Statue of Saigo Takamori

The Statue of Saigo Takamori stands in Sanoudai-hiroba in Ueno Park, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring. Saigo Takamori was one of the main leaders of the Meiji Restoration. It is said that he negotiated the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle to save many people's lives. He is also noted for his success in establishing schools, police and banks, which became the basis of modern Japan. The statue was built in 1898, 21 years after his death, by the Japanese sculptor, Takamura Koun. It is a bronze statue 370.1 cm in height, 256.7 cm around the chest and with feet that are 55.1 cm long. His pet dog, Tsun, stands next to him. The statue depicts Saigo Takamori taking a walk in a kimono and sandals called zori. It is a two-minute walk from Ueno Station on the JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines.