The Man Who Built "Mt. Fuji" in Asakusa: Tamekichi Terada’s Bold Ambition

About 140 years ago, in 1887 (Meiji 20), an extraordinary tower rose above Asakusa. Its name was the Fujisan Juranjo(Mt. Fuji Exhibition Hall).

Located in the 4th plot of Asakusa Park's 6th District, it was a 32-meter-tall replica of Mt. Fuji, meticulously crafted from wood and plaster.

The mastermind behind this grand project was Tamekichi Terada, a merchant living in Asakusa. This is the story of how he turned a seemingly reckless dream into a historical reality.

The Spark of Inspiration: Repairs on a Five-Story Pagoda

The project found its roots in the 1885 restoration of the famous Five-Story Pagoda at Senso-ji Temple. To raise funds for the immense repair costs, the high scaffolding used for construction was opened to the public, charging a fee for the opportunity to admire the view.

People flocked to experience the thrill of looking down over Tokyo from such a height. Observing this, Tamekichi Terada had a sudden realization:

"If people are this excited just to climb scaffolding, imagine the business we could do if we built a 'mountain' specifically for the view!"

This clever, calculated observation became the origin of the Asakusa Mt. Fuji project.

Against All Odds: From "No Assets" to a Bold Breakthrough

However, the road was far from smooth. When Terada applied to the Tokyo Prefectural Government, the official investigation into his background was scathing.

The authorities dismissed him, stating, "Tamekichi Terada has no real estate or assets. There is no way he can build something this massive." Undeterred, Terada utilized his incredible powers of persuasion to convince Katsusuke Nagai—a prominent figure from Ginza—and several other wealthy investors to become sponsors. Backed by their credit, he finally secured the necessary government permits.

Modern Management through a "Joint Stock Company"

Due to repeated design changes, construction costs soared to 12,000 yen—four times the original estimate and equivalent to hundreds of millions of yen today. To manage this capital and ensure sustainable operations, the Kyodo Fuji Company(Joint Fuji Company) was established.

• Innovative Organization: The project adopted a joint-stock structure, issuing shares at 100 yen each to raise a total capital of 15,000 yen.

• An Asakusa First: Operating a "show business" venture through a corporation was an extremely advanced endeavor for its time.

• Grand Vision: The company’s articles of incorporation even included a plan to save profits to eventually build an even sturdier "Mt. Fuji made of iron."

A Symbol of Enlightenment: The View from 32 Meters

When the attraction opened in November 1887, it was an instant sensation, drawing approximately 230,000 visitors in its first 10 days. The entry fee was 4 sen, with an additional 1 sen for shoe storage. Visitors climbed a spiral path to reach a panoramic view that was virtually unparalleled at the time:

• East: The flow of the Sumida River and the landscapes of Katsushika.

• West: The Hakone mountain range and the majestic "real" Mt. Fuji in the distance.

• South: The heart of Tokyo, from Shinagawa Bay to the mountains of Boso (Chiba).

• North: The Yoshiwara pleasure district, Senju, and the outskirts of Toda.

In 1888, four electric arc lights—a rare luxury—were installed at the summit. Glowing in the night sky, the mountain became a celebrated symbol of Japan’s modernization.

Yoshimori Utagawa, "True View of Kinryuzan near Azuma New Bridge and General View of the Mt. Fuji Exhibition Hall and the Prosperity of Asakusa"

The End of a Dream and the DNA of the "Tower"

Despite its glory, the wooden mountain was vulnerable to the elements. Damage from repeated typhoons and a decrease in visitors eventually led to its demolition in 1890. Records show that Terada later took the company to court, seeking his rightful share of the profits from the venture he had sparked.

Though Tamekichi Terada’s dream lasted only three years, the spark he ignited—the joy of viewing the world from above—lives on. That legacy passed to the Ryounkaku (Asakusa Twelve-Stories), the Tokyo Space Tower (Pony Tower), and ultimately to today’s Tokyo Skytree.

Tajuro Yatabe, "Famous Places of Tokyo: Mt. Fuji in Asakusa Park"

Toshitada Yamada, "Famous Places of Tokyo: Full View of the Azuma Bridge Iron Bridge"

References:

• Hiroyuki Kutsuzawa, "Modernization of Show Business as Seen in the Management of the Mt. Fuji Exhibition Hall," Bulletin of the Edo-Tokyo Museum, No. 11, 2021.

• "Fujisan Juranjo," Wikipedia.

• Tokyo Metropolitan Archives: "Application for Leasing Land to Establish Mt. Fuji Exhibition Hall in Asakusa Park District 6 by Tamekichi Terada."

• Tokyo City History Draft: Recreation Volume 6.

• Newspaper archives (1887–1890): Yomiuri Shimbun, Jiji Shimpo, Tokyo Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo Koron, etc.

• Tokyo High Court: "Judgment No. 00493" (Lawsuit over Profit Distribution and Management).

• Tokyo District Court: "1888 Civil No. 333" (Lawsuit over Execution of Contract for Shoe Storage and Ticket Handling).