Hakusan
Hakusan Station
Hakusan Shrine is located near Hakusan Station.
The name of the place, Hakusan, is said to derive from this Hakusan Shrine, so I decided to pay a visit.
Torii gate of Hakusan Shrine
A truly magnificent torii gate and shrine marker appeared.
The zebra-patterned concrete in front must have been made to protect the torii gate. However, there were many cars hitting it, so I think they put up color cones to make it stand out. In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road, so it seems that the pillar on the right does not need to be protected.
Hakusan Shrine
The shrine pavilions were prestigious, and visitors came in droves.
According to the history of the shrine, the spirit of Hakusan Shrine, the first shrine in Kaga, was divided and transferred to the new shrine. In other words, Hakusan Shrine seems to be named after the 2,702-meter-high Hakusan Mountain in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The three deities are Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, and Kikurihime no Mikoto.
Kikurihime-no-mikoto is said to be the god of marriage because he reconciled Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, who were fighting in Yomotsuhirasaka.
Hakusanshita Intersection
Although the purpose of today’s walk was to walk along Loop Route 3, the section from Kan-eiji-zaka to the Shokubutsuennmae intersection (Koishikawa) has not yet been opened, so I walked along the appropriate part of the road. As the Shokubutsuennmae intersection was getting close, I walked up Rengeji-zaka (the slope on the right side of the photo) from the Hakusan-shita intersection and headed that way.
Walkway with water, greenery and sculptures
Koishikawa Botanical Garden
The Koishikawa Botanical Garden appeared.
I had been in the Botanical Garden once before, about 20 years ago. But I only remember that there was an apple tree related to Newton.
By the way, the Hakusan Shrine was first moved from Ishikawa County, Kaga Province, to this location, and later became a botanical garden, hence the name “Koishikawa. This kind of miscellaneous knowledge is one of the interesting aspects of walking.
Shokubutsuenmae intersection
Loop Route 3 reopens at the intersection in front of the Botanical Garden.
Walkway with water, greenery and sculptures
However, perhaps because of the lack of traffic, the center of the road is a “walking path with water, greenery, and sculptures. It is less than 500 meters long.
Soccer ball shaped water tower?
This is the last part of the walkway. A soccer ball shaped water tower? I was so distracted by the “what if” that I forgot to take a picture of the end of the street. But I see this black and white design less and less these days.
From here to Edogawabashi, Loop Route 3 is divided again. I decided to walk north on Kasuga-dori Avenue, although it is not up to me where I walk.
Gokokuji
Ochanomizu University Main Gate
Just past Myogadani Station, I spotted Ochanomizu University! That famous university was located here.
According to the university’s website, a ceremony was held on September 7, 2017 to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the gate. Some alumni may think the atmosphere is different.
Gokokuji Somon
At the intersection of Otsuka 3-chome, turn left onto Shinobazu-dori Avenue, walk for a while, and discover the Gokokuji Somon!
This Somon is not of the temple-shrine type, but of the Edo period samurai residences of the daimyo class of 50,000 koku or more. Moreover, this gate is designated as a tangible cultural property by the ward because it was built in the mid-Edo period, while other daimyo residence gates were built in the late Edo period.
Gokokuji Temple Main Hall
Entering the precincts through the gate and climbing the stairs, I found the main hall, an important cultural property. I was also able to enter the hall.
Gokokuji Temple was built by order of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. It is located in Tokyo, but fortunately escaped the ravages of war. The pillar has been listening to sutra chanting every day for over 300 years, so if you hold the pillar over your head and make a wish, it will come true. I, too, have made a wish, believing that it would bring me good fortune.
Otowa Street
Otowa Street (Metropolitan Road No. 435)
Otowa Dori stretches almost in a straight line from the front of Gokokuji Temple to Edogawa Bridge. It may be the main approach to Gokokuji Temple, but in ancient times it must have been a river, a tributary of the Kanda River. Although not visible in this photo due to the buildings, both sides of the street are elevated land (east: Kohinatai-dai, west: Sekiguchidai).
Old Main Building of Kodansha
Walking along Otowa Dori, I found the Kodansha building (the old main building)! It is a cool building. It was designed by Mr. Masao Takamatsu of Sone Chujo Construction.
Entrance to Hatoyama Kaikan
And then I found Hatoyama Kaikan (entrance to Hatoyama Hall)! Two large buses were parked. The hall was on a hill and could not be seen from the street. I will come back when I have more time to spare and dress a little nicer, since I need to pay the admission fee (500 yen).
Edogawa Bridge
Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line passing over Edogawa Bridge
The Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro line comes into view. Below the highway is the Edogawa Bridge over the Kanda River, and Loop Route 3 should be built toward it.
Edogawabashi Station
Today, I returned from Edogawabashi station.
Sushi Misaki Port reminded me of this. Misakiguchi Station became Misaki Tuna Station a year ago. I want to go there to eat tuna.
Walking data
Course: Hakusan Station on the Toei Mita Line -> Loop Route 3 (Hakusan-shita to Edogawabashi) -> Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Distance: 5.5 km
Time: 1h40m
