Culture and History of Tamachi, Mita and Shibaura

The Mita and Fudanotsuji area west of Tamachi has a long urban history. Minato City's planning documents describe Fudanotsuji as an Edo-period proclamation site where the Shibaguchi Gate was built in 1616, giving the area a role as a principal entrance into Edo. Today's Dai-ichi Keihin, Mita-dori and Hijirizaka already formed part of the area's street structure during that period. Shiba 5-chome is also associated with the 1868 meeting between Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu connected with the peaceful surrender of Edo Castle. Keio University moved to the Mita area in 1871, helping establish its enduring student character, while Tamachi Station opened in 1909. On the Shibaura side, the Minato City Traditional Culture Exchange Center occupies the preserved former Kyodo Kaikan, a designated tangible cultural property, and is open free of charge. Tamachi therefore combines modern redevelopment with visible layers of Edo, Meiji, educational and waterfront history.