An afternoon in Ueno Park (Part 2)

Tadashi Ishida

(This is the third in a series of articles in which Mr. Tadashi Ishida, an English teacher at a community center in Taito Ward in Tokyo, describes a unique language learning opportunity that he experienced with his class. After having done considerable research and preparation, the learners toured Ueno Park with a foreign visitor, Mrs. Fitzwater, explaining to her the highlights of the park and answering her questions. After the tour, the learners wrote their own combination text and guidebook based on this experience.)

鬼門とは、鬼が出入りするといって、万事に忌み嫌う方角で、今の東北のことです。ちなみに、京都御所の鬼門の方角に、天皇を守るための比叡山延暦寺があります。そこで、江戸城の鬼門の方角に、東の比叡山という意味で、東叡山寛永寺を建立し、将軍を守ったわけです。中高年者は、やはり昔のいわれをよく調べており、観光案内をひときわ面白くして、外国人に興味を持たせています。

Mr.Akagi discussed Kan-eiji Temple. He mentioned important features and some ancient beliefs associated with this temple. Mrs. Fitzwater responded with some questions.

A: This is Kan-eiji Temple.

F: It looks very old. When was it built?
A: It was built as early as 1625. It is a very old temple.

F: Do you know who built it?
A: Yes, at that time, the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered Priest Tenkai Sojo to construct this temple. Actually, Kan-eiji temple was the family temple of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

F: I see. Do you know why it was built?
A: Yes. There is an interesting story that Japanese people believe a demon comes through the northeastern gate. This place is northeast of the Imperial Palace where the Shoguns used to reside. Therefore, with this in mind, Kan-eiji Temple was built to protect the Shoguns from the demon. By the way, have you been to Kyoto?
F: Yes, I have.
A: Mt.Hiei is northeast of the Kyoto Palace where the Emperors used to reside before Meiji Era. That is why Enryakuji Temple was built on the mountain to protect the Emperors from the demon.

F: I see. Very interesting. Do any of the Shoguns rest in the graves here?
A: Yes, altogether there were 15 Tokugawa Shoguns and three family temples of Tokugawa shoguns. Two Shoguns rest in the graves in Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, six Shoguns rest in the graves in Zojoji Temple in Shiba and six Shoguns rest here.
F: Two and six and six makes 14, right?
A: Yes, there was one more Shogun who was refused to rest in one of these family temples. He was the 15th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.

F: Why was he refused to rest in the family temple?
S: Because he gave up the political power of government to the Emperor in Kyoto at the Meiji Restoration. He rests alone in the grave in the Yanaka graveyard near Ueno Park.