Kuromon (Tokyo)

Kuromon is an historical mon that originally stood at a daimyo mansion in Marunouchi, Tokyo, Japan. Though the exact date of its construction is uncertain, the consensus is that it was in the late Edo period, probably in the late 18th century or early 19th century. It now stands in the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum in Taitō ward. Kuromon is one of two surviving gates of Edo-period daimyo mansions in Tokyo. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

History

Kuromon was the main gate of a daimyo mansion of the Ikeda clan branch from the Tottori Domain, which included the Inaba Province and Hōki Province in the modern-day Tottori Prefecture. The mansion was built in the Marunouchi area of Edo, and was part of the daimyō kōji, which included 24 such mansions.
In 1892 the gate was moved to Meiji-era Tōgū Palace in Akasaka, Tokyo, and some time later to the residence of Prince Takamatsu, the third son of Emperor Taishō. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in September 1951. In March 1954 it was moved and reassembled in its current location in the Tokyo National Museum. It is one of two surviving gates of Edo-period daimyo mansions in Tokyo.

Architecture

The gate has a large hipped-gable roof construction, with smaller karahafu rooves on the sides, covering the guards' chambers. It is made of dark wood, hence the name Black Gate.

Access

Kuromon is in the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum, but can be seen from the street with no admission fee. It can be seen more closely by purchasing an entry ticket to the museum. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, between 10 am and 4 pm, the gate is opened and visitors can walk through it.