Imperial Palace Tokyo
Japan - Fukuoka - Kobe - Nagoya - Tokyo - Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Yokohama -
The Imperial Palace Tokyo, known as Kokyo, is situated on the site of the Edo Castle. The palace is located inside a huge park and is surrounded by a moats and huge stone walls. The monument is situated right in the center of Tokyo city, close to Tokyo Station. Hence, coming to this place is extremely easy.
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is home to Japan's royal family. The Edo Castle was the original home of the imperial dynasty. In 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown, the royal family shifted their residence from Kyoto to Tokyo. The Imperial Palace was fully constructed in the year 1888. During the Second World War, the palace was destroyed. However, the palace was gain rebuilt in the same design and style in the year 1968.
A major portion of the Imperial Palace Tokyo is not open to the public. Entry into the palace grounds is however allowed only on the 2nd of January and the 23rd of December. During these days, the visitors can take a look at the inner grounds of this palace. The members of the royal family also make public appearances on these days. For the remaining part of the year, a large number of guided tours are conducted. Tourists can go for such tours and see the palace and its surroundings. The tours are however conducted in Japanese. But one need not worry. English pamphlets are also provided to the tourists during such tours. One has to reserve such tours well before hand, either through the net or at the Imperial Household Agency.
One of the biggest attractions of the palace is the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The gardens are open for public viewing throughout the year. The garden is closed on Monday's, Friday's and on special days or occasions. Known as the Kokyo Higashi Gyoen in Japanese, is filled with a large number of trees. The garden is situated on the palace's innermost defence circle. The main attraction of the garden is the castle tower, located on a small hill in the garden. It was built in the year 1638 and was destroyed partly during the Second World War.
The Nijubashi Bridge is another attraction of this palace. The bridge overlooks the moats and ponds located in the palace grounds. There is also a museum which houses the articles used by the imperial family. One can pay a visit to this museum also.
You can come over here by taking a train to Tokyo station and then taking a walk from there. The entry is free of cost. The East Garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Imperial palace Tokyo is one of the biggest symbols of Japan's culture and history, and hence a major tourist attraction of the city.
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