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!
The University of Tokyo Akamon
A Symbolic Gate at the University of Tokyo, Japan’s Most Exclusive University
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Akamon is a red gate located at the University of Tokyo’s Hongo Campus. Although there are historical structures everywhere inside this campus, Akamon is known as a symbol of the University.
This gate was built in 1827 to welcome Yohime, a daughter of the 11th Shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, as the legal wife of Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th lord of the Kaga Clan.
At the time, it was customary not to rebuild red gates when they were burned down, so this one is a treasure because it is the only existing one to have avoided disaster.
In 1877, control of the property was transferred to the University of Tokyo. Akamon is now designated an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese government.
※The Akamon Gate Will Be Closed From Friday, February 12, 2021, Until Further Notice Due To Seismic Reinforcement Measures.
Highlights
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It is designated an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese government.
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The vivid vermillion hue of this gate calls to mind the young and gorgeous Yohime.
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Having avoided disaster to this day, Akamon is an important historical structure.
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You may walk inside the campus, taking into consideration that classes are in session.
Photos
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The University of Tokyo Akamon
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The Interior of Akamon
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The University of Tokyo Akamon
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The Front Entrance
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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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.
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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
- Never
- Hours
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1) Main Door: 7 am to 6 pm (closed on weekends and national holidays)
2) Side Door: 6 pm to 12 am - Access
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1)About 5 minutes on foot from Hongo-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Toei Oedo Line
2)About 10 minutes on foot from Todaimae Station on the Namboku Line - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)