Yotsuya, Residential district in Shinjuku, Japan.
Yotsuya spreads across the southeastern section of Shinjuku, combining residential buildings with shops near several railway stations and parks. The area is shaped by tree-lined streets with smaller stores, restaurants, and green spaces that support daily neighborhood life.
The district grew significantly after 1634 when numerous temples relocated to the area during construction of Edo Castle's outer moat system. This shift transformed the region from empty land into a settlement center with religious and later secular functions.
The neighborhood houses Sophia University and several traditional Japanese gardens where visitors can discover small restaurants in the Arakicho section serving local specialties. These spaces reflect how residents live today and blend academic life with neighborhood rhythms.
The area connects to central Tokyo through Yotsuya Station, which serves both the JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line with direct access to Shinjuku. Visitors can easily explore the district using public transportation that runs in all directions.
The grave of ninja Hattori Hanzo rests within Sainen-ji temple grounds, offering a tangible link to medieval Japanese military history. This burial site draws visitors interested in learning about the country's past.
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