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The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

A gate that symbolizes the University of Tokyo, known as Japan's most selective university

3.29 5

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A red gate on the University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus. Historic buildings can be found throughout the expansive campus, but Akamon Gate is particularly well known as a symbol of the university.
It was built in 1827 by Nariyasu Maeda, the 13th lord of the Kaga Domain, when he married Princess Yasu, daughter of Ienari Tokugawa, the 11th shogun. At the time, custom dictated that red gates could not be rebuilt if destroyed by fire or other disasters. This gate is the only surviving example, having escaped such destruction.
It was transferred to the University of Tokyo in 1877 and is now designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Akamon Gate will be closed from Friday, February 12, 2021, until further notice while measures are taken to improve its earthquake resistance.

Highlights

  • Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan
  • Its vivid vermilion lacquer evokes the youthful elegance of Princess Yasu at the time
  • Akamon Gate is a valuable historic structure that has survived disasters and remains standing today
  • As this is an educational and research institution rather than a tourist attraction, visitors should be considerate and limit their visit to viewing the exterior

Photos

  • The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

    The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

  • Inside Akamon Gate

    Inside Akamon Gate

  • The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

    The University of Tokyo's Akamon Gate

  • Main Gate

    Main Gate

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    The University of Tokyo—the first thing that caught my eye was the historic Akamon! The vermilion gate really stands out, and together with the classical architecture, walking around the campus truly feels both solemn and full of academic atmosphere!

    The University of Tokyo is one of Japan's most prestigious universities, and you can feel its strong academic atmosphere everywhere on campus. I came specifically to see the famous Akamon this time, making it another unique spot to check off while traveling in Tokyo!

  • 王小鈞
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    I specifically made time in my itinerary to walk around the University of Tokyo and visit Akamon, the most iconic landmark on the Hongo Campus. Even though it is currently closed to visitors due to restoration and seismic retrofitting work, it is still worth making a special trip to see it.

    The vermilion Akamon was built in 1827. It was originally constructed by the Kaga Domain as the gate to the residence built for Princess Yasu, daughter of Shogun Tokugawa Ienari, when she married into the domain. It has a history of nearly 200 years and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The historic architecture and vermilion gate evoke a strong sense of the Edo period.

    Although Akamon is not the main gate of the University of Tokyo, it has long been a symbol of the university. Standing in front of the gate and taking in the history and campus atmosphere makes this a very special stop on a trip to Tokyo.

  • Queenie
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    While in Tokyo, I made a special trip to walk around the University of Tokyo, and the famous Akamon was the most eye-catching sight. The old vermilion gate stands out amid the lush green campus and is one of the university's most recognizable landmarks. Standing in front of Akamon, you can feel the history and academic atmosphere built up over the century-old campus. It's completely different from the atmosphere at typical tourist attractions. Getting to see one of Japan's top universities in person also made this a very special stop on my Tokyo trip!

  • 曹芳
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    This is Japan's top-ranked university. Many political and business elites have graduated from here. The campus isn't very big, but you can really feel the cultural atmosphere.

  • 黃莉莉
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    It's the best university in Japan, and the gate itself has a lot of historical significance.

Details

Name in Japanese
東京大学赤門（旧加賀屋敷御守殿門）
Postal Code
113-0033
Address
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Admission
Free
Closed on
None
Hours
Large gate doors: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
Small gate door: 6:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Access
(1) Approximately a 5-minute walk from Hongo-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Toei Oedo Line
(2) Approximately a 10-minute walk from Todaimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa