Aoyama Cemetery
Aoyama Cemetery is a Tokyo sanctuary that most people overlook. Cherry blossom-lined paths, unique graves, and a serene atmosphere fill this photographer’s haven. Stunning architecture mixed with history makes this more than a simple walk. It’s a journey through the city’s soul. Let’s explore why this spot is a must-visit.
Photography at Aoyama Cemetery
Aoyama is one of the best places in Tokyo for cemetery photography. The architecture is fantastic. Huge monoliths, lanterns, and mound-shaped crypts are everywhere. Shinto torii (gates at shrines) and Buddhist architecture and icons decorate many graves. Christian crosses aren’t rare. Busts of people are atop tombs. Walk around and photos jump at cameras.
Many military people rest there. Most I’ve seen are from the Imperial Japanese Navy. High-ranking officers’ graves have something unique. Huge artillery shells will decorate them. They can be as large as 15 cm.
Cherry blossoms at Aoyama Cemetery
This is one of Tokyo’s hidden gems. An iconic photo is in the middle of the cemetery. It’s Cherry Blossom Road. Trees on both sides reach out to each other, forming a flower tunnel in spring.
Be careful taking photos of the trees from the middle of the road. Cars that use it often have to beep their horns to get people out of the way.
Trees cover many areas of the cemetery. Huge ones stretch over many graves. Aoyama is the perfect place for the departed to enjoy spring.
Do you yearn for tranquility? Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park are crowded in spring. Aoyama is the best alternative for a quiet hanami season.
Photography problems
- There are many trees. That means you will have to deal with shadows. But, you can also use them to create mood in your photographs. Creative use of a flash can yield great results.
- Cherry Blossom Road cuts through the middle of the cemetery. It is lined with the trees. In spring, the flowers form a tunnel over it. Be very careful if you walk out into the middle to take photos. There will be many cars and you don’t want to end up a road statistic.
Origins of the cemetery
The Aoyama family once owned the land, hence the name. In 1874, a Shinto funerary cemetery was constructed. Two years later, the name changed to Aoyama Reien (Aoyama Cemetery), and it became public. Currently, about 130,000 people rest there.
Learn about Japanese history
Japanese history lovers will enjoy the cemetery. When the country opened to the world in the 1870s, massive changes happened. Old political and social systems disintegrated. The emperor replaced the shogun. A new generation of politicians, doctors, diplomats, teachers, and military leaders rose to meet the challenges. Many of them now rest in Aoyama.
While Japan had the people, it lacked the knowledge to put them on equal terms with the West. The government went overseas and found those who did. Skilled people were invited to come. Some got married and lived here for many years. Those who died in Tokyo will be in the foreigner section.
A few have brief information inscribed on tombstones. Plaques are on some. These are for people who impacted Tokyo or Japanese history. Detailed explanations in English and Japanese of the person’s life are on them. Thomas Baty, Toshimichi Okubo, and former PM Tomosaburo Kato are three examples. There are others, of course.
Not all plaques have English. That is unfortunate. Some don’t appear on maps, so you will probably run into them by chance. Consult the administration office for detailed information.
Aoyama Cemetery links to Wikipedia!
A QR code is on some plaques. Use your phone to read the Wikipedia entry. Whoever thought of this was very smart!
Who lies in the cemetery?
Some of the people are:
- Baty, Dr. Thomas (a.k.a. Irene Clyde) – an English lawyer who worked for the Japanese government from 1916 to 1954. He was one of the first transgender activists.
- Hachiko, the dog, is next to his master, Hidesaburo Ueno. He was stuffed and placed on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno.
- Miyata, Teru – NHK announcer and politician. He died in 1990, but his grave still receives fresh flowers.
- Nogi, Maresuke – an army general and a hero of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.
- Okubo, Toshimichi – a samurai/statesman who helped overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate. He became a leading member of the Meiji Restoration.
- Verbek, Guido – Dutch political advisor, educator, and missionary.
- Memorial dedicated to the IJN ships Unebi and Chishima. Both were lost under tragic circumstances.
Walking in the cemetery
The cemetery is 263 564 m², which makes it quite large. If you need some quiet time, this might be the place for you. I’ve never seen it crowded. Most people visit graves, walk dogs, or jog. And others like me take pictures.
Yes, the land of the cemetery is clearly defined. And yes, everything is in blocks. Walk a path, and it suddenly ends. Some twists and turns don’t make sense. Things seem random. I don’t care as I love it.
Skyscrapers pop up over the trees here and there. The view is fantastic. Cherry blossoms beautify spring. No matter the season, Aoyama is a great place to walk and think. Quietness and serenity abound. It’s perfect to escape the crowds of nearby Shibuya and Harajuku.
Best time to visit Aoyama Cemetery
Spring is the only answer. Go during the cherry blossom season (2025 pics here). If you want to enjoy the flowers quietly, Aoyama is for you.
How long would you spend there?
No matter the season, Aoyama Cemetery is a great Tokyo photo spot. The history, nature, and views on hand are incredible. You could spend hours there, but still need more. Japanese graveyard lovers should put it on their bucket list.
Free English grave map
Pick them up at the administration office.
Photo spots near Aoyama Cemetery
- Harajuku and Omotesando
- Icho Namiki Avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien
- Meiji Shrine
- National Art Center
- Nogi Shrine
- Roppongi (and Roppongi Hills).
Where is Aoyama Cemetery?
Address: 2 Chome-32-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo
It’s only a short subway ride from Shibuya.
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train/subway stations:
- Gaienmae (Metro Ginza Line)
- Nogizaka (Metro Chiyoda Line)
Conclusion
No matter the season, Aoyama Cemetery is a great Tokyo photo spot. The history, nature, and views are incredible. You could spend many hours there and still need more. This place should be on the bucket list for any Japanese graveyard lover. Leave questions and comments below.
More cemetery articles:
External related websites:
- A Japanese website named 豪鬼メモ, which might be “A fabulous memo” in English. It has great pictures of the cemetery.
- Dylan J. Plung – “The “Unrelated” Spirits of Aoyama Cemetery: A 21st Century Reckoning with the Foreign Employees of the Meiji Period” in the Asia-Pacific Journal. It is concerned about the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s management of the foreign grave section.
2 thoughts on “Aoyama Cemetery Photo Guide”
Thanks for all the information and tips………..
You are very welcome. I hope you find them useful!