Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
% Chidorigafuchi
Kitanomaru
Park
Takebashi
The stone walls of
the shogun's former
castle contrast with
the inky waters of
Chidorigafuchi moat,
home to turtles, carp,
cormorants, egrets,
and gliding swans.
Otemachi
Imperial
Palace
Imperial
Palace Plaza
^ Crafts Gallery
Nijubashimae
This 1910 government listed structure
(above) once quartered the Imperial Guard. The
gallery showcases the works of Japanese craftsmen.
Sakuradamon
Hibiya
& Shiomizaka
Stone walls line the
path up to the “Tide View
Slope.” The small promon-
tory once commanded
fine views of the sea and
Mount Fuji.
* Wadakura
Fountain Park
The sprays and jets of this
aquatic park (above) , built
to commemorate the
wedding of the present
Emperor and Empress,
were refurbished in 1995.
Traumas in the
Gardens
The tranquil gardens and
concourses of today's
palace grounds have
known their fair share of
drama. Victims of the
great 1923 earthquake
sheltered here. During
the war, several mem-
bers of Japan's officer
corps, inconsolable at
news of their nation's
defeat, came here in
August 1945 to commit
ritual suicide. In the
1950s and '60s the
plaza witnessed violent
political demonstrations.
( Ote-mon Gate and
) Imperial Palace
Nijubashi Bridge
South of Ote-mon Gate,
the reconstructed 1888
Nijubashi Bridge (center)
is a graceful span. The
bridge, with Fushimi
Tower behind, is a popu-
lar backdrop for photos.
East Gardens
Designed by Kobori
Enshu in the early 17th
century, these gardens
(below) feature stone lan-
terns, bridges, ponds,
swathes of flowers, and
towering zelkova trees.
9
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