Edo Castle, Ancient castle in Chiyoda, Japan
Edo Castle is a historic castle site in Chiyoda-ku that once sprawled across a vast area in central Tokyo, defined by stone walls, moats, and gates arranged as a defensive system. The grounds today feature preserved gardens, open castle grounds, and visible stone foundations that together convey the scale and structure of the former fortress.
The fortress was founded in 1457 by Ota Dokan and gained enormous significance under the Tokugawa family, who used it as the center of shogunal power from 1603 onward. It maintained this role throughout the Edo period until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the end of feudal rule.
The castle grounds served as the symbolic center of power for the Tokugawa family and remain deeply connected to Japan's modern national identity. Visitors can walk through the preserved gardens and observe how the spaces reflect the changing seasons.
The site is easily reached by public transit, with multiple subway stations nearby or directly adjacent to the grounds. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full display.
The castle was largely destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, leaving behind only its stone walls, a few gates, and foundations visible today. Yet these remains give a clear sense of the original scale and defensive power of this legendary fortress.
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