East Garden of the Imperial Palace

Above, the Otemon Gate entrance to the East Garden. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you find yourself in Tokyo and are interested in Japanese gardens and feudal history, then the East Garden of the Imperial Palace is the place to visit.

According to Tokyo Daily Life:

The East Garden of the Imperial Palace is located the east of the Imperial Palace and under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency. It is open to the public for free in the daytime except Monday, Friday and Year-end and New Year holidays. You can enter the garden through 3 entrances; Otemon Gate, Hirakawamon Gate and Kitahanebaschimon Gate. There are the remains of the former Edo Castle such as gates, bansho (gurde house) and stonewalls, Ninomaru Garden, a grove, etc. The site of Honmaru is now a large lawn field and familiar to citizens as a relaxing place. 

The place was once the center of the former Edo Castle and there were the castle tower, Honmaru (the castle’s keep), Ninomaru (second bailey), Sannomaru (third bailey) and so on. After the Emperor Meiji moved to the present Imperial Palace, facilities related to the Imperial family and the Imperial Household Agency were built there. It was open to the public in 1968 and became a popular sightseeing spot.

The East Garden is an interesting place for casual strolling. Additionally, admission is free.

To read more, go here.