Imperial Palace /

Residence to Emperor of Japan, this palace sits in the middle of Tokyo

city. Residence is of course not open to public; however you can and
should visit the imperial gardens. They are East Garden, Outer Garden
and Kitanomaru Garden. They are typical recreation place to common
people in Tokyo. East Garden is now at the same place where
administrative block of Edo castle were before. Outer Garden is
specious and holds remains of watchtower of old castle. In
Kitanomaru Park, youll find lot of public facilities like stadium and
museum.
Tokyo Imperial Palace, Kokyo, is the primary residence of the Japanese Head of State, the
Emperor of Japan. The Tokyo Imperial Palace, which includes beautiful gardens can be
toured by the public.
The actual Tokyo Imperial Palace buildings are located within the grounds of what was Edo
Castle, which is said to be the most expensive square kilometer in the world. Many of Edo
Castles moats, defensive walls, gate houses and turrets still remain. The term Kokyo
literally means the Imperial Residence.
Tokyo Imperial Palace, located in Chiyoda, is effectively the center of Tokyo, which makes
sense from a historical perspective as Edo Castle would have been the focus of the city of
Edo (now referred to as Tokyo). Even with Japans change to a democracy and the decline
in the power of the Emperor, Tokyo Imperial Palace has remained at the center
of Tokyo with focus of the modern political power, the National Diet building, the Prime
Ministers Offices and most of the government building just to the south over Sakurada moat.
Then much of Tokyos financial power is located just to the west of Tokyo Imperial Palace
with many of Japans major companies having there head offices there and it is not far to
Tokyo Stock Exchange. Just to the west of Tokyo Imperial Palace, is Tokyo Station, the
center of Japans train network.

TOKYO IMPERIAL PALACE HISTORY

During the night of May 25th 1945, most of the Meiji era wooden buildings, including the
main hall, were destroyed during fire bombing raid on Tokyo. The main hall, which was the

largest building, had a traditional Japanese exterior with the roof having the same shape as
Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Tokyo Imperial Palace Kyuden building is used for formal functions, was built in 1968.

The Imperial Palace is in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and contains the Gosho residence of
the Emperor and Empress, and the Kyuden main palace for various events. It is the
former Edo castle of the Tokugawa family, which controlled the military regime of the
Edo Shogunate for 264 years from 1603. The castle was designated as the Imperial
Palace in 1868, making Tokyo the location of the palace in place of Kyoto, the location
of the palace for more than 1,000 years.
Surrounded by moats, the Imperial Palace is on a huge plot of land approximately 115
hectares, with a vast green area. It has eight gates, including the front gate near the
Nijubashi Bridge and the Kikyo-mon gate used when the public is permitted to enter the
palace.
The palace also has Seiden, used when the Emperor performs the New Years Day
ceremony, confers decorations and meets foreign heads of state, as well as other
buildings for various events, including Homeiden, for banquets and other large parties.
In addition, there are buildings related to the Imperial Household Agency and the
Momijiyama silkworm factory, part of which is a public park called Higashi Gyoen (East
Park).
The general public can visit the Imperial Palace if they make advance applications. The
tour brings visitors to buildings such as the Kyuden main palace and Fujimi Yagura
tower, built in 1659. The route around the Imperial Palace is about 5 kilometers. Free
from traffic lights and with a difference of around 26 meters between the lowest and
highest point, it is a running course popular among entry-level to experienced joggers.
Sensoji Temple: Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, this well-known Buddhist temple was completed in 645
A.D. It is considered to be Tokyo's oldest temple and has the Asakusa Shrine located close to its main structure.
Rikugien Garden: Built during the eighteenth century, this beautiful Japanese landscape garden lies alongside
Koishikawa Korakuen. Rikugien means 'six poems garden' and it is a great example of strolling garden of the Edo
Period. It has a central pond and is surrounded by hills and forest areas.
Koishikawa Korakuen: Considered to be one of Tokyo's oldest Japanese gardens, it was built during Edo Period. It
was given the name 'Korakuen' after a poem which encouraged a ruler to enjoy pleasures only when he achieved
happiness for his subjects.

Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden: Located next to Hamamatsucho Station, this garden was also built during Edo Period.
After the fall of feudal government in the year 1875, it was turned into Shiba Detached Imperial Villa. Buildings in this
area got destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake and this garden was opened to public in 1924.
Hama Rikyu: Built during the Edo Period, it served as residence of the feudal lord and duck-hunting grounds. It had
later served as an imperial detached palace before being opened to the public.
Zojoji Temple: This structure was built in 1393 and was moved to its current location by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the year
1598. As it was selected as his family temple, a mausoleum of Tokugawa clan can be found on its grounds.
Sengakuji Temple: Famous for graveyard where 47 Ronin (known as master-less Samurai) are buried. Many people
visit this temple in recent times to pay respect to the 47 Ronin and incense sticks called 'Senko' are burnt by them.
Tokyo National Museum: It is the oldest national museum of Japan which was established in the year 1872. It has
more than 110,000 objects and also holds educational events related to the collection. Tourists can also find shops
and restaurants in this museum's premises, while a garden at this location provides seasonal views for them.
Meiji Shrine: Dedicated to deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this shrine is located close to
Harajuku Station. There are spacious grounds which serve as walking paths for visitors on which, they can have a
relaxing stroll. Built in the year 1920, this shrine was destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt within a short
period after its destruction. Imperial Palace: A large park surrounded by stone walls and moats surround this structure
located on earlier site of Edo Castle. Japans Imperial Family resides in this palace and it is just a short walk away
from Tokyo Station.
Imperial Palace East Gardens: They are a part of inner palace area and former site of Edo Castle's inner circles of
defense. The castle was Tokugawa shogun's residence and was also used by Emperor Meiji before moving to the
Imperial Palace.
Yasukuni Shrine: This is a Shinto shrine located in central Tokyo, which commemorates those who have died in war
and whose sacrifices helped build a peaceful Japan. Written records of all people who died in several conflicts
ranging from Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War can be found at this shrine.

Towers
The Tokyo Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but it is taller and lighter than its
French counterpart, making it the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world. Its 176 lights
illuminate the tower at night, with orange lights in winter and white in summer.
The Tokyo Sky Tree, scheduled to open to the public in 2012, was built to accommodate Japan's
switch from analog to digital broadcasting. It's exactly 634 meters high; "6-3-4" can be pronounced
"mu," "sa" and "shi" in Japanese, making the tower's height a tribute to the area where it stands,
which used to be called Musashi Province.

Cultural Landmarks
One of Tokyo's cultural landmarks, the Tsukiji Fish Market (tsukiji-market.or.jp), is where many
restaurant and sushi chefs come to bid on the choicest cuts. Because of a rapid increase in visitors
to the area, tourists are no longer allowed near the bidding arena while the bidding takes place.
However, visitors can explore other areas in the market during the day. The Tokyo National Museum
(tnm.jp) houses a large collection of Japanese and Asian artifacts dating back to the Jomon Period in
14,000 B.C. Weapons and armor are displayed alongside cultural items such as kimonos,
woodblock prints called ukiyo-e and traditional shodo calligraphy.

Religious Landmarks
The Meiji Jingu (meijijingu.or.jp) and Yasukuni (yasukuni.or.jp) shrines play an important role in
Japan's political and military history as well as the Shinto religion. The Meiji Jingu Shrine was
erected to honor and deify Emperor Meiji, for whom the Meiji Era was named, and Empress Shoken.
The Yasukuni Shrine deifies the thousands of men who have died serving Japan in wars since 1853.
Ritual meals are offered to the deities twice a day, following the Japanese tradition of honoring the
dead as though they were alive. Visitors to a Shinto shrine are expected to follow proper etiquette.
Do not enter the shrine until you have cleansed both hands and your mouth at the font near the
entrance, and do not drink from the dipper.

