Kita Ward in Tokyo was once the largest military district among the city’s 23 wards, with roughly 10% of its land occupied by military facilities during wartime. Today, traces of this history remain scattered throughout the area, providing a unique lens into Japan’s past for those exploring the city. This video presents a focused look at ten significant war-related sites still visible in Kita Ward.

The journey begins at Fujimi Junior High School (十条富士見中学校), a place with deep historic ties, and continues to the Jieitai Jujo Garrison (自衛隊十条駐屯地), the current home of the Japan Self-Defense Forces but originally an important military base. Other stops include the Chuo Library (中央図書館), which occupies land once central to military operations, and Chinchinyama Children’s Park (ちんちん山児童遊園), an area layered with historical significance.

The video also highlights Oji-Honcho 3-Chome Apartments (王子本町三丁目アパート), built atop former military ground, and Kita Chuo Park (北区中央公園), a public space that once served military functions. Additional featured sites are the Kenpeisho & Yatsu Daikannon (憲兵詰所＆谷津大観音), an old military police outpost and local guardian statue, Shihongi Inari Shrine (四本木稲荷神社), Takino River 3-Chome Park (滝野川三丁目公園), and the Peace Memorial Statue at Kita Topia (北とぴあ平和祈念像).

Visitors to Kita Ward can uncover these preserved reminders from the past throughout the district, with most sites easily accessible by public transportation. Besides their wartime connections, these locations offer insight into Tokyo’s transformation, contrasting the city’s modern development with its historical legacy.