Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family. The current Imperial Palace was built on the site of Edo Castle, which served as the residence of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. Since Emperor Meiji moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868, it has been used as the permanent imperial residence and has been home to successive emperors.

The grounds of the Imperial Palace cover approximately 2.3 million square meters, accounting for about 20% of Chiyoda Ward.

The palace grounds are broadly divided into restricted areas, such as the Fukiage Residence, where the Emperor resides, and the Palace area where official duties are carried out, and publicly accessible areas such as the Imperial Palace East Gardens and the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens.

Main facilities within the Imperial Palace
- The Palace: where the Emperor carries out official duties, receives state guests such as foreign heads of state, and conducts ceremonies related to state affairs.
- The Residence (Fukiage Residence): where the Emperor and Empress live.
- Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery: a sericulture facility passed down from Empress Shoken, the consort of Emperor Meiji, to successive empresses.
- Imperial Household Agency building: offices handling matters related to the Imperial Family.

Imperial Palace East Gardens
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a garden developed on the site of the former Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru enclosures of Edo Castle, and have been open to the public since 1968. Covering about 210,000 square meters, they feature historical remains and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Highlights include:
- Otemon Gate, Hirakawamon Gate, and Kitahanebashi Gate: former castle gates that are still used as entrances today.
- Tenshudai: the site where Edo Castle’s main keep once stood, with its stone foundation still remaining.
- Fujimi Yagura: one of Edo Castle’s turrets, which was also used in place of the keep.
- Ninomaru Garden: a strolling garden restored based on illustrations from the era of Tokugawa Ieshige.
- Hyakunin-bansho and the Sannomaru Shozokan: buildings related to security in those days, and a facility displaying imperial art treasures.

It is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall, making it a relaxing place where visitors can enjoy the changing seasons in the middle of the city.

Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and Surrounding Area
The Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, developed as a national park in 1949, include historically significant sites such as the Plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, Sakuradamon Gate, and the Nijubashi Bridge. The lawn plaza is planted with about 2,000 black pine trees, allowing visitors to enjoy a natural beauty that feels far removed from the city.

- Imperial Palace Plaza: the center of tourism, and also popular for jogging and strolling.
- Nijubashi Bridge: the name refers to the combination of the stone bridge in front of the main gate and the iron bridge beyond it, making it a classic photo spot. Strictly speaking, the iron bridge deeper inside (Seimon Tetsubashi) is the bridge originally referred to as Nijubashi.
- Sakuradamon Gate: an Important Cultural Property of Japan, also known as the site of the Sakuradamon Incident.
- Statue of Kusunoki Masashige: a bronze statue of the loyal warrior Kusunoki Masashige from the Nanboku-chō period, and another popular photo spot.
- Wadakura Fountain Park: at night, the fountains are illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

In addition, the “Kitanomaru Area” on the north side of the Imperial Palace is a park surrounded by forest, with cultural facilities concentrated there, including the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the Nippon Budokan. It is a relaxing place where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the seasons and various events.

Imperial Palace Tours and Special Occasions
Part of the Imperial Palace can be visited by advance online reservation. Guided tours in Japanese and English are held twice a day from Tuesday to Saturday. On these tours, visitors can see places such as Fujimi Yagura, Hasuike-bori Moat, and Nijubashi Bridge, and learn more deeply about the history and culture of the Imperial Palace.

There are also special opportunities twice a year to see the Emperor and members of the Imperial Family up close:
- New Year’s General Greeting (January 2)
- The Emperor’s Birthday (February 23)

On these days, members of the Imperial Family appear on the balcony of the Chowa-den, and many visitors come to offer their greetings.