Kuromon (Tokyo)


Kuromon is an historical gate located in the Taitō ward of Tokyo, Japan.
One of two remaining gates of the Edo period daimyō mansions in the city.
The exact date in which it was first constructed is not known, but the consensus is that it dates from the late Edo period, probably from the late 18th century or early 19th century.
It is currently located in the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum, and it has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

History

The Kuromon was first built as the main gate of the Edo mansion of the branch of the Ikeda clan from the Tottori Domain, which included the Inaba Province and Hōki Province in the modern-day Tottori Prefecture. The mansion was located in the Marunouchi area, and was part of the daimyō kōji, which included 24 such mansions.
In 1892 the gate was moved to Meiji-era Tōgū Palace in Akasaka, Tokyo, and some time later to the residence of Prince Takamatsu, the third son of Emperor Taishō.
It was designated an Important Cultural Property in September 1951.
Finally in March 1954 it was moved to its final location in the Tokyo National Museum and rebuilt there.

Architecture

The gate, made in dark wood, has a large hipped-gable roof construction, with smaller Karahafu roofs on the sides, covering the guards' chambers.

Access

Kuromon is located in the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum, but it can be seen from the outside with no admission fee.
The gate can also be seen more closely from inside the museum, by purchasing an entrance ticket.
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, between 10 am and 4 pm, the gate is opened and can be walked through.