What does Akabane mean?

蔀矜Akabane (Red Wings; but more at Red Clay) Today’s place name etymology is a pretty interesting one because we will get a sneak peak at the extinct pre-Edo Period dialect of the area. Akabane sits in the northern part of Kita Ward. It’s basically next to Kawakuchi, Saitama. So it’s on the literal outskirts of Tƍkyƍ. Mind you, you won’t see any difference leaving Tƍkyƍ and entering Saitama due to the thorough urban sprawl. Historically speaking, 蔀矜村 Akabane Mura Akabane Village wasn’t a particularly important place, but in the Kamakura Period a highway called ćČ©æ§»èĄ—é“ Iwatsuki Kaidƍ was built. The … Continue reading What does Akabane mean?

Yusho-in Nitenmon Tokugawa Ietsugu

Yusho-in・the Grave of Tokugawa Ietsugu

We’ve come to the 7th shogun. His funerary temple was one of the architectural gems of Edo-Tokyo. Sadly, it was the last of these fine structures. From here on out we will only have group enshrinements. It’s the end of an era. Continue reading Yusho-in・the Grave of Tokugawa Ietsugu