Tokyo Tower is clearly seen from the intersection at the top of Torii-zaka

Tokyo Tower seen from Torii-zaka — Crosswalk with a view of Tokyo Tower

The area between Roppongi and Azabu Juban, up Torii-zaka, used to be lined with the residences of feudal lords and samurai families. The International House of Japan, which was designed by Maekawa Kunio, Sakakura Junzo and Yoshimura Junzo, used to be the residence of Kyogoku Iki-no-kami, the lord of the Tadotsu domain, and the area where the Roppongi Museum is located used to be the residence of Okubo Kaga-no-kami, the lord of the Sagami Odawara domain.

In the Meiji era (1868-1912), such large mansions were sold off, which seems to be the reason why there are so many facilities with large grounds in this area. In addition to the aforementioned the International House of Japan and the Roppongi Museum, there are a number of other large facilities on the Torii-zaka slope, such as Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin and Torii-zaka Church.

The reason why daimyo and samurai residences lined up in this area in the first place is because this place is on a ridge. In Edo, it was common for feudal lords and samurai families to set up their residences in areas that were higher than the surrounding area. Nowadays, there are large buildings and you don't get the impression that you have a good view when you walk around, but in the past, it must have been a place where you could look out over the surroundings.

When I came to an intersection, I looked up and saw Tokyo Tower in the distance. I felt as if I had caught a glimpse of how good the view used to be.

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