|
Tinged with the nostalgia of the 17th century kingdom in Japan, the remnants of the Imperial Palace now cherishes nothing but appreciation from every tourist visiting Tokyo. But what puts forth the appeal to the viewers is nothing but the Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen), which lie in the inner palace area and are open to the public who visit this park free of charge. This garden is the previous site of Edo Castle's secret circles of defense, the honmaru (main circle) and ninomaru (secondary circle). Though none of the major buildings stand today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist with an aura of the glorious past. Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Emperor Meiji also resided there from 1868 to 1888 before moving to the newly constructed Imperial Palace. During your visit to the garden, a broad lawn and the enduring foundation of the past castle tower can be seen on top of the hill, where the castle's innermost buildings once stood. The castle tower was completed in 1638 as the tallest castle tower in Japan's history. In the position of the earlier buildings in the secondary circle of defense (ninomaru) at the foot of the hill, the nice Japanese style garden has been created, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Looking for a short walk? The Otemon entrance to the East Gardens will be suitable for you from Otemachi Station on the Subway Chiyoda, Tozai, Marunouchi, Hanzomon and Mita Lines, or have a 5-10 minute walk from Tokyo Station and reach the green paradise. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public daily except Mondays and Fridays. Kept in faultless form, the gardens are mainly gorgeous during the March and April plum and cherry blossom seasons. Most visitors use the Otemachi gate near the subway station of the same name. Entrance and exit gates
Ote-mon Gate
Hirakawa-mon Gate and
Kitahanebashi-mon Gate Open:
From March to October 9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
From November to February 9:00a.m. - 3:30p.m. Closed:
Every Monday and Friday (open on National Holiday except the Emperor's Birthday, Dec.23)
From 28 December to 3 January
In circumstances where it is deemed necessary to close the Garden due to Imperial Court functions or other occasions.
|
