Yushima Seido [Tokyo]

【Yushima Seido summary】

Yushima Seido is a Confucius temple built in a private residence near present-day Ueno Park by Lin Luozan, an early scholar of Shu Zi. Simply put, Yushima Seido is a national school in a Chinese-style building. During the Edo period, Shuzigaku was a government-run school and a coveted place of study. It was originally a mausoleum (a building enshrining the spirit) dedicated to Confucius, the founder of Confucianism and a thinker of the Spring and Autumn period in China. Later, during the reign of Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, it was moved to its current location. After that, it was used as the Shoheizaka Gakumonjo (Shoheizaka Academy), an academy under the direct control of the shogunate. The Shoheizaka Gakumonjo was established in 1790 in Kanda-Yushima and was an educational institution under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate, and is now called a national school.

【Yushima Seido Gyoko-mon Gate】

The gate “Gyoko-mon” is the entrance to Yushima Seido. The gate opens at 9:30 a.m., so be careful if you go early in the morning.

【Yushima Seido statue of Confucius】

Passing through the Elevated Gate, you will see a bronze statue of Confucius on your right. This statue is said to be the world’s largest statue of Confucius, and was donated by the Taipei Lions Club of the Republic of China in 1975. Confucius was a thinker and philosopher born in ancient China.

【Yushima Seido Nyutoku-mon Gate】

The Nyutoku-mon Gate is one of the few wooden structures from the Edo period in Yushima Seido that has been lost due to fire or other causes.

Proceeding through the Nyutoku-mon Gate, you will see the Kyodan-mon Gate in front of you.

【Yushima Seido Kyodan-mon Gate】

The name “Kyodanmon” comes from the fact that there were apricot trees around the platform where Confucius taught his studies, which led to the name “Kyodan” for the place where he taught his studies and the buildings where he studied.

【Yushima Seido Taiseiden】

It was designated as a national historic site because of its long history dating back to the Edo period. Later, it was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake, and was rebuilt in 1935 with reinforced concrete construction. It is well known as the birthplace of Japanese school education and culture, and is a famous place for those who know history. Although it is located in the middle of Yamanote Line, there is a lot of greenery and it makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

【Yushima Seido Nearby attractions】

Kanda Shrine, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine

Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) [Tokyo]

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine [Tokyo]

【Yushima Seido Access】