Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Nijū-bashi & the Palace Moat
The original moat, dating to the Edo-jō period, wraps around the palace grounds.
Even if you skip the tour, you can walk along the edge of the moat to see
Nijū-
bashi
, one of Japan's most famous bridges, an elegant succession of stone arches
used for formal ceremonies and receptions.
The Imperial Palace
The present palace, modern but traditional in style, was completed in 1968, repla-
cing one built in 1888 and destroyed during WWII. If you take the guided tour,
you'll walk past a few of the outer buildings, including the plaza where the public
gathers on 2 January and 23 December for a rare public appearance by the imperi-
al family.
Fujimi-yagura
The three-storey watch tower
Fujimi-yagura
, whose name translates to Mt Fuji
Keep, is one of the few remaining structures of the former castle. It was construc-
ted in 1659 and is the highlight of the guided tour of the grounds. Another keep,
Fushimi-yagura
, was supposedly relocated from Kyoto in the 17th century.
Imperial Palace East Garden
The
Imperial Palace East Garden
( Kōkyo Higashi-gyoen; admission free; 9am-4pm
Nov-Feb, to 4.30pm Mar-Apr, Sep & Oct, to 5pm May-Aug, closed Mon & Fri year-round; Marunou-
chi Line to Ōtemachi, exit C10)
is the only corner of the palace grounds open to the pub-
lic without a reservation. You can see the massive stones used to build the castle
walls and can climb on the ruins of one of the keeps. The entrance is via the gate
Ōte-mon
; take a token on arrival and return it at the end of your visit.
