Tokyo 2017: Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑)

Right in the middle of Tokyo are the former grounds of Edo Castle. While much of the castle grounds are closed off because they hold the residence of the current royal family, a few sections are open to the public including the East Gardens, which I toured in the late afternoon. Japan used to be ruled from the castle that once stood here and the East Gardens we see today were where the castle’s innermost circle of defense was located. Like much of Tokyo, the castle was wiped out by the bombings of World War 2 but the foundation stones survived and a few of the structures on grounds were rebuilt. Today the East Gardens are a pleasant spot for walk and you can get glimpses the imperial palace grounds that are right next to it.