IMPERIAL PALACE

The Imperial Palace and its gardens are located on the former site of Edo Castle. This fortress, built in 1457, became the residence of the Tokugawa shogun from the end of the ^16th century to 1868. In those days, it was the center of power. The fortifications are a reminder of its military character. Neither the castle nor the imperial palace, built in 1888, has stood the test of time. The former was destroyed by fire in 1873, and the latter razed to the ground by bombing during the Second World War. The current building dates from 1968. Unless you're visiting on January 2, for the presentation of New Year's greetings, or on February 23, the emperor's birthday, it's impossible to enter. A visit to the palace is still possible, by reservation, through the Imperial Household Agency.

The Eastern Garden (Kōkyo Higashi-gyōen) is open to the public. Its entrance is at the Ote-mon Gate, which dates back to 1620 and was rebuilt in 1967. This part formed the heart of the Edo castle (Hon-maru) and the first circle of fortifications (Nino-maru). The keep and the shogun's residence were located in the Hon-maru. The remains of the keep are still visible, as are most of the moats that surrounded it. The Fujimi-yagura viewpoint is located nearby. The castle's keep having been destroyed in 1657, the tower played an essential role as a symbol of power during the Edo period. Little remains of the Nino-maru buildings. The palace of the shogun's heirs and the garden designed by Kobori Enshū, a famous landscape architect of the Edo period, have now disappeared. You can still see some of the guard posts from which samurai watched over the castle's entrances.

Kokyogaien is an esplanade in front of the palace. Here stands the equestrian statue of Masashige Kusunoki, who sought to restore the power and might of Emperor Go Daigo in 1331.

Sakurada-mon Gate, to the south-west, is famous in Japanese history for the assassination of Minister Ii Naosuke in 1860. This incident opened the door to almost a decade of violence that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

The Ishibashi Bridge gives access to the Nijūbashi (double-arched bridge) gate, another bridge that can be photographed from the esplanade and was completed in 1888 to a German design. It is very popular with tourists. The bridge is one of Tokyo's major tourist attractions.

Kitanomaru Park, to the far north, is famous for its magnificent autumn foliage and spring boat rentals for cruising under the cherry blossoms.