Imperial Palace East Gardens

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) provide a serene green oasis in the center of Tokyo, offering visitors a chance to explore the historic grounds of what was once the inner sanctum of Edo Castle. Open to the public year-round and free of charge, these meticulously maintained gardens were formerly part of the castle's honmaru (main circle) and ninomaru (secondary circle) defensive enclosures. Although the original castle structures no longer exist, remnants such as imposing stone walls, moats, gates like the Ote-mon (main entrance), and well-preserved guardhouses stand as tangible reminders of Japan’s feudal past. Strolling along wide paths shaded by seasonal flowers, plum trees, and bamboo groves offers both a historical journey and a peaceful escape from the city’s fast pace.

Atop the site’s central hill lies the massive stone foundation of the original Edo Castle keep, which once stood as the tallest castle tower in Japan before being destroyed by fire in 1657 and never rebuilt. Today, the surrounding area offers panoramic views of the gardens and is complemented by a beautifully landscaped Japanese-style garden in the ninomaru section, featuring a koi pond, stone lanterns, and traditional flora. Interpretive signage and occasional exhibitions housed in the nearby Sannomaru Shōzōkan (Museum of the Imperial Collections) provide visitors with deeper insights into the site's cultural and architectural heritage. The East Gardens offer not only a window into the Edo Period but also a tranquil and educational experience in the heart of modern Tokyo.