Home > TOKYO 東京都 > Chiyoda-ku 千代田区 > Imperial Palace and Edo Castle in Tokyo 皇居・江戸城

im050-IMG_1728.jpg
In Japanese, the Imperial Palace is called "Kokyo" (皇居). This term begun to be used from 1948. Until then, it was called "Kyujo" (meaning palace castle 宮城)from the time Emperor Meiji took up residence.
im051-IMG_1720.jpg
Nijubashi Bridge, the symbol of the Imperial Palace and Tokyo. One of Japan's most famous bridges. There is another bridge behind this one. 二重橋
im051c-20140404-2475.jpg
im051d-20140404-2473.jpg
im051e-20140404-2482.jpg
im051f-20140404-2490.jpg
Rear of Nijubashi Bridge.
im051g-20140404-2484.jpg
Second Nijubashi Bridge.
im051h-20140404-2493.jpg
View of Marunouchi office buildings from Imperial Palace.
im052-IMG_2595.jpg
View from Nijubashi Bridge. The public can cross the bridge on the Emperor's Birthday (Dec. 23) and Jan. 2 for New Year's.
im053-IMG_2589.jpg
Crossing Nijubashi Bridge to enter the Seimon Gate. 正門
im054-IMG_2641.jpg
Fushimi Turret as seen from Nijubashi Bridge. Edo Castle was first built by Ota Dokan (太田道灌) in 1457 when Tokyo/Edo was still a small fishing village. Ota Dokan is thus regarded as one of Tokyo's forefathers. 伏見櫓
im055-IMG_2650.jpg
Fushimi Turret. This is what you see when you see Nijubashi Bridge. No one lives in this building. The Emperor's actual residence is not visible from the outside. 伏見櫓
im056-IMG_2666.jpg
The Imperial Palace's Chowaden Hall where formal banquets and meetings are held. This modern complex was built in 1968. In front is the Kyuden Totei plaza 長和殿、宮殿 東庭
im057-IMG_2719.jpg
The Emperor and Empress appear on the veranda of this building on his birthday (Dec. 23) and Jan. 2. Well-wishers wave flags in the Kyuden Totei plaza. Also see the video at YouTube.
im058-IMG_2733.jpg
Crown Prince Hiro, Emperor Akihito, and Empress Michiko behind bulletproof glass on the veranda of the Chowaden Hall on the Emperor's Birthday. See more [url=http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=158]photos of the Emperor's birthday[/url
im059-IMG_2753.jpg
At one end of the Chowaden is Kitakuruma-yose entrance for Japanese dignitaries. 北車寄
im060-IMG_2768.jpg
Japanese flag and Fujimi Turret
im061-IMG_2765.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im062-IMG_2775.jpg
im063-IMG_2779.jpg
Fujimi Turret, Edo Castle 富士見櫓
im064-IMG_2783.jpg
Fujimi Turret. Since Edo Castle had lost its castle tower which was never rebuilt, this turret served the functions of a castle tower. 富士見櫓
im065-IMG_2795.jpg
im066-IMG_2788.jpg
Imperial Household Agency is the government agency which controls and manages the affairs of the Imperial family (Emperor, Empress, etc.). 宮内庁
im067-IMG_2790.jpg
Map of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
im068-IMG_2798.jpg
Moat
im069-IMG_2806.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im070-IMG_2808.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im071-IMG_2812.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im072-IMG_2821.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im073-IMG_2823.jpg
im074-IMG_2825.jpg
im075-IMG_2829.jpg
Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im076-IMG_2833.jpg
im077-IMG_2851.jpg
Behind Fujimi Turret 富士見櫓
im078-IMG_2852.jpg
Behind Fujimi Turret
im079-IMG_2862.jpg
Moat
im080-IMG_2860.jpg
im081-IMG_2856.jpg
Honmaru, Edo Castle's main keep. See the castle tower's foundation on the lower right. 本丸
im082-IMG_2869.jpg
Castle tower's foundation on the lower right.
