Yushima Seido

Yushima Seido is founded in 1690 by the fifth Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, as a mausoleum enshrining Confucius, a Chinese Confucian scholar and a place for prosperity of Confucianism. The most famous Confucius’s mausoleum currently remaining in Japan was designated as a National historic site in 1922.

The building of Yushima Seido was used to teach Confucianism called Shohei-zaka Gakumonjo but was closed soon later in the Meiji era. On the premises, some predecessor schools, present University of Tsukuba and Ochanomizu University were built followed by the Education Ministry, Shogakukan (present library), museum, and so on. From this history, this place is well known as the place of origin of modern education and became a popular place to make a wish for success in examinations along with Yushima Tenjin. Many entrance examinees worship to get charm or pencils for passing exams in upcoming days.

In the main hall, Taiseiden, the statue of Confucius along with those of four wise men, Mencius, Yan Hui, Zengzi, and Zisi are enshrined and the world’s largest statue of Confucius in 4.57m high is on the ground. Taiseiden is open to the public and available for a tour on Saturday, Sunday, and national holiday.