Shimizu Gate, Historic fortification gate in Chiyoda, Japan
Shimizu Gate is a historic fortification in Chiyoda consisting of two connected structures: a Korean-style entrance facing east and a watchtower forming an L-shaped defensive position. The stone foundations and solid wooden framework show typical construction techniques from the Edo period.
The gate was built in 1607 during construction of Edo Castle's northern defenses and was rebuilt in 1624 by daimyo Asano Nagaakira of Hiroshima Domain. This reconstruction was part of a system where regional lords contributed to the castle's maintenance and defense upgrades.
The gate's name comes from a medieval temple dedicated to Shimizu that once occupied this location before the area became part of Edo Castle. People visiting today can see how this religious history is woven into the site's character.
The gate is located within Kitanomaru Park, about a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station served by the Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku lines. The park is open to visitors and has multiple entrances, making it straightforward to find your way to the gate.
The gate was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1961, making it one of few remaining defensive gates from the Edo period still in existence. This official recognition ensures its preservation and makes it a key reference point for understanding how medieval Japanese military architecture actually functioned.
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