Tokyo Imperial Palace

Attraction > Castle

Once called the "Edo Castle", it is now the "Tokyo Imperial Palace". The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family, a guarded palace for the Royal family of Japan. The residence is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. Some areas like the East Garden (see details on this website) are open to the public during spring (and no application is required). The "Edo Caste" was "converted to the Imperial Palace after the Shogun retired (was overthrown) and relinquished power back to the Emperor. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was destroyed during World War 2 but rebuilt in the same style once peace dawned.