Ueno Toshogu Shrine was founded in 1627 as a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Its current main hall was rebuilt in 1651 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa  shogunate and Ieyasu’s grandson and is designated a National Important Cultural Property.

The interior of the main hall, also known as the “Golden Hall,” features abundant use of gold leaf. Its screen paintings remain preserved as they were at the time.

The shrine hall is normally closed to the public for cultural property protection. It was specially open for three days including November 2 and welcomed a total of 150 visitors chosen by lottery.

Visitor / It was truly moving to see something so rarely accessible.

Visitor / I felt it is incredibly precious that it survived both the earthquake and war.

According to Taito Ward, there were 14,000 applicants to the special viewing this year. Only 1 in 95 lucky ones were accepted.