About Tokyo（Edo）

The origins of Tokyo date back to the Edo period. TOKUGAWA IEYASU of the Tokugawa clan, whose influence continues to this day, established the Edo shogunate. Before the Edo period, the area now known as Tokyo was called Musashi Province and was one of Japan’s rural regions, distant from Kyoto, the capital at the time. It’s hard to imagine now, but Tokyo was then a low-lying wetland area. Therefore, TOKUGAWA IEYASU first began draining the land, creating canals for water transport, and using the excavated soil to build up the city. This marked the beginning of Edo’s urban development and the start of modern Tokyo.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Edo period, lasting approximately 270 years, laid the foundation for Japan. After the Edo period, the restoration of imperial rule led to the advancement of a government centered on the Emperor, followed by the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. However, even when combined, the total duration of all these periods does not match that of the Edo period. The Edo period was so fundamental to the formation of Tokyo and its culture that traces of Edo history remain deeply embedded in the city to this day.

So why was Tokyo (Edo) placed right in the geographical center of Japan, like the navel of the land? This raises questions. I believe the concept of “center” holds immense significance in any nation’s culture. Tokyo’s position at Japan’s center stems from its strategic advantage. Japan’s land has been constantly struck by various disasters. It has suffered greatly from naturally occurring calamities like earthquakes, typhoons, snow damage, cold damage, floods, and droughts. Numerous historical documents also extensively record Japan’s disasters.
Disasters particularly devastated crop yields, leading to repeated famines throughout Japan’s history. Each domain and region constantly faced such circumstances, living while confronting natural disasters. Amidst these disasters, Tokyo (Edo) was chosen as a location least susceptible to their impact, which is why it holds its position as Japan’s capital today. While modern satellite observation technology allows us to predict regional disasters with greater accuracy, Tokyo (Edo) became Japan’s center for centuries despite lacking such technology. It is a city built upon the accumulated knowledge and surveys of our ancestors.

We hope learning about Tokyo’s (Edo’s) history will enrich your travels and create wonderful memories. Please enjoy Tokyo’s hospitality.

History

Tokyo (Edo) has experienced major turning points throughout its history. The Meiji Restoration overthrew the Edo shogunate, propelling the nation rapidly toward modernization. In September 1923 (Taisho 12), the Great Kanto Earthquake struck. With many wooden houses at the time and the quake occurring around noon when people were cooking meals over stoves and charcoal braziers, it triggered massive fires. The fires raged for three days, making it the largest disaster in modern Japanese history. Strangely enough, exactly eight years later in September, the Manchurian Incident occurred, marking the start of the Pacific War, which continued until Japan’s defeat in 1945. As there are various opinions and perspectives on war, I will refrain from going into detail about the war itself. In March 1945, near the end of the war, the Great Tokyo Air Raid devastated the city, reducing it to scorched earth. From this point, Tokyo achieved remarkable postwar reconstruction and development, leading to its modern state. Amidst this harsh historical journey, temples and shrines dating back centuries remain preserved in their present form. They now serve as opportunities for visitors from around the world to learn about our culture, and I wish to express my respect for our ancestors who made this possible. Looking ahead, I sincerely hope that visitors from around the world will, through experiencing this culture, reflect even a little on the meaning of peace and what peace truly entails. Even now, conflicts persist in many regions across the globe. I pray from the bottom of my heart for their swift resolution, so that those suffering in difficult circumstances may find relief and peace of mind.

Facilities

Tokyo boasts numerous architectural landmarks, ranging from historic structures like Tokyo Station to modern skyscrapers. Alongside contemporary office buildings and commercial complexes, Western-style architecture blends seamlessly into the cityscape. From the lush Imperial Palace area, one can see clusters of high-rises—a view where Edo and Tokyo merge into a single landscape.

Garden and Parks

While Tokyo has a modern image, its city center is home to numerous gardens and parks. Many were created during the Edo period and remain preserved as historic sites. Stepping into a garden reveals a tranquil atmosphere and a dazzling landscape that changes with the seasons.