Why is Roppongi called Roppongi?

六本木
Roppongi (6 Trees)

Legend has it that the area was the location of the lower residences of 6 daimyō. A daimyō is a feudal lord. They were required to serve the shōgun in Edo and represent their domains in the capital. Most of them about 3 residences in Edo, an upper residence next to Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), a middle residence a little farther out, and a lower residence in the suburbs of Edo.

There’s another story that there were 6 pine trees here, but that just sounds stupid…or boring at best.

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