Imperial Palace Tokyo



Location: Tokyo, Japan (Chiyoda ward)
Significance:
Primary residence of the Emperor of Japan Stands on the site of Edo Castle, once the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate (military government) during the Edo period (1603-1868) Symbolic landmark of Japanese history and the Imperial family
History:
Founded: 1437 (Edo Castle)
Rebuilt and expanded: 1590-1710 (by Tokugawa shoguns)
Became the Imperial Palace: 1868 (Meiji Restoration)
Destroyed by fire: 1873 (much of the palace)
Rebuilt: 1888 (current palace buildings)
Damaged by air raids: WWII
Rebuilt again: 1960s (current ferro-concrete buildings in Japanese modernist style)

Meiji Shrine

Imperial Palace





Imperial Palace Tokyo: In-Depth Historical Site Data

Edo Castle Era (1437 - 1868)

Founding: Built in 1437 by Ota Dokan, a powerful warlord. Tokugawa Shogunate: In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, began a massive expansion and renovation project that transformed Edo Castle into a sprawling complex. Over the next 120 years, his successors continued the project, creating the largest castle in the world at the time. Key Structures: The castle boasted a central keep (donjon), numerous gates (including the iconic Hishi-no-mon Gate), vast inner and outer baileys (courtyards), and elaborate residential and administrative buildings. Materials: Primarily constructed from wood, with stone foundations and some fortifications. Fires and Rebuilding: The castle suffered from several major fires throughout its history, with significant destruction in 1657. The Tokugawa shoguns undertook extensive rebuilding efforts each time.

Imperial Palace Era (1868 - Present)
Meiji Restoration: In 1868, with the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Emperor Meiji moved his court to Edo Castle, renaming it the Imperial Palace. Great Fire of 1873: A disastrous fire swept through the palace complex, destroying most of the Edo-era structures. New Palace Construction (1888): A new palace complex was built in a more Western-influenced style, incorporating some fire-resistant materials. This is the core of the present-day Imperial Palace. 20th Century Destruction and Reconstruction: Air raids during World War II heavily damaged the palace buildings. The current ferro-concrete structures were completed in the 1960s, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern earthquake resistance.

Meiji Shrine

Nijubashi Bridge





Location


The inner grounds of the palace are generally not open to the public. Only on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday), visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds and see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony. Furthermore, guided tours of the palace grounds are offered during the rest of the year, although no buildings are entered. The tours take about 75 minutes and are held in English and Japanese daily at 10:00 and 13:30 except on Mondays, Sundays and national holidays. Advance reservations can be made through the Imperial Household Agency (see links below), but same-day registrations before the start of the tours are also possible at the Kikyomon Gate.

Specific Sites of Interest (Partially Accessible):



East Garden: Once the location of the Edo Castle keep, it's now a beautiful public park with traditional gardens, ponds, and bridges.
Seiden (State Hall): Used for official ceremonies like the enthronement of the emperor.
Fukiage Garden: The private residence area for the Imperial Family, not publicly accessible.
Imperial Household Agency Buildings: Administrative offices supporting the Imperial family (closed to the public).
Kokyo Gaien National Garden: Surrounding the palace, this vast public park incorporates remnants of Edo Castle's outer moats and walls. It also houses museums and other cultural attractions.

Meiji Shrine

Moat-Watchtower





Remaining Edo Castle Elements:


Stone Walls and Moats: Much of the original stone foundation and moats remain, showcasing the castle's immense scale and defensive capabilities. Gates and Turrets: Several original gates, like the Fushimi-no-yagura watchtower, have been preserved or restored.