Taito-ku

Taito-ku (台東区) is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. The ward today is home to more than 175,346 people and bordered by the Arakawa, Sumida, Chuo, Bunkyo, and Chiyoda special wards. The space on which the Taito currently stands was the Yoshiwara licensed quarters during the Edo period. This prostitution district was abolished under the Meiji restoration and later reformed on March 15, 1947 to become one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo.

Neighborhoods in Taito

• Akibahara
• Yanaka
• Ueno
• Asakusa
• Asakusabashi
• Ameyoko

Landmarks

Located within the confines of Taito is a wide array of cultural significant destinations. Tracing back to the 17th century roots of the district during the Edo period, some of these destinations are well cared for even today.

Temples and Shrines

Temples and shrines in the Taito ward include the Asakusa Shrine, the Kan’ei-ji, the Kishibojin, Senso-ji and Kaminarimon, and Akiba Shrine.

Public Parks

There are four major public parks in Taito, including Asakusa Park, Ueno Park, Yanaka Park, and Sumida Park.

Museums and Destinations

Taito is home to multiple museums and visitor destinations including the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno Zoo, Ueno no Mor Museum, and National Museum of Western Art all located in Ueno. Other destinations in Taito include Asakura Sculpture Hall, Daimyo Clock Museum, Yokoyama Taikan Memorial Hall, and the National Science Museum of Japan.

Education Institutions

Colleges located in Taito include the Tokyo National Museum of Fine Arts and Music and Ueno Gakuen University.

Public High Schools operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government include:

• Ueno High School
• Kuramae Technical High School
• Ueno Shinobugaoka High School
• Hakuo High School
• Shinobguaoka High School
• Taito Chuyakan High School
• Taito Commercial High School.

Taito Citizens of Note

Well known personalities and celebrities hailing from Taito include actresses Yuki Amani and Yumi Adachi, actor Kiyoshi Atsumi, and novelist Shotaro Ikenami.

External Links

• Taito Official Website (English)