Kondo Isami Birthplace Site

In short

The Kondo Isami Birthplace Site is the former location of the house where Kondo Isami, the commander of the Shinsengumi, was born. Isami was born into a farming family here in 1834 (Tempo 5). The residence was demolished in 1943 (Showa 18). Today, a well that is said to have supplied the water for his first bath remains, and the area has been developed as a historic site of Chofu City.

• ​The First-Bath Well​​: A well said to have provided the water for Isami's first bath when he was born, along with its surrounding area of about 133 square meters, remains today.
• ​Kondo-jinja Shrine​​: Located within the grounds of the birthplace site is Kondo-jinja Shrine.
• ​Dojo "Hatsuunkan"​​: Across the street stands a dojo founded by Kondo Isagoro, Isami's adopted son-in-law. It can only be viewed from the outside.

History and Highlights

The ​Kondo Isami Birthplace Site​ is where Kondo Isami, commander of the Shinsengumi, was born. Isami was born in 1834 (Tempo 5) as the third son of Miyagawa Kyujiro, a farmer in Kamiishiwara-mura Tsuji, Tama County, Musashi Province (present-day Nomizu 1-chome). His childhood name was Miyagawa Katsugoro.

In 1848 (Kaei 1), Isami entered the Shieijo, a Tennen Rishin-ryu swordsmanship dojo run by Kondo Shusuke in Ichigaya, Edo. In the following year, 1849 (Kaei 2), he was adopted by Kondo Shusuke and took the surname Kondo.

At the birthplace, buildings such as the main house, a storehouse-residence (kurayashiki), a book storehouse (bunkogura), and a barn stood side by side. An artificial miniature hill (tsukiyama) had also been constructed in the garden. However, in 1943 (Showa 18), the house was demolished on the grounds that it would obstruct fighter planes taking off from Chofu Airfield. Today, all that remains is the well said to have been used for his first bath at birth and an area of about 133 square meters around it.

The birthplace site was designated as a historic site by Chofu City on April 25, 1977. The city acquired the land for public use and developed the historic site as a place to learn about Kondo Isami's historical achievements.

Highlights for Visitors

• ​The First-Bath Well​​: This well is the only structure remaining at the birthplace site. It is said that the water from this well was used for Isami's first bath when he was born. With no buildings left on the grounds, take a moment to trace where the house once stood.
• ​Kondo-jinja Shrine​​: Located within the grounds of the birthplace site, this shrine can be visited together with the well.
• ​Dojo "Hatsuunkan"​​: Located across the street from the birthplace site is the dojo "Hatsuunkan." It was opened by Kondo Isagoro, who succeeded as the fifth head of Tennen Rishin-ryu, and named by Yamaoka Tesshu. Isagoro was the son of Isami's eldest brother, Miyagawa Otogoro, and was Isami's adopted son-in-law. It can only be viewed from the outside.

Tips for Exploring

The birthplace site is located at the intersection of Hitomi Kaido and the road leading to Koganei. It sits in an area sandwiched between Tokyo Metropolitan Nogawa Park, Chofu Airport, and Musashinonomori Park. It is a 1-minute walk after getting off at the "Ryugenji" bus stop on the Odakyu Bus departing from JR Mitaka Station.

To the east of the birthplace site lies Ryugen-ji Temple, the family temple of Kondo Isami. It is a Soto Zen temple situated along Hitomi Kaido, and within its grounds is the grave of Kondo Isami, designated as a historic site (kyuseki) by Tokyo. A bust of Kondo Isami stands in front of the gate. Visiting along with the birthplace site allows you to get a sense of Isami's hometown.

Furthermore, about 400 meters in a straight line to the east-southeast lies the Mitaka City Osawa-no-Sato Watermill Farmhouse.