Imperial Palace

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The current palace was constructed on the former site of the Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 to 1867.

2. 2

   The base of the former main keep of Edo Castle is the largest stone foundation of its kind in Japan.

3. 3

   The Imperial Palace East Garden is home to the Ninomaru Grove, which contains a collection of tree species donated by every prefecture in Japan.

4. 4

   The palace grounds span over 1.15 square kilometers, significantly larger than the original Edo Castle inner precinct.

5. 5

   During the Meiji Restoration, the site transitioned from the Shogun's residence to the official Imperial residence in 1868.

6. 6

   The double bridge known as Nijubashi is a iconic visual reference, though its name refers to the bridge's original two-tiered wooden structure.

7. 7

   The palace moats are remnants of the intricate hydraulic engineering developed during the 17th century for defensive purposes.

8. 8

   The Emperor resides in the Fukiage Garden area, which remains largely inaccessible to the public.

Overview

The Imperial Palace serves as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, occupying the former site of Edo Castle. The complex is divided into the Inner Palace grounds, which include the private residences and the East Garden, the latter of which is open to the public. Much of the original structure, including the inner moats and stone walls, dates back to the Tokugawa Shogunate era. The site functions as a protected green space in central Tokyo, surrounding the buildings with extensive gardens and wooded areas. While most of the inner grounds are restricted, guided tours provided by the Imperial Household Agency offer limited access to specific inner courtyards. The East Garden features the massive stone foundations of the former Edo Castle keep, which was destroyed by fire in 1657. The complex sits on a strategic site that formerly anchored the military government of Japan for over two centuries.

Insider tips

• Check the Imperial Household Agency website for tour registration requirements prior to visiting.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and primarily gravel-covered.

• Visit the East Garden independently if you cannot secure a guided tour spot for the inner grounds.