north of the Imperial Palace and west of Ueno. Once a ward itself, Hongocho merged with Koishikawa in 1947. This formed the Bunkyo ward we know today.
Hongocho’s story stretches back centuries. Its name comes from being the “Yushima Hongo” meaning the center of Yushima. Temples and samurai residences once dotted this area. The spacious Kaga Clan residence later became the University of Tokyo.
Look around. Can you imagine samurai walking these streets? Picture the grand Kaga Clan residence. The University of Tokyo still stands here. Its Gojyuden-mon Gate, the red gate, remains as a reminder of the past. This gate was built in 1827. It was a gift for Yohime, daughter of the 11th Shogun Ienari. She married into the Maeda family.
Hongocho was near the Nakasendo highway. This location made it a bustling area. Residences and shops sprang up. Restaurants, bamboo sellers and lumber shops thrived. Imagine the street vendors and the lively atmosphere.
From 1716 to 1736, Kaneyasu Sukeyoshi ran a successful business here. He opened a drugstore and haberdashery in Hongo 3 chome. Can you picture his shop? It was a hub of activity.
Hongocho is also known for its educational institutions. The University of Tokyo calls Hongocho home. Juntendo University and Toyo Gakuen University are also here. It is a hub of learning and innovation.
The area has a dark story as well. Yaoya Oshichi, a greengrocer’s daughter, lived here. She was burned at the stake for arson in 1683. Her story is a tragic tale from Hongocho’s past.
Today Hongocho is easily accessible. Hongo-sanchome Station is the main station. It connects the Marunouchi and Toei Oedo lines. The pulse of modern Tokyo beats strongly here.
As you leave Hongocho, remember its layers of history. From samurai residences to bustling shops, it has seen it all. It blends education, culture, and a touch of notoriety. Hongocho is a vibrant district with a rich past.