Imperial Palace East Gardens, Gardens and castle of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda, Japan
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda spread across a large area with stone walls, water-filled moats, and several watchtowers throughout the grounds. Traditional Japanese landscaping changes with the seasons and creates different views across various sections.
The site once formed part of Edo Castle and contains remnants from the Tokugawa period, including fortification structures from that era. It was later transformed into imperial gardens while preserving these historical structures as part of its layout.
The gardens hold deep significance for the imperial household, serving as a setting for official ceremonies and important state occasions. You can observe how traditional architecture and garden design reflect this formal purpose.
The grounds are free to enter from Tuesday through Sunday and can be accessed via the Ōte-mon Gate. Plan enough time for your visit since there are multiple areas to explore and it helps to understand the layout beforehand.
The grounds feature the Tōkagakudō, a concert hall with an aluminum roof shaped to resemble Mount Fuji. This unusual structure blends modern design with a classical Japanese reference in an unexpected way.
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