Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall Ireido
A solemn memorial honoring victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake and WW2 bombing, offering a powerful historical reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall Ireido
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial honoring victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake and WW2 bombing, offering a powerful historical reflection.
"A deeply moving place that reminds you to always remember the lessons of history. "
🎥 Watch the Film
Don't miss the 10-minute film with English subtitles; it's incredibly moving and educational. :movie_camera:
🤝 Guided Tours
Tours are in Japanese, but English subtitles are available for the film. :japanese_goblin:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Memorial Hall
Yokoamicho Park
An imposing structure remembering victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake and WW2 bombing. A deeply moving experience.
The 10-Minute Film
Inside the Memorial Hall
A well-made, subtitled film that powerfully depicts the devastating events. Prepare for an emotional impact.
The Pagoda
Behind the Memorial Hall
Contains the ashes of many unidentified individuals, adding to the solemn atmosphere of the grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peace
Context is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎥 Watch the Film
Don't miss the 10-minute film with English subtitles; it's incredibly moving and educational. :movie_camera:
🤝 Guided Tours
Tours are in Japanese, but English subtitles are available for the film. :japanese_goblin:
🚶♂️ Park Setting
Located in Yokoamicho Park, enjoy a peaceful walk before or after your visit. :parkwithtrees:
📍 Near Ryogoku
Easily accessible from JR Ryogoku Station, making it convenient to combine with other sights. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎥 Watch the Film
Don't miss the 10-minute film with English subtitles; it's incredibly moving and educational. :movie_camera:
🤝 Guided Tours
Tours are in Japanese, but English subtitles are available for the film. :japanese_goblin:
🚶♂️ Park Setting
Located in Yokoamicho Park, enjoy a peaceful walk before or after your visit. :parkwithtrees:
📍 Near Ryogoku
Easily accessible from JR Ryogoku Station, making it convenient to combine with other sights. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall to be a deeply moving and essential site for understanding the impact of the Great Kanto Earthquake and WW2 bombing. The 10-minute film with English subtitles is particularly impactful, though some find the overall experience somber. The hall's location in Yokoamicho Park adds to its reflective atmosphere.
"You should combine a visit here with the museum to get a good understanding of the devastating events of WW2 bombing and the Kato Earthquake. Some paintings hang high on the walls depicting the events and do watch the 10 minute video subtitled in English, first time I've cried since visiting Auschwitz years ago. The Pagoda behind the hall contains the ashes of many unidentified people."
Miles Macdonald
"This place gives me the Auschwitz vibe. One should always remember the lessons of WW2."
Karl Panahon
"Located in 横網町公園 (Yokoami-chō koen) [Park], the 東京都慰霊堂 (Tōkyōto ireidō) [Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall] is an imposing structure within the grounds. It is built on the site of the Honjo Army Clothing Depot, the site of a fire tornado following the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923) and resulted in 40,000 deaths. The Memorial Hall remembers these poor souls.
Refugees from the earthquake had gathered in the yard of the clothing depot for safety.
The 1st of September 2023 at 11:58 AM will mark the 100th anniversary of the destructive natural disasters (earthquake & conflagration) that resulted in the loss of over 100,000,
Joshua Hammer's excellent book, "Yokohama Burning: The Deadly 1923 Earthquake and Fire that Helped Forge the Path to World War II", published in 2006, has chapters on the stream of events in Yokohama & Tokyo."
Tommy Kurauchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall is located in Yokoamicho Park and is easily accessible from JR Ryogoku Station. It's a convenient stop if you're exploring the Sumida area.
Yes, the Memorial Hall is in the Sumida ward, which is also home to Tokyo Skytree. You can enjoy views of the Skytree from nearby areas like the Sumida River Walk. +1
Public transport, especially trains and subways, is highly recommended for getting around Tokyo. For Sumida, JR Ryogoku Station is a key hub.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance booking is required for tours at the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall.
While specific hours can vary, it's best to check the official website or book in advance to confirm. Tours are often conducted in Japanese.
Information on admission fees is best confirmed directly with the venue, but advance booking is generally required.
The 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake was marked on September 1, 2023, highlighting the importance of remembering these events.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll find an imposing structure dedicated to remembering victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake and WW2 bombing. A 10-minute film with English subtitles is a key part of the experience.
The film is described as very moving and educational, depicting devastating events. Visitors have reported being deeply affected.
The pagoda behind the hall contains the ashes of many unidentified people, adding to the solemn and respectful atmosphere of the site.
Photography rules can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival to ensure you respect any restrictions.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as very moving and solemn, with some comparing it to the somber feeling of Auschwitz, emphasizing the importance of remembering history.
📸 📸 Photography
The Yokoamicho Park surrounding the hall offers a peaceful setting. The exterior of the Memorial Hall itself, with its imposing design, is also a notable subject.
It's best to check for specific photography rules within the Memorial Hall. Some areas may prohibit photography to preserve the exhibits or maintain the solemn atmosphere.
Yes, the Sumida River Walk offers scenic views, and the Tokyo Skytree provides a striking backdrop. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience in Sumida Ward, consider visiting the Sumida Aquarium, known for its stunning jellyfish exhibits, which is often a hit with younger visitors.
🤔 History Buffs
Reading Joshua Hammer's book, "Yokohama Burning: The Deadly 1923 Earthquake and Fire that Helped Forge the Path to World War II," before or after your visit can significantly enrich your understanding of the events.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the History
Beyond the earthquake, the hall also commemorates the victims of the air raids on Tokyo during World War II. The exhibits and the accompanying film powerfully convey the immense loss of life and destruction. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply emotional, drawing parallels to other significant historical remembrance sites.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, combining a visit to the Memorial Hall with a nearby museum is highly recommended. This provides a more comprehensive context for the events depicted. The 10-minute film, available with English subtitles, is a crucial element of the visit, offering a narrative that has moved many visitors to tears.
Experiencing Sumida Ward
Sumida Ward is also famously home to the Tokyo Skytree, one of Japan's tallest structures, offering panoramic views of the city.
Food enthusiasts will find options ranging from all-you-can-eat buffets within the Solamachi building at the base of the Skytree
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