im083-IMG_2918.jpg
The original castle tower or donjon was completed in 1607 and later renovated in 1638 under Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu as Japan's tallest castle tower at 58 meters (5 stories high).
im084-IMG_2874.jpg
Foundation of castle tower or donjon. In 1657, there was a great fire in Edo and a stray ember set the castle tower on fire and destroyed it only 19 years after it was built. It was never rebuilt. 天守台
im085-IMG_2897.jpg
im086-IMG_2901.jpg
Going up the castle tower foundation.
im087-IMG_2894.jpg
im088-IMG_2889.jpg
im089-IMG_2895.jpg
im090-IMG_2896.jpg
Going up the castle tower foundation.
im091-IMG_2886.jpg
im092-IMG_2890.jpg
View from castle tower foundation.
im093-IMG_2878.jpg
Top of castle tower foundation.
im094-IMG_2879.jpg
View of Kitahanebashi-mon Gate
im095-IMG_2876.jpg
im096-IMG_2875.jpg
im097-IMG_2903.jpg
Side view of castle tower foundation.
im098-IMG_2887.jpg
Corner of castle tower foundation.
im099-IMG_2904.jpg
Corner of castle tower foundation.
im100-IMG_2910.jpg
Moat behind castle tower foundation.
im101-IMG_2907.jpg
Moat as seen from Kitahane-bashimon Gate
im102-IMG_2911.jpg
Kitahane-bashimon Gate. Right behind the castle tower foundation. 北桔橋門
im120-IMG_2997.jpg
Otemon Gate, Edo Castle's main gate. 大手門
im121-IMG_3006.jpg
im122-IMG_2998.jpg
im122b-20140404-2387.jpg
Weeping cherry blossoms near Otemon gate.
im122c-20140404-2382.jpg
im122d-20140404-2502.jpg
im122e-20140404-2498.jpg
im123-IMG_2986.jpg
Otemon Gate 大手門
im124-IMG_2983.jpg
Otemon Gate 大手門
im125-IMG_2976.jpg
im126-IMG_2972.jpg
Doshin Bansho Guardhouse where guards kept watch on the entourage of daimyos visiting the castle. 同心番所
im127-IMG_2834.jpg
Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse where 100 samurai guards guarded the entrance to the Honmaru, the castle's main keep. 百人番所
im128-IMG_2840.jpg
im129-IMG_2845.jpg
Daibansho Guardhouse 大番所
im130-IMG_2847.jpg
im131-IMG_2843.jpg
im132-IMG_2846.jpg
im133-IMG_2923.jpg
View of Hakucho moat from Shiomizaka Slope 汐見坂 白鳥濠
im134-IMG_2925.jpg
im150-IMG_3011.jpg
Tatsumi Turret 翼櫓(桜田二重櫓)
im151-IMG_3013.jpg
Tatsumi Turret 翼櫓(桜田二重櫓)
im152-IMG_3054.jpg
im153-IMG_3052.jpg
Tatsumi Turret, also called Sakurada-Niju Turret 翼櫓(桜田二重櫓)
im154-IMG_3050.jpg
im155-IMG_3018.jpg
Tatsumi Turret was used for defense with holes to drop stones and windows to shoot arrows. 翼櫓(桜田二重櫓)
im156-IMG_3029.jpg
im157-IMG_3022.jpg
im158-IMG_3048.jpg
im159-IMG_3043.jpg
桔梗門
im160-IMG_3023.jpg
im161-IMG_3025.jpg
im162-IMG_3030.jpg
Sakashita-mon Gate 坂下門
im163-IMG_3032.jpg
Sakashita-mon Gate, closest to the Imperial Household Agency and entrance to Inui-dori, a 600-meter path lined with cherry blossoms. 坂下門坂下門
im164a-20200212_5614.jpg
The Imperial Palace also has some plum blossoms near Hirakawa Gate. Blooming in Feb.
im164b-20200212_5678.jpg
Plum blossoms at the Imperial Palace.
im164c-20200212_5672.jpg
im164d-20200212_5681.jpg
Plum blossoms at the Imperial Palace.
