Statue of Saigō, Ueno Park

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The statue was unveiled in the presence of Saigō’s wife, who famously remarked that the face did not look like her husband.

2. 2

   The dog held by Saigō, a Satsuma-ken breed, was sculpted by Gotō Sadayuki.

3. 3

   The statue was originally intended to be a standing figure in military uniform, but the design was changed to the more informal hunting style after his posthumous pardon.

4. 4

   It is one of the few statues of a samurai from the Meiji era located in a public space in Tokyo.

5. 5

   The bronze casting was executed by Okazaki Sessei, a renowned metalworker of the time.

Overview

The Statue of Saigō Takamori depicts the influential Meiji Restoration leader walking his hunting dog, Tsun. Erected in 1898, the bronze sculpture was created by artist Takamura Koun to commemorate the samurai who became a tragic hero of the Boshin War. Saigō is portrayed in casual hunting attire rather than formal military uniform, reflecting his preference for simple living. The statue stands on a stone pedestal within the southern section of Ueno Park. It survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of World War II, remaining a central historical marker in Tokyo. The site serves as a popular gathering point for park visitors and history enthusiasts.

Insider tips

• Visit during the spring cherry blossom season to see the statue surrounded by park blooms.

• Combine the visit with a walk through the nearby Ueno Park museums and the Shinobazu Pond.

• Look for the small plaque nearby that provides historical context in both Japanese and English.