#026 Hakkeizaka Yoroi-kake Pine

Utagawa Hiroshige’s “100 Famous Views of Edo,” the 26th view: Hakkei-zaka Yoroi-kake Pine (Hakki slope & Armor-Hanging Pine). The original print is shown here.

The location is on a hill in what is now the Omori Sanno area of Ota Ward. The tree-lined road along the sea visible below seems to be the Tokaido. You can see Shinagawa-juku in the distance, but unfortunately, such a fine view is no longer possible today. I zoomed in as much as possible to take a photo that seems to be the same angle, and this is what it looks like.

Though neither the coast nor the Tōkaidō road are visible, Hakkeizaka Slope and the elevated ground above it still exist as the grounds of a small shrine, located immediately outside the west exit of JR Ōmori Station. The “Yoroi-kake Pine” depicted in the original painting is, unsurprisingly, no longer there, but in its place stands a majestic giant Japanese chestnut tree.

The quiet, serene shrine of Tensō Shrine.

The approach to the temple grounds features steep, straight stairs, with the current Hakkei Slope (also a stairway) winding around its side.

A single shot looking down from the top of the slope. Intriguing reliefs are displayed along the wall.

This relief commemorates the literary giants who resided in the Omori Sanno and Magome areas during the Taisho and early Showa periods. This slope is maintained as part of the “Magome Literary Village Walking Path.” Here’s a link to the official site.