By 東京町探検

In this fascinating walking tour titled '【東京町探検】「芝」三田とその近辺①', the host of the Tokyo Machi Tanken (Tokyo City Exploration) YouTube channel guides viewers through the Shiba and Mita districts of Minato Ward, Tokyo, focusing on key historical sites from the end of the Edo period.

The journey begins at the site of the Satsuma Domain residence, an important place entwined with pivotal moments in Japan’s transition from the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Meiji Era. Viewers learn about key historical events such as the burning of the Satsuma clan's residence, which was one of the catalysts for the Battle of Toba-Fushimi. The host also introduces the location where a significant meeting between Saigō Takamori and Katsu Kaishū took place – a peaceful negotiation that helped prevent conflict in Edo (now Tokyo).

Alongside these historical highlights, the video explores the old diplomatic residences, notably sites where official foreign envoys once stayed during Japan’s opening to the West. These artifacts of the nation’s early interactions with global powers are mostly overlooked today and offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s early modernization.

The host also meanders through charming alleyways in the Mita area, showcasing the quieter, nostalgic side of Tokyo still intact amid modern development. Known for its sloping terrain and elegant lanes, the Mita neighborhood offers hidden gems for history buffs and fans of traditional Japanese architecture. This entire walking tour was filmed on March 21st, 2025.

This episode sets the stage for an upcoming mini-series that will cover related sites such as historical Keio University buildings and figures like Townsend Harris and Henry Heusken, who were key in forging early US-Japan diplomacy.