Obansho Guardhouse
Obansho were guardhouses built at the strategically important gates of Edo Castle. This particular Obansho, one of three remaining at Edo Castle, is located near the back of the Naka no Mon, and was the final checkpoint for people going into the honmaru main compound of Edo Castle. Because of its important location, it was garrisoned by samurai of relatively high rank. It was converted into a workshop in the late nineteenth century after the fall of the shogunate, but returned to its original appearance in 1968 when the East Gardens were opened to the public.
PHOTO CAPTION
Naka no Mon Gate in the early Meiji period (1868–1912). The Obansho was located behind the gate.
From Secret Photograph Collection at the Rokumeikan (Kasumi Kaikan Foundation)