About This Print

This print was made in the 1950s by the Kyoto publisher Maria Shobo from recut woodblocks, copying the original 1879 design. Two series of Kiyochika designs, each consisting of 12 prints were issued.  The recut prints generally, but not always, have the publisher's identifying Ma character beneath the cartouche in the print's margin.  Maria Shobo was established in 1924 and continues to publish books.

This print was originally issued as part of a loosely constructed series Famous Views of Tokyo (Tokyo meisho) consisting of 93 prints issued from 1876-1881 by two publishers, Matsuki Heikichi and Fukuda Kumajirô.  For additional information on this series see "Early Woodblock Prints: The Series Famous Views of Tokyo (Tokyo meisho) 1876-1881" on the Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847-1915) page.

Toshogu Shrine

The Toshogu Shrine, built in remembrance of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1627, is reached by a small path seamed by 256 stone- and bronze-lanterns. It is the historical pride of Ueno Park. Built in 1627 and remodeled 24 years later, it has hardly been touched since. It was undamaged in the battle of 1868 - an irony as the shrine is dedicated the memory of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who wrested power away from the Emperor and established Edo as the capital.

Ueno Park's most famous religious structure, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine was erected in 1651 by Ieyasu's grandson and, like Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, is ornately decorated with brilliant red, blue, green, and gold ornamentation. The pathway leading to the shrine is lined with massive stone lanterns, plus 50 copper lanterns donated by feudal lords from throughout Japan.