Sightseeing
The Imperial Palace (sankan.kunaicho.go.jp), where the emperor and empress of Japan reside,
features several gardens that are open to the public. You can view portions of the palace itself, but
you must make reservations. During "hanami," or cherry blossom viewing season in April, the cherry
blossom trees are one of the most popular Tokyo attractions for tourists and Japanese citizens. A
landmark all its own, the Akihabara district of Tokyo (e-akihabara.jp) is a well-known hub for all things
digital, electronic and animated. It's also considered a haven for gamers, the unofficial headquarters
for the "otaku" subculture of game and anime enthusiasts. If you purchase anything electronic that
requires being plugged into a socket, check the required voltage to ensure that it matches the
voltage in your country.

Aerial photograph of Imperial Palace of Japan in 1979

Map of the Imperial Palace and surrounding gardens

Seimon Ishibashi bridge leading to the main gate over the moats

Panorama of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Fujimi-yagura (Mt Fuji-view keep), guard building within the inner

grounds of the Imperial Palace

Chwaden Reception Hall, the largest structure of the palace

Imperial Palace Tokyo Kyuden

The Tokyo Imperial Palace ( Kkyo , literally "Imperial Residence") is the primary residence of
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the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and contains
buildings including the main palace( Kyden ), the private residences of the Imperial Family, an
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archive, museums and administrative offices.

It is built on the site of the old Edo Castle. The total area including the gardens is 3.41 square
kilometres (1.32 sq mi). During the height of the 1980s Japanese property bubble, the palace
grounds were valued by some to be more than the value of all of the real estate in the state
of California.[1][2]

MEIJI JINGU HISTORY

Meiji Jingu is a sacred shrine to Emperor Meiji, modern Japans first emperor
following the fall of the Samurais and his wife, Empress Shoken. Born in

1852, Emperor Mutsuhito Meiji ascended to the throne at the young age of
sixteen and proved himself a great reformer. As part of his Five Major
Policies, Meiji dismantled the Tokugawa government through what is known
as the Meiji Restoration.
By the time of Meijis death in 1912, Japan had undergone an incredible
transformation, becoming far more open in terms of foreign relations and
growing in prosperity, much of which was down to Meijis policies. Meijis wife
died in 1914, following which the Meiji-Jingu Shrine was constructed in their
honour in the midst of a dense forest and enshrined on 1 November 1920.
Made up of three sections, Meiji Jingu consists of a series of shrine buildings,
inner and outer gardens and a Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. One enters the
Meiji Jingu through two of Japans largest gates or tori, which date back
over 1,700 years and bear the imperial seal.
Visiting Meiji Jingu is a very peaceful experience and one imbued with a great
sense of the Japanese culture, particularly when traditional tea ceremonies
or one of the many wedding ceremonies held there tales place. Its an
experience in great contrast to the rest of the buzzing city of Tokyo in which
Meiji Jingu resides. The only real time when Meiji Jingu experiences large
crowds of over a million people is on 1 January, when the Hatsu-mde
festival is celebrated there.
Meiji Jingu in Tokyo is a shrine to the soul of the first emperor of modern Japan,
Emperor Meiji and his wife.

SENSOJI TEMPLE HISTORY

The Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo in Japan. Whilst the original
structure of the Sensoji Temple is thought to have been built in 628 AD,
making it the oldest one of its kind in the city, most of this burned down
during World War II. The current temple was rebuilt following the war.
Sensoji Temple is dedicated to Kannon-Bosatsu, the goddess of mercy, whose
statue is housed here, although it is not on display. Legend says that the
original Sensoji Temple was founded after this statue was caught by two
fishermen in 628 AD.
Today, the Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyos most popular attractions.

THE EDO TOKYO MUSEUM HISTORY

The Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo in Japan chronicles the history of the city,
which was originally known as Edo.
Split into three sections, one devoted to Edo, another to Tokyo and the last
named the Comprehensive History Zone, the Edo Tokyo Museum has over
2,500 artifacts and objects charting the history of Edo and Tokyo, from social
aspects to the political and the economic.
English routes run through the museum and it offers a great insight into
Tokyo and Japans history. One of its more popular exhibits is its
reconstruction of the original Nihonbashi Bridge, through which one enters
the Edo Tokyo Museum.

Tsukiji fish market

Tokyo National Museum