Culture and History Around Hamamatsucho and Shiba

Although Hamamatsucho is now a modern office center, important cultural resources dating back to Edo are within walking distance. The land of Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens was reclaimed during the Meireki period, and in 1678 senior shogunate official Okubo Tadatomo received it from the fourth Tokugawa shogun, Ietsuna, and developed the garden. Its pond-centered strolling layout survives today. West of the station in Shiba Park stands Zojoji, the head temple of the Jodo sect, which describes itself as having roughly 600 years of history and a close relationship with the Tokugawa family. The Tokugawa shogunal graves are among its important historic features. Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower are also within the broader walking area, making it possible to experience Edo history, modern Tokyo and current redevelopment in a compact district. This close relationship between historic landscape and new high-rise construction gives Hamamatsucho a distinctive urban character.