Ushigome-mitsuke, Historical gate in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Ushigome-mitsuke is a historical gate in Chiyoda-ku positioned at a junction of modern Tokyo's transportation network and marking a former entrance to Edo Castle. It stands at the intersection of the Ushigome moat between Iidabashi and Ichigaya stations, showing how the site controlled access to the fortress.
During the Edo period, this gate served as one of the strategic checkpoints that regulated access to Edo Castle's outer perimeter. The structure was part of an extensive defensive system that protected the shogunate's central seat across centuries.
The gate represents traditional Japanese fortress architecture and demonstrates the advanced defensive systems used to protect the shogun's central base. Today, commuters and visitors pass through this historic area, creating a living connection between past and present.
The site is near Iidabashi Station and accessible through several railway lines including the Chuo-Sobu and Tozai, making it easy to reach. Being positioned at a central transportation hub means you can explore the area on foot while moving between stations.
The gate marks the boundary between Shinjuku and Chiyoda wards at the intersection of the Ushigome moat, making it geographically significant in modern Tokyo's urban structure. This boundary position held major strategic importance during feudal times and remains a subtle yet important detail in today's cityscape.
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