Culture and History

The Shibakoen area brings together cultural assets representing very different periods of Tokyo's history. Zojoji, at 4-7-35 Shibakoen, is the head temple of the Jodo school and is widely known for its historical relationship with the Tokugawa family. Historic landscapes remain around the temple and Metropolitan Shiba Park, which also contains the Shiba Maruyama Kofun burial mound. Tokyo Tower, opened in 1958, represents postwar Tokyo, and views of the tower rising beyond the temple and park are among the area's defining scenes. Minato City's Shiba district also supports local-history tours and lectures, including activities by community history guides. Visitors should remember that Zojoji and related cultural properties remain active religious and cultural sites and should behave accordingly. Few central Tokyo neighborhoods allow a short walk to move so visibly through ancient burial history, temple culture, modern urban development and contemporary parkland.