Gotenyama Cherry Blossoms – Petals with a Shogun’s Seal
Long before selfies and hanami parties, Gotenyama was already famous for cherry blossoms. In fact, this hill in Shinagawa earned shogunal approval. Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, reportedly planted cherry trees here in the 17th century. Centuries later, the tradition still blossoms. Today, the Gotenyama cherry blossoms remain among the most beloved in Tokyo — especially by those in the know.
History of Gotenyama
Gotenyama (御殿山) is a historic hill located in the northern part of Shinagawa, Tokyo. It’s one of the famous “Jonan Gozan” — the Five Hills of the Jonan region — and has a long, layered history.
A Castle and a Palace
During the Choroku Era (1457–1460), the famed samurai lord and poet Ōta Dōkan, who also built Edo Castle, lived in this hilly area. His residence sat near what would later become Shinagawa-shuku, a bustling post town. The hill stretched north and south from the center of Shinagawa, reaching the northern banks of the Meguro River.
In the Kan’ei Era (1624–1644), a palace — or goten — was built on the hill, giving the area its name: Gotenyama, meaning “Palace Mountain.” Historians still debate its purpose. Some believe it was a resting spot for the shogun while falcon hunting. Others suggest it was a meeting place for visiting daimyo from western provinces.
Gotenyama and Sakura
By the Kanbun Era (1661–1673), the hill became famous for cherry blossoms. Around 600 Yoshino cherry trees were planted, turning the area into a popular hanami destination. Artists captured the scenes in colorful woodblock prints, making Gotenyama one of Edo’s iconic springtime spots.
The palace was destroyed in a fire in February of 1702, and left as was, and not reconstructed.
End of the Shogunate and Meiji Period
However, the peaceful image changed near the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Parts of the hill were excavated to build fortifications — the Shinagawa Daiba — intended to repel the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his American fleet. Then in 1862, the still-under-construction British Embassy on Gotenyama was burned down by a group of radical samurai, including Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, and Inoue Kaoru, in an event known as the Gotenyama Yakiuchi Incident.
Post War Gotenyama
In the modern era, Sony moved its headquarters to Gotenyama in 1947, and the area became known as “Sony Village.” That legacy lasted until 2007, when the company relocated its head office to Minato Ward.
Today, Gotenyama is a high-end residential neighborhood. Urban redevelopment projects have transformed the hill while honoring its past. Areas like Garden City Shinagawa Gotenyama, Prime Maison EAST & WEST, and Gotenyama Hill Park have redefined the landscape. In fact, the area’s design won a Good Design Award in 2013 for its thoughtful integration of modern architecture and green space.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///smokers.smiled.petition |
| latitude longitude | 35.6216607 139.7366485 |
| Nearest station(s) | Shinagawa Station (JR and Keikyū Lines) Kitashinagawa Station (Keikyū Line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | In Gotenyama Garden 御殿山庭園 (where the waterfalls and pond are). Open 7am-7pm |
Show me a sign.
Getting a bit worn but still legible.
Withervee says…
In spring it still has cherry blossoms but it’s no longer the idyll shown in the woodblock prints.
There are no views of Mt Fuji, Shinagawa and the bay. Well, perhaps there are if you live, work or stay on one of the upper floors of the Gotenyama Trust Tower.
Gotenyama Garden 御殿山庭園 near the sign has a sunken garden which is quite small but pleasant. Trees, waterfall, flowers, birds, pond and toilets. Something for everybody. The entrance is not from the side with the waterfall.
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Hanami traditionalists
- History lovers
- Cherry blossom chasers
- Romantics with cameras
- Hidden Tokyo fans
