Panorama of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Map of the Imperial Palace and surrounding Gardens
Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Akihito prepares to greet the flag-waving crowd at the Imperial Palace on his birthday. Photo taken on Dec. 23, 2004.
Defensive wall and building above moat surrounding Kōkyo
The Kōkyo (皇居, kōkyo?) is the Japanese Imperial Palace and residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. After the Meiji Restoration and the removal of the Shogun rulers, the Imperial court moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and the former Tokugawa stronghold of Edo castle became the residence of the emperor. It was originally called kyujō (palace castle) from 1888 to 1948.
It was destroyed during the Second World War by bombing, but was rebuilt in the same style in 1968.
Most of the palace is generally off-limits to the public, but the East Gardens are usually accessible to tourists. The inner palace is open to the public on only two days during each year, the Emperor's birthday and at the New Year (January 2).
The Kōkyo is close to Tokyo Station.
Historic imperial palaces
