Daikanyama is no doubt a place known for its high-end shopping, boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants but located not far from the former Asakura residence (a historical landmark) is Sarugakuzuka (Sarugaku Shrine).
Supposedly this is a shrine (built around the Taisho Era – 1912-1926) on a hill (that is now known as Daikanyama Hillside Terrace) that is near an ancient tomb from around the late Kofun Era (300 to 538 AD) and was designated a historic site back in 1976.
Not much is known about the tomb and it’s a rarity to see, because nearly all of Daikanyama was made to shopping/restaurants and the location sticks out and surprises a lot of people who come by for shopping.
Numerous times while I was there and people were just surprised to see an old shrine at Daikanyama Hillside Terrace.
But it’s a smaller shrine that is full of mystery and a lot of rumors that it is somehow tied to the Asakura family, as it’s near the Asakura family estate.
And one would probably have to thank architect Fumihiko Maki who designed the Daikanyama Hillside Terrace and made sure both this and the Asakura House were retained despite everything else in Daikanyama District is primarily now focused on fashion, style, art galleries and food.