im164e-20200212_5550.jpg
Plum blossoms at the Imperial Palace.
im164f-20200212_5675.jpg
im164g-20200212_5556.jpg
im164h-20200212_5667.jpg
im164i-20200212_5701.jpg
Blizzard of white plum blossoms at the Imperial Palace.
im164j-20200212_5692.jpg
im164k-20200212_5710.jpg
im164l-20200212_5656.jpg
im164m-20200212_5722.jpg
im164n-20200212_5712.jpg
im164o-20200212_5578.jpg
im164p-20200212_5631.jpg
im164q-20200212_5595.jpg
Plum blossoms at the Imperial Palace.
im164r-20200212_5571.jpg
Plum plossoms near Hirakawa Gate.
im164s-20200212_5568.jpg
im164t-20200212_5622.jpg
im164u-20200212_5604.jpg
im164v-20200212_5726.jpg
im164w-20200212_5741.jpg
Hirakawa Gate at the Imperial Palace.
im164x-20200212_5746.jpg
Hirakawa Gate at the Imperial Palace.
im165a-20160331-0792.jpg
Police vans during cherry blossom season when they opened Inui-dori to the public in late March to April 3, 2016. 皇居乾通り一般公開
im165b-20160331-0794.jpg
People going to Inui-dori. Since 2014, they opened the path to the public for only several days during the sakura and fall foliage periods.
im165c-20160331-0801.jpg
I looked at this line and thought it would take at least an hour to get in. It was a hot, sunny day at 20 C on March 31, 2016 at 10:15 am.
im165d-20160331-0804.jpg
Long line to enter Inui-dori, a 600-meter path lined with cherry trees along a palace moat. 皇居乾通り一般公開
im165e-20160331-0808.jpg
They started another line of people.
im165f-20160331-0810.jpg
It seemed that it was going to take forever to get in.
im165g-20160331_6672.jpg
Policeman was shouting that people with no bags to be checked can go through a different (faster) line.
im165h-20160331_6671.jpg
After waiting for about 15 min. in the heat, just when I seriously thought about giving up and going home, the line moved forward to the checkpoint where they checked our bags and gave us a body check. It was quick and easy.
im165i-20160331-0821.jpg
Wow, amazing that we could get in so quickly. This was the entrance to Inui-dori, Sakashita Gate.
im165j-20160331-0824.jpg
Sakashita Gate
im165k-20160331-0828.jpg
im165l-20160331-0832.jpg
Sakashita Gate on the other side.
im165m-20160331-0835.jpg
Imperial Palace Chowaden, where formal banquets are held and where the Imperial family appears in public for New Year's and Emperor's Birthday.
im165n-20160331-0836.jpg
On this fine day on March 31, 2016, 66,950 people visited Inui-dori. During March 25–April 3, 2016, a total of 508,010 visited Inui-dori.
im165o-20160331-0837.jpg
Pass by the Imperial Household Agency. They control the lives of the Imperial Family.
im165p-20160331-0847.jpg
Imperial Palace Fujimi turret and Marunouchi office buildings. Tradtional vs. modern.
im165q-20160331-0859.jpg
More info in Japanese: http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/event/inui.html
im165r-20160331-0872.jpg
Inui-dori is a somewhat narrow paved path along a moat. It has small cherry trees and autumn foliage.
im165s-20160331-0880.jpg
im165t-20160331-0883.jpg
Fujimi Tamon, defense house. 富士見多聞
im165u-20160331-0891.jpg
It was still too early, about 2-3 days before full bloom. But this was the last sunny day before clouds and rain that were forecast.
im165v-20160331-0893.jpg
Fujimi Tamon, defense house. 富士見多聞
im165w-20160331-0906.jpg
In spring 2016, cherry blossoms in Tokyo took 9 days to reach peak bloom due to the warm winter. Longer than usual. So they extended the days when the public can see Inui-dori.
im166a-20160331-0913.jpg
im166b-20160331-0919.jpg
Long house
im166c-20160331-0920.jpg
im166d-20160331-0927.jpg
Weeping cherry tree, too early.
