Former Site of the Asakusa Mitsuke Lookout Point
This stone signpost at the foot of the Asakusa Bridge indicates the former site of Asakusa Mitsuke, one of 36 lookout points built to guard Edo Castle. The guard post, constructed in 1636, was a masugata, a square, walled gatehouse with entrances at right angles in order to prevent direct passage. Samurai were stationed here to protect against potential attacks from the old Oshu Highway leading out of the provinces to the north and to inspect visitors to Edo, many of whom were on their way to worship at Sensoji Temple.