Chiyoda

Between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, a large section is considered the Kokyo Gaien National Garden and encompasses several features surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Kokyo is, therefore, the space surrounding the complex.  The palace site is well-centered in the metropolis and has already occupied a larger territory than the current area. A second set of moats was built during periods of political turmoil and the remains can be seen if you cross the grand boulevard towards Tokyo Station, behind the Wadakura fountain park.

Kokyo is much bigger than you might think and includes large sections like the pine plantation which includes 2000 carefully pruned trees.

Then there is the secure palace access. If you have a reservation to visit the palace, it is via the Kikyō-mon Gate where you join your guide.

There is a large stone space where a limited number of vehicles circulate and where one might believe that it was a parking lot with very little use during our visit. Although the walk may seem long, it is worth it because it is here that you can admire the Meganebashi stone bridge (Seimon-Ishibashi) which leads to the Imperial Castle. You will not be able to see the castle, since it is hidden behind gates and trees. In the distance, the Fushimi-yagura watchtower and the second bridge, made of iron, Nijubashi (Seimon- tetsubashi), parallel to Meganebashi, gives an emblematic sight of the Tokyo imperial site without visiting it.

In the garden is also the statue of Kusunoki Madashiga on a horse. This samurai was honored for his loyalty to Emperor Go-Daigo.

Another royal garden, the Imperial East Garden, is nearby and occupies part of the former section of the Imperial Palace. It is open to the public on certain days and includes the ruins of an ancient structure from the Edo period.

Because the entire site is surrounded by impressive stone walls and moats, access is controlled via large gates, some of which are part of the local cultural heritage, including Kikyō-mon.

Another garden is the Kitanmaru garden which is linked to the imperial site, more information will be posted shortly.

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