im166e-20160331-0933.jpg
Fujimi Tamon, defense house. 富士見多聞
im166f-20160331-0935.jpg
Lots of people, but very civil. No pushing or shoving. No time limit either. I took my time, taking pictures.
im166g-20160331-0948.jpg
Dokan Moat, named after the founder of Edo Castle.
im166h-20160331-0946.jpg
Dokan moat
im166i-20160331-0963.jpg
Midway, there is a bridge to go to the garden area.
im166j-20160331-0972.jpg
im166k-20160331-0976.jpg
Inui-dori is overrated. But because it's the Imperial Palace and the path is not normally open to the public, it has the image of exclusivity so lots of people want to see it.
im166l-20160331-0997.jpg
They will do major gardening work from this year, so Inui-dori will not be open this fall and next spring. Have to wait until fall 2017 to see this again.
im166m-20160331-1003.jpg
im166n-20160331-1018.jpg
im166o-20160331-1013.jpg
Cherry blossoms on Inui-dori, Imperial Palace
im166p-20160331-1024.jpg
im167a-20160331-1037.jpg
Cherry blossoms on Inui-dori, Imperial Palace
im167b-20160331-1043.jpg
im167c-20160331-1060.jpg
im167d-20160331-1076.jpg
im167e-20160331-1085.jpg
im167f-20160331-1091.jpg
im167g-20160331-1094.jpg
Cherry blossoms on Inui-dori, Imperial Palace
im167h-20160331-1141.jpg
Cherry blossoms on Inui-dori, Imperial Palace
im167i-20160331-1143.jpg
The exit at Inui Gate
im167j-20160331-1129.jpg
im167k-20160331-1158.jpg
Inui Gate
im167l-20160331-1164.jpg
Inui Gate from the outside.
im167m-20160331-1170.jpg
After Inui-dori, turn left and walk to Chidorigafuchi to see more cherry blossoms.
im175-IMG_3033.jpg
Moat near Sakashita-mon Gate
im176-IMG_0016.jpg
Corner of moat
im176-IMG_3034.jpg
im180-IMG_1689.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate 桜田門
im181-IMG_1693.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate, near here was where Lord Ii Naosuke from Hikone was assassinated. 桜田門
im182-IMG_1696.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate 桜田門
im183-IMG_1699.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate 桜田門
im184-IMG_1704.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate
im185-IMG_1707.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate
im186-IMG_1716.jpg
Sakuradamon Gate, rear view
im200-20140331-1851.jpg
Sakurada Moat
im202-20140331-1852.jpg
Sakurada Moat
im203-20140331-1849.jpg
Hanzomon Gate is guarded. This is the closest gate to the Emperor's residence. This is where they normally enter and leave the palace.
im203a-20140331-1850.jpg
Hanzomon Gate, Imperial Palace, Tokyo
im204-20140331-1834.jpg
Hanzomon Gate
im205-20140331-1835.jpg
Hanzomon Gate
im206-20140331-1827.jpg
Hanzo Moat with Hanzomon Gate in the distance.
im207-20140331-1828.jpg
Hanzomon Gate
im210-20140331-1807.jpg
Hanzo Moat, near Hanzomon Gate.
im211-20140331-1846.jpg
im212-20140331-1845.jpg
Cherry blossoms along Hanzo Moat.
im213-20140331-1844.jpg
Cherry blossoms in front of British Embassy near Hanzomon.
im214-20140331-1843.jpg
im215-20140331-1837.jpg
im216-20140331-1833.jpg
Marker for an old high school.
im217-20140331-1832.jpg
Mexican monument
im218-20140331-1829.jpg
Maihime cherry blossoms 舞姫
im219-20140331-1825.jpg
Hanzo Moat
im220-20140331-1818.jpg
im221-20140331-1817.jpg
im222-20140331-1816.jpg
im223-20140331-1815.jpg
Hanzo Moat, near Hanzomon Gate.
