Imperial Palace
Tokyo Prefecture · Japan
The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace are generally not open to the public.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the historical and spiritual heart of Japan's capital. As we stand here, we are surrounded by the remnants of what was once the largest fortress in the world: Edo Castle. …
Listen in the app2The Outer Moat and Nijubashi Bridge
Our journey begins at the edge of the outer moat, specifically near the viewpoint for the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. This is perhaps the most photographed spot in all of Tokyo. …
Listen in the app3Otemon Gate: The Shogun's Entrance
We now move to the Otemon Gate, which serves as the main entrance to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. In the Edo period, this was the primary gate for the Daimyo, the feudal lords, when they arrived for their mandatory…
Listen in the app4The Tenshu-dai: Ruins of the Great Keep
In the center of the East Gardens, we find the Tenshu-dai, the massive stone foundation of what was once the tallest castle tower in Japan. The original keep was completed in 1638 and stood five stories high, rising nearly 60…
Listen in the app5Ninomaru Garden: A Living Tapestry
Descending from the high ground of the main keep, we enter the Ninomaru Garden. This is a beautiful reconstruction of a traditional Japanese strolling garden that once occupied this section of the castle. …
Listen in the app6Tokagakudo: The Music Hall of the Peach Blossom
In a corner of the East Gardens stands a building that looks strikingly different from the surrounding ruins and traditional structures. This is the Tokagakudo, or the Peach Blossom Music Hall. …
Listen in the app7The Hyakunin-bansho: The Guardhouse of a Hundred Men
As we head back toward the exit, we pass the Hyakunin-bansho, or the Guardhouse of a Hundred Men. This long, single-story wooden building is one of the few surviving original structures from the Edo Castle period. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we complete our tour of the Imperial Palace grounds, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history we have uncovered. From the defensive genius of the Tokugawa Shoguns, whose stone walls and moats still define the city's…
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What is Imperial Palace?
Imperial Palace is a place in Tokyo Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Tokyo Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.6841, 139.7508 |
| Last updated |
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