About
When you take a step away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you find yourself in a place where silence and history are alive. Yanaka Cemetery is a tranquil space in the heart of the city, with approximately 7,000 gravestones lined up across its vast grounds of about 100,000 square meters. It was established as a public cemetery in 1874 (Meiji 7) and received its current name in 1935 (Showa 10). In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion, soothing the hearts of visitors.
Walking along the cherry tree-lined path that runs through the center of the cemetery, you come across gravestones that convey the weight of history. The grave of the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, is a Shinto-style round burial mound, reflecting his life and faith. Also, the grave of Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the "father of Japanese capitalism," stands dignified as if to honor his achievements.
Many cultural figures rest here, including masters of Japanese painting such as Taikan Yokoyama and Kiyokata Kaburaki, composer Nagayo Motoori, and actor Kazuo Hasegawa. Their gravestones quietly convey their passion for life and the arts.
Once, the five-story pagoda of Tennoji Temple towered over this area. It was renowned as one of the five pagodas of Edo, but was destroyed by arson in 1957 (Showa 32), and now only its foundation stones remain. This pagoda was also the model for Rohan Koda's novel "The Five-Storied Pagoda," and is etched in the hearts of many people.
Yanaka Cemetery is not merely a burial ground, but a place where history and culture intersect. Visitors can listen to the stories woven by past and present, and feel the passage of time flowing in the silence. Away from the city’s clamor, this place where the breath of history can be felt leaves a deep impression on those who visit.