Tokugawa Graveyard
Six of the fifteen Tokugawa shoguns are buried here at Zojoji, the family temple of the Tokugawa dynasty. These and other family member graves were originally located in large wooden mausoleums that were magnificent examples of Edo period (1603–1867) architecture and decorative arts. These mausoleums once covered a large portion of the temple grounds. The mausoleums were designated National Treasures in the early twentieth century. However, they were burned to the ground in the air raids of 1945 and were left in ruins for over a decade. Beginning in 1958, the family remains were exhumed and reinterred very simply in this secluded corner of the temple grounds.
The intricately cast bronze gate belonged to the mausoleum of Ienobu (1662–1712), the sixth Tokugawa shogun, one of the few structures that survived, is the official entrance to the graveyard. Everyday access is via a smaller gate to the left. The grave markers are mostly carved from stone, with some more elaborate examples in bronze.
In the center is a signboard with a map that shows the former temple grounds, which were far more expansive than the grounds today (in light blue). The sites of the original mausoleums are marked in pink, and the present graveyard is marked in red. The other side of the sign has several photos of the elaborately decorated prewar mausoleums, taken prior to their destruction. The contrast between the past and present resting places of the powerful shoguns is striking.