Aoyama Cemetery, Public cemetery in Minami-Aoyama, Japan
Aoyama Cemetery is a 263,564 m² burial ground in Minami-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo, with cherry-lined avenues and a green ratio of 59.0%. Its graves include tall grey granite pillars, low block bases and upright slabs with vertical inscriptions, set along narrow paths. A separate foreign section holds graves of Meiji-era foreign experts.
The cemetery was founded in September 1874 and marked Japan's first public burial site with initial focus on foreigners during the Meiji period. It represents a turning point in Japanese burial practices and openness to international communities.
The cemetery holds graves of famous figures and their stories – from Hachiko the loyal dog to politicians and foreign specialists who shaped Japan. You can see how different people and cultures come together in one place and receive equal respect.
The cemetery is served by the metro, not the train: Aoyama-itchōme Station (Ginza, Hanzōmon and Ōedo lines) is about a 10-minute walk away, Gaienmae Station (Ginza line) about 8 minutes, and Nogizaka Station (Chiyoda line) about 12 minutes. Toei buses stop at Minami-Aoyama Nichōme and Bochi-shita. The grounds cover about 26 hectares, so allow time on foot.
The cemetery received special protection status in 2007 for the graves of foreign experts who helped Japan during its modern transformation. These official measures show how important these international contributions were to Japanese history.
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