Fukiage Gyoen, Imperial garden in Chiyoda, Japan
Fukiage Gyoen is an imperial garden within the Tokyo Imperial Palace complex, stretching across about 25 hectares of dense forest and native vegetation. The grounds feature mature trees, understory plants, and naturally growing flora that create a woodland environment quite different from urban Tokyo.
This garden developed from Tokugawa family residences during the early Edo period and was transformed into a managed garden after the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. That disaster prompted its conversion into a forested space rather than rebuilt structures.
The garden was intentionally kept in its natural state, reflecting Japanese philosophy about bringing people and nature into harmony. You can sense this approach as you walk through the densely wooded sections and see how the landscape feels unforced.
The dense forest creates a cooler microclimate with higher humidity compared to surrounding Tokyo neighborhoods. Visitors should prepare for damper and slightly cooler conditions when moving through the wooded areas.
A scientific survey by the National Museum of Nature and Science identified roughly 5,000 species of plants and animals living on the grounds. This biodiversity makes the place an unexpected refuge for wildlife in the heart of an enormous city.
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