HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Ueno [Tokyo, Ueno] A Journey to the Sacred Grounds of the Tokugawa Shoguns: A Complete Guide to the "EDO SHOGUN’S LEGACY TRAIL TOUR" – Where Special Access, Modern Art, and Digital Innovation Converge
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[Tokyo, Ueno] A Journey to the Sacred Grounds of the Tokugawa Shoguns: A Complete Guide to the "EDO SHOGUN’S LEGACY TRAIL TOUR" – Where Special Access, Modern Art, and Digital Innovation Converge

  • Written by: Guest Contributor
Date published: 6 January 2026

For many travelers, Ueno in Tokyo is known as a cultural hub home to Ueno Zoo and prestigious national museums. However, did you know that the vast grounds of Ueno Park were once the massive precinct of a single temple?
That temple is Toei-zan Kan’ei-ji. As the guardian of the "Demon Gate" (northeast) of Edo Castle and the family temple of the Tokugawa Shoguns, it was one of the largest and most powerful sacred sites of the Edo period.
To commemorate its 400th anniversary in 2025, a special premium experience called the "EDO SHOGUN’S LEGACY TRAIL TOUR" is being held. This 2.5-hour journey into the depths of history offers exclusive access to the Shogunal Mausoleum (usually closed to the public), a viewing of a breathtaking new ceiling painting, a digital recreation of Kan’ei-ji as it appeared in the Edo period, and direct dialogue with Buddhist monks.

Table of Contents
  1. Kan’ei-ji: Retracing the Hidden History of the Tokugawa Shoguns in Ueno
  2. Exclusively for This Tour: 4 Unforgettable Highlights
  3. "EDO SHOGUN’S LEGACY TRAIL TOUR" Details

Kan’ei-ji: Retracing the Hidden History of the Tokugawa Shoguns in Ueno

The tour meets in front of the JR Ueno Station Park Gate. Just steps away from the bustling station, the lush greenery of Ueno Park unfolds before you.

When Ueno Park was "Japan’s Largest Temple Precinct"

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

Founded in 1625, Kan’ei-ji was so grand at its peak that its grounds encompassed the entirety of what is now Ueno Park, making it one of the largest temple complexes in Japan. Though much of the original architecture was lost during the fires of the Ueno War, its spirit remains

  • Ueno Park
    • Address Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3828-5644

Relive the Edo Period through Advanced Technology (AR/VR/CG)

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

A highlight of this tour is the digital history experience. Using tablets, the lost, magnificent halls are brought back to life in stunning detail through the power of digital recreation.

  • Kanei-ji
    • Address 1-14-11, Uenosakuragi, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0002
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      8 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3821-4440

In addition, this CG recreation is accessible on your smartphone. The dedicated website allows you to experience Ueno’s rich history and culture firsthand while you explore the area.

Exclusively for This Tour: 4 Unforgettable Highlights

POINT 1:Special viewing of the ceiling painting “Eigaku Soryu”

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

Specially dedicated to
Kan’ei-ji Kompon Chudo.
Admire the newly dedicated ceiling
painting by Yuji Tezuka in Kompon
Chudo (Main Hall of Kan’ei-ji Temple)
— a stunning work spanning 19.7ft
(6m) H x 39.4ft (12m) W, presented
with expert commentary.

POINT 2:Relive“Kan’ei-ji Temple in the Edo Period”

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

Recreation in CG of the Temple
Grounds, Once Among the
Largest in Japan
Kan'ei-ji Temple lost many of its buildings,
including the Kompon Chudo (Main Hall),to
wartime fires, but its magnificent past is
now digitally restored. On this tour, use a
tablet to experience its former grandeur.

POINT 3:Special Kan’ei-ji Temple Goshuin as a Gift

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

As a tour bonus, receive Kan’ei-ji
Temple's special Goshuin (temple stamp).
It features the Kompon Chudo (Main Hall),
the temple's central building.
This exquisitely crafted Goshuin is an
artistic masterpiece, exclusively available
here. Take home this unique memento of
Edo history.

POINT 4:From Sacred Grounds to the Old Town. The Legacy Trail to Yanaka Ginza

Image credit: Kaneiji Temple
Image credit: Kaneiji Temple

The tour concludes with a walk from the historic temple district to the vibrant Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. Experience the nostalgic charm of old Japan as the guide introduces recommended local shops.

"EDO SHOGUN’S LEGACY TRAIL TOUR" Details

This premium program was meticulously designed to refine Japan’s finest cultural assets and share them with the world. Throughout the journey, an English-speaking guide will lead you through an extraordinary experience far beyond the everyday.

Information

■Languages:English
■Payment method:credit card
■Adult price:¥19,900→¥5,970 70%OFF!!
■Dates:January 15th(Thu)/22nd(Thu)/30th (Fri)
February 6th (Fri)/13th (Fri)
※All tours: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM.
■Notes:As the tour mainly involves walking,
please take caution if you have difficulty walking.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Time
1:00 PM

Place
In front of JR Ueno Station Park Exit

Details of the experience
Meet in front of NewDays outside the Park Exit ticket gate of Ueno Station (Reception from 12:45 PM)

Self-introduction and tour overview by the guide (8 minutes)

Time
1:15 PM

Place
In front of the fountain at Ueno Park

Details of the experience
Explanation by the guide using digital content about the former grounds of Kan’ei-ji Temple and its historical appearance

Time
1:40 PM

Place
Kan’ei-ji Temple

Details of the experience
1:40 PM – 2:10 PM: Inside the Kompon Chudo (Main Hall): Overview of Kan’ei-ji Temple, explanation of the ceiling painting, and interaction with a monk. (30 minutes)

2:10 PM – 2:20 PM: Move and view the Aoi-no-Ma room, bathroom break (10 minutes)

2:20 PM – 2:35 PM: Guided tour of the mausoleum (15 minutes)

2:35 PM: Depart Kan’ei-ji Temple, head toward Nippori

Time
Around 3:20 PM

Place
Nippori / Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Details of the experience
Via Okakura Tenshin Memorial Park and the Tsuiji-bei Wall of Kannonji Temple

After arriving at Yanaka Ginza, the guide will introduce recommended shops

Time
3:30 PM

Place
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Details of the experience
Dismissal / End of tour

Book Your Experience Here

Don't miss this chance to step into sacred areas usually hidden from the world, combined with modern art and deep cultural immersion.
[Click here to Reserve]

Source/Main Image:Kaneiji Temple

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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