im224-20140331-1814.jpg
im225-20140331-1810.jpg
im250-IMG_7395.jpg
Chidorigafuchi
im251-IMG_7421.jpg
Chidorigafuchi 千鳥ヶ淵
im252-IMG-8133.jpg
Chidorigafuchi with the roof of Budokan visible.
im253-IMG_7429.jpg
More Chidorigafuchi photos here
im260-20140404-2407.jpg
For the first time, they allowed the public to enter the Imperial Palace to view cherry blossoms along a short path called Inui-dori during April 4-8, 2014.
im261-20140404-2412.jpg
What happened was, tens of thousands of people showed up. On the first day April 4, 2014, over 55,000 people came to see the Inui-dori sakura.
im262-20140404-2414.jpg
Police were on guard for crowd control. Although we could enter the palace until 3 pm, the crowds proved to be too much so they stopped entry by 1:30 pm.
im263-20140404-2417.jpg
People waited 2-3 hours to get in and underwent body searches. I arrived at 2 pm and it was too late to get in.
im264-20140404-2425.jpg
Insane crowds at Imperial Palace on April 4, 2014.
im265-20140404-2431.jpg
It was worse during the weekend.
im266-20140404-2434.jpg
im267-20140404-2436.jpg
A total of 360,000 people visited Inui-dori during the period it was open to the public.
im268-20140404-2439.jpg
im270-20140404-2442.jpg
They plan to open Inui-dori to the public again in autumn for the fall leaves.
im300-IMG_2927.jpg
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace 皇居東御苑
im301-IMG_2936.jpg
Suwa-no-Chaya Teahouse 諏訪の茶屋
im302-IMG_2934.jpg
Suwa-no-Chaya Teahouse 諏訪の茶屋
im303-IMG_2929.jpg
im304-IMG_2932.jpg
Prefectural trees from all prefectures 都道府県の木
im305-IMG_2935.jpg
Miyazaki Prefecture's official tree 都道府県の木(宮崎県の木)
im306-IMG_2941.jpg
Ninomaru Garden 二の丸庭園
im307-IMG_2942.jpg
皇居東御苑
im308-IMG_2944.jpg
Ninomaru Garden in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
im309-IMG_2948.jpg
im310-IMG_2953.jpg
Ninomaru Garden
im312-IMG_2958.jpg
im313-IMG_2964.jpg
im315-IMG_2978.jpg
The Museum of the Imperial Collections (Sannomaru Shozokan), museum of Imperial Family gifts and artifacts. 三の丸尚蔵館
im320-IMG_2483.jpg
Remains of Ushigomi Mitsuke Gate along Sotobori Moat near Iidabashi Station.
im321-IMG_2485.jpg
Remains of Ushigomi Mitsuke Gate along Sotobori Moat near Iidabashi Station.
im500-P1030235.jpg
On Nov. 19, 2013, I took a friend around Tokyo and when we headed for the Imperial Palace, we saw this large crowd on the streets. Most were middle-aged and older people. The palace was closed off to tourists as well. Couldn’t see the famous Nijubashi Bridge.
im501-P1030234.jpg
I asked a bystander what was going on. She said they were waiting for “Caroline.” No mention of the last name. “Caroline” in Japan automatically means “Kennedy.”Although I always think of Neil Diamond’s song which coincidentally is about the Caroline they were waiting to see.
im502-DSC00018.jpg
So I stuck around for about 15 min. and sure enough, at around 4 pm, her horse-drawn carriage appeared after she had shown her credentials to the emperor. I whipped out my camcorder and still camera and started shooting.
im503-DSC00020.jpg
There were two horse-drawn carriages and I correctly assumed she was riding in the first one. No one waved Japanese and American flags though.
im504-DSC00021.jpg
Fortunately, she was sitting on the right side of the carriage facing my side of the street. You can see her in this photo. Wish she waved to us. As soon as she passed, the crowd dissipated.We haven’t had such a star ambassador to Japan in a long time, not perhaps since Edwin Reischauer in 1960s or the beloved Mike Mansfield in the 1980s. Welcome to Japan, Sweet Caroline!
     
237 files on 1 